Mechanical Designer

Mechanical Designer

 

Caltech

 

Job Category:

Fulltime Regular

 

Exempt Overtime Eligible:

Overtime Eligible

 

Benefits Eligible: Benefit Based

 

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

 

Job Summary

 

Caltech Optical Observatories (COO) is seeking a talented mechanical designer to join its Optical and Infrared (OIR) Instrumentation group. The OIR group designs, fabricates, and commissions astronomical instrumentation systems for large telescopes at Palomar, Gemini, Keck, and the planned Thirty Meter Telescope Observatories, while fostering a community of respect, learning, and individual growth. The qualified mechanical designer will contribute to instrument and mechanical subsystem conceptualization, detailed design, drawings, mechanical fabrication, system integration, testing, and commissioning of state-of-the-art instrumentation pushing back the frontiers of planetary science, astronomy, and cosmology.

 

This full-time position is based on the Caltech campus in Pasadena, California, but requires occasional travel to Palomar Mountain, San Diego, California and Maunakea, Hawaii. COO encourages a healthy work-life balance, with work schedule flexibility consistent with results-oriented performance evaluation and mentorship.

 

Essential Job Duties

 

• Provide mechanical design support in collaboration with mechanical engineers for Caltech's OIR astronomical instrumentation program, from conceptual design through commissioning, delivering sophisticated research instruments on major astronomical telescopes.

• Assist with mechanical systems engineering, including development of instrument interfaces, mass budgets, and detailed cost estimates.

• Assist with advanced mechanical design, component specification, tolerancing (GD&T), drawing, procurement, and fabrication oversight.

• Assist with mechanical assembly, integration, and verification of sophisticated optoelectromechanical subsystems with emphasis on safety, efficiency, reliability, and quality.

• Assist with the development of internal and deliverable instrumentation documentation, including technical notes, design documentation, alignment and test plans, verification results, and maintenance manuals.

• Assist with the testing and validation of instrument optomechanical performance across various thermal and environmental use cases.

• Assist researchers and/or students with the design, set-up, or modifications of experiments and independent projects.

 

Basic Qualifications

 

• High School diploma or equivalent plus 10+ years of experience as a mechanical designer

• Superior knowledge of SolidWorks and related computer-aided design products

• Demonstrated mastery of drafting standards ASME Y14.5M-2009 and experience creating clean manufacturing drawings, interface control specifications, and supporting documents.

• Detailed understanding of manufacturing processes and experience working closely with machine shops and fabricators.

• Excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills are essential. Must work effectively and respectfully within technical and scientific teams.

• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and execute complex quotations and procurement efforts.

• High-level proficiency in a significant number of the following technical areas: mechanism design, GD&T, PDM tools, quality assurance, mounting of large and precise optics, vacuum systems, machining operations, EDM, additive manufacture techniques, and/or robotics.

• Occasional travel and work assignments at high altitudes and in limited light environments; requires DMV check and successful pre-employment physical, including vision screening.

• Ability to lift 25 lbs.

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

Preferred Qualifications

 

• Associate degree in CAD-related studies plus 10+ years of experience with complex SolidWorks assemblies, hands-on experience with optical instrumentation, infrared camera systems, and/or cryogenic vacuum systems, or equivalent work or military experience.

• Excellent working familiarity with SolidWorks PDM Standard/Pro, or comparable PDM software.

• Knowledge of opto-mechanical and thermo-mechanical design principles.

• Experience with vacuum and cryogenic systems.

• Strong collaborative communication skills working within a diverse, multicultural, and international teaming environment.

• Experience with space-based or satellite astronomical systems.

 

The Successful Candidate Will:

 

• Demonstrate Customer Focus: Demonstrate a concern for the needs and expectations of customers (internal or external); focus efforts on identifying and meeting the needs of customers; use an understanding of customer needs as the basis for decision-making and organizational action; build strong relationships of trust with customers.

• Make Good Decisions: Apply logic and practical thinking to decision making; gather necessary input and data from multiple sources to inform decisions and make decisions based on one's best thinking given the time available; draw correct and reasonable conclusions based on data and information; make appropriate decisions in a timely manner regardless of pressure or uncertainty; make decisions quickly when called to do so; consider the budgetary impact of decisions.

• Plan / Organize: Determine objectives and strategies required to deliver results; determine how to use resources efficiently to accomplish a task or project; consider the budgetary impact of decisions.

• Demonstrate Technical Knowledge and Skills: Apply technical and professional skills or knowledge in position-related areas; keep up with current developments and trends in areas of expertise.

• Build Trusting Partnerships: Develop and leverage collaborative relationships with internal and external colleagues based on mutual trust to facilitate the accomplishment of work goals; work cooperatively with stakeholders to identify and meet mutual goals.

• Clearly Communicate: Clearly and succinctly convey information and ideas to individuals and groups; shape communication to the needs of the audience; convey ideas and opinions clearly to others; share relevant information and expectations openly, honestly, and in a timely fashion; listen attentively to others.

• Actively Learn: Demonstrate zeal for new information, knowledge, and experiences; regularly seek and capitalize on learning opportunities; quickly assimilate and apply new information.

• Demonstrate Agility / Flexibility: Be open to changing conditions; adjust one's own behavior in light of changing conditions; adjust effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures.

 

Required Documents

 

• Resume

• Cover Letter

 

To be considered for this position please visit our web site and apply on line at the following link: https://apptrkr.com/5319317

 

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

 

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