Instrumentation Engineer
Caltech
Job Category: Fulltime Term
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 scientists are now embarking upon a major project to develop nanotechnology that will enable deep profiling of the single-cell proteome and metabolome. This work is being pursued in close collaboration with Thermo Fisher Scientific. To advance this effort, a cohort of scientists/engineers will be hired to work at Caltech (Pasadena, CA, USA) in complementary areas spanning: proteomics and single-cell analysis, nanosystems development, high frequency/microwave engineering, optics and integrated photonics, software-defined instrumentation, and bioinformatics enabled by AI/machine learning. This job posting is part of the effort to launch this project.
This job posting solicits for applicants for an Instrumentation Engineeer position. Successful applicants will possess deep skills in the conception, planning, modeling, assembly, and characterization of precision measurement instrumentation. They will become a key member of the team creating transformational measurement instrumentation. Among the team's principal responsibilities will be: hardware design, ion optics systems, vacuum systems, optical systems for molecular excitation and analysis, cryogenic systems, mass spectrometry instrumentation, ultrasensitive nanodevice readout, nanoflow liquid chromatography / mass spectrometry (nLC/MS), and software for instrument control and data analysis. These scientists will possess broad knowledge in applied physics, deep mathematical and computer skills; hands-on, expert-level knowledge and experience in many of the aformentioned areas; and general knowledge in most others.
Job Duties
The job tasks will comprise of all aspects of the construction of ultrasensitive measurement instrumentation within a highly-collaborative team effort populated by other world-class experts. The engineer is expected to contribute to most, but not necessarily all, of the task areas listed above.
Design and simulation of instrumention hardware by CAD software including SOLIDWORKS and COMSOL.
Design and simulation of electronic instrumentation using HFSS and circuit layout using Altium.
Instrument prototyping. System construction will involve cryogenic, ultra-high vacuum, ultra low-noise electronics, and optical/photonic instrumentation. This work will require knowledge in general hardware construction, vibration isolation, temperature control, optical and electronic engineering, etc.
Development of instrument control including synchronizing and interfacing between different system modules with LabVIEW, MATLAB, and other software.
Development of signal and data acqusition systems for high speed, high throughput measurement and operation.
Other job requirements
independentlly, effectively, and expeditiously complete R&D (research and development) tasks under the supervision of senior science/engineering leadership.
work in a team of different expertise and harmoniously contribute to a large, complex project.
quickly provide clear documentation for design, analysis and, detailed notes on the ongoing work.
generate detailed written instructions (standard operating protocols) for engineering operations in collaboration with senior science/engineering managment.
Additionally, successful candidates
Must be able to lift at least 20 pounds, but heavy or continual lifting are not expected
May be required to travel infrequently for this project
Basic Qualifications
Associate's degree in physics, applied physics, chemistry, biochemistry, electrical, mechanical bioengineering, or related disciplines.
Two or more years of technical experience in instrument development, with expertise demonstrated by successful completion of complex instrumentation projects.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in physics, applied physics, chemistry, biochemistry,electrical, mechanical and related disciplines.
Expertise in SolidWorks, Python, Matlab, LabView, and Microsoft Excel.
Experience in cryogenic engineering and experimentation.
Experience in construction and use of optical systems.
Expertise in CAD, especially COMSOL and HFSS.
Expertise in computer aided data acquisition.
Experience in EtherNet/IP and FPGA programming.
Required Documents
CV, including refereed publications and patents (applications or awarded)
Cover letter including candidate's relevant expertise and achievements in constructing and employing complex measurement instrumentation, and mid- to long-term career goals
A list of three potential professional references. Letters are not required initially, but may be solicited if application proceeds to next step.
To be considered for this position please visit our web site and apply on line at the following link: https://hr.caltech.edu/work/job_openings
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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