Senior Research Engineering Technician

California Institute of Technology
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, sick time, tuition reimbursement
United States, California, Pasadena
Mar 28, 2025
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 The Adhikari Research Group seeks a highly motivated and skilled Research Engineering Technician to join its team. This position is located in Pasadena, California. The Adhikari Research group is an experimental physics and astrophysics group located at the Caltech campus, focusing on gravitational waves, fundamental physics, and precision measurements. The Research Technician will primarily provide support to engineers and scientists working at our Caltech, Pasadena laboratories, where they would work under supervision, with others and, after appropriate training, on their own. The work will involve use of custom and standard lab electronics; custom and commercial opto-mechanical assemblies; vacuum systems; precision cleaning processes and cleanroom assemblies. On occasion it will be necessary for this individual to interface with a dispersed team across the LIGO Laboratory (4 locations). Travel to the observatories will be required on occasion, up to 10% of the time on average. Job Duties Responsible for operating and maintaining UHV systems Execute daily system performance checking, calibration, maintenance of Vacuum instrumentation. for operating and maintaining UHV vacuum bake ovens and other systems and personnel to clean and test components for installation in UHV systems, Execute preventive maintenance program, including the procurement and storage of Vacuum Equipment spares and regular physical inventory audits of Vacuum Equipment spares. Packaging clean parts for delivery on campus or preparing cleaned items for shipping to the observatories. This will require lifting and handling large equipment and parts (> 20 lbs.). Other duties as assigned. Some travel will be required. Basic Qualifications BS degree in scientific or engineering field or equivalent years of experience in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related scientific or engineering field. 3 years of experience developing, testing, or operating scientific or other instrumentation, or equivalent coursework and laboratory experience. proficiency with standard office computing applications (e.g., Word, Excel, and web applications). Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to evaluate, describe and act on quantitative information, which normally involves mathematical calculations. Strong teamwork skills and an ability to collaborate with coworkers having diverse skills and backgrounds. Aptitude and enthusiasm to learn new skills, and to assist and train others. Ability to follow complex procedures in timely manner. Proactive approach to work quality and completion. Safety oriented. Travel occasionally, via airplane to other installations and collaborating institutions. Preferred Qualifications Previous technical experience working in clean room or high vacuum technology will be advantageous. 3-5 years of vacuum-equipment-related engineering or research experience. Hands-on experience in building, improving, and/or maintaining ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems. Experience with, and quantitative knowledge of, UHV-compatible materials and mechanical design practice. Experience and knowledge related to quantitative modeling of physical systems, such as finite-element techniques. Experience with very large research or industrial facilities. Programming and Information technology knowledge and experience. Written and verbal communication skills and habits MS degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related scientific or engineering field. Level-headed professionalism, excellent interpersonal skills, and reliability. Familiarity with some scientific modeling and analysis applications, such as MATLAB, Mathematica, SPICE; the C programming language; the UNIX operating system, Proficiency with 2D and 3D CAD software (such as ACAD and SolidWorks) will be beneficial. Finite element analysis experience is a plus. Required Documents Resume. Hiring Range $33.50 - $41.00 Per Hour The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training. As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks. EEO Statement We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf. Disability Accommodations If you would like to request an accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu.