19 oct
Simons Observatory
San Pedro de Atacama
**Job Summary**:
The Simons Observatory (SO) Telescope Instrumentation Engineer will be responsible for working with the instrument teams to commission the Large Aperture Telescope (LAT) and three Small Aperture Telescopes (SAT) currently under construction for the Simons Observatory, and for maintaining and operating those instruments after they have been commissioned. The Telescope Instrumentation Engineer will work with a team of leading scientists and other engineers in the development and testing of these important scientific instruments.
The Telescope Instrumentation Engineer will work at the site to lead installation of instruments and will work with the compliance systems engineer to commission the instruments for science operations. Some of the activities required will include sub-assembly integration and testing, completion of supporting technical elements such as electrical and electronics enclosures, temperature monitoring and control, installation of components into receiver cryostats, and opening and closing of cryostats. The Telescope Instrumentation Engineer will support the maintenance and operation of the SO instruments, including any necessary repairs.
The Telescope Instrumentation Engineer will be part of the Simons Observatory’s site team and will report to the Observatory Site Manager in Chile. They will collaborate with Observatory staff on acceptance testing, commissioning activities for the instruments, and operations.
**Required Qualifications**:
- Master’s degree or doctoral degree in physics, astronomy, astrophysics, mechanical or electrical engineering
- Minimum 5 years hands-on experience in the development and maintenance of cryogenic instruments or systems
- Working knowledge of dilution refrigerators
- Competency in SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD software
- Competency with observatory control software and systems
- Clear and concise written and oral communications skills
- Fluency in English
**Desirable Qualifications**:
- Experience with microwave instrumentation for astronomy including a working knowledge of microwave optics and RF systems
- Experience with servo controls and motion control systems, especially for telescopes and/or large antennas
- Experience with assembly and troubleshooting of electrical and electronic systems
- Experience with the operation and troubleshooting of high vacuum cryogenic systems including pulse tube coolers and dilution refrigerators
- Experience with TES bolometer detectors and detector arrays
- Experience in acceptance testing including test design and execution, data analysis and reporting
- Experience with work at high-altitude sites
- Professional level design and fabrication experience in mechanical and electrical/electronic systems and components
- Working knowledge of finite element analysis, thermal modeling, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing
- Proficiency in SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD software at the level of professional certification
- Fluency in Spanish
**Term**:
This is a salaried appointment. There will be a three-month probationary period.
**Location & Schedule**:
SO institutions are equal opportunity employers 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.
SO institutions are equal opportunity employers 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.
▶️ Telescope Instrumentation Engineer
🖊️ Simons Observatory
📍 San Pedro de Atacama