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

LIGO Laboratory (the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory) seeks a highly motivated and skilled Mechanical Engineer to join its team.

This in-person position will ideally be located at Caltech campus in Pasadena, CA, but the other LIGO laboratory locations will also be considered: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, LIGO Hanford Observatory in the Tri-Cities, WA, LIGO Livingston Observatory, Livingston, LA.

LIGO Laboratory is a National Science Foundation major facility dedicated to observing the newly discovered gravitational-wave universe. Jointly operated by the California Institute of Technology and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the LIGO Laboratory operates world-leading observatories near Richland, WA and Baton Rouge, LA as well as R&D centers on the Caltech and MIT campuses. The LIGO Laboratory’s mission spans a broad and vibrant array of activities related to gravitational-wave physics and astronomy, including detector operations, R&D toward detector improvements, gravitational-wave astrophysics, observatory operations, and education and public outreach.

For more information, please visit the Laboratory website: www.ligo.caltech.edu

As a mechanical engineer with the LIGO project, this individual will play a lead role in designs of new instrumentation. The potential scope of work includes seismic isolation systems, suspensions for optical components, thermal compensation systems for interferometer optics, scattered light control, optical systems and ultra-high vacuum system design. In addition, the individual will play a principal role in developing and deploying complex computer models and simulations to evaluate engineering concepts. This Engineer must interface to a dispersed team across the LIGO Laboratory's four locations. 

Essential Job Duties

The engineer’s principal tasks are to:

• Lead the design and engineering of highly sophisticated scientific instruments while showing originality and initiative as well as an awareness of new engineering practices.
• Perform design trade studies, and document the resultant design requirements, intent, and concepts.
• Oversee and define complex computer models and simulations to evaluate engineering concepts and verify that designs meet performance and interface requirements.
• Propose approaches and alternatives to meet research objectives.
• Guide the development of new/enhanced measurement techniques and establish improved measurement systems.
• Collaborate with researchers to define new strategies, approaches, methods and techniques to enhance research efforts.
• Provide input to research reports, journals and/or articles.
• Conduct and manage simulations and testing on prototype hardware. This includes data collection and post-processing, analysis, and documentation.
• Create 3D CAD models, applying the appropriate design rules for clearance, tolerances, stiffness, ultra-high vacuum compatibility, etc.
• Produce engineering documents such as assembly drawings, installation drawings, service documents, and engineering test specifications. This will require coordination with other team members and working with the LIGO Laboratory configuration control and documentation systems, in particular PDMWorks.
• Lead and take part in design reviews as defined in LIGO procedures from conceptual design phase through fabrication, installation and commissioning.
• Prepare bid packages (drawings, bill of materials, specifications) for procurement, and purchase parts and materials. This will include liaising with workshops and vendors about design, requirements, and supplies.
• Oversee and interface to machine shops and vendors to answer questions, evaluate alternative approaches, and assist in assuring quality.
• Coordinate QA inspections, audits, testing and defect investigations alongside other members of the team.
• Travel to other LIGO sites will be required.
• Other duties as may be required and assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related technical field. We will consider candidates with 8+ years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
• 5+ years of relevant work experience in advanced technical, scientific or research engineering roles. Experience in industry, a research environment, a Ph.D. or M.S. degree program, or a combination of these will be considered.
• Thorough experience and engineering expertise in precision mechanics and opto-mechanics design and construction.
• General knowledge of finite Element Analysis using ANSYS, COMSOL, or equivalent software.
• Thorough knowledge of MATLAB, Python or equivalent for data analysis and simulation.
• General experience with hands-on work in a laboratory setting, and proficiency in the use of common hand tools and inspection equipment.
• Ability to work non-standard work week as required to support project deliverables/schedule.
• Ability to work in a cleanroom environment for extended periods of time.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Knowledge of and experience of quality control and assurance of machined parts. This includes on-site inspections, audits, and material discrepancy review.
• Experience of class 100/ISO 5 cleanroom protocols, including working in and maintaining a cleanroom environment.
• Experience of working in a large project R&D environment.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-disciplinary teams, both in support and leadership positions. This includes the ability to take direction, work independently, and work in a team environment.
• Experience with the design of high precision opto-mechanical systems, including optical design software.
• Experience with design, characterization or operation of high- or ultrahigh-vacuum apparatus. 

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter describing in summary your relevant experience and your interest in working at LIGO Lab.