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Job Summary

Caltech Optical Observatories (COO) is seeking a talented mechanical technician 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 technician will contribute to instrument and mechanical subsystem fabrication, component procurement, 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

• Support mechanical fabrication, component procurement, assembly, integration, and verification of sophisticated optoelectromechanical subsystems with emphasis on safety, efficiency, reliability, and quality.
• Operate and maintain general laboratory equipment, including fabrication, alignment, and test equipment.
• Assist with the testing and validation of instrument optomechanical performance across thermal and environmental use cases.
• Organize work areas and maintain supplies.
• Support maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of astronomical instrumentation.
• Maintain timely and accurate written documentation of job duties.
• Communicate with different departments throughout the Caltech campus.

Basic Qualifications

• 2‑year tech school diploma or equivalent technical education toward a related 4‑year degree, plus 4+ years of hands‑on experience with mechanical system fabrication, procurement, assembly, testing support, and maintenance.
• Experience assembling and troubleshooting mechanical systems and mechanisms utilizing mechanical drawings and manuals.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing processes and experience working closely with machine shops and fabricators.
• Experience utilizing common hand tools for fabrication and assembly operations.
• Experience specifying and procuring basic mechanical components and supplies.
• Experience setting up and monitoring mechanical systems tests and documenting test results.
• Experience operating common lab instruments and devices.
• Experience using and dispensing common lab chemicals and solvents.
• Understanding of common lab safety protocols.
• Experience using Microsoft Office software and web tools.
• Excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills are essential. Must work effectively and respectfully within talented technical and scientific teams.
• Ability to work independently with general instruction, using knowledge of principles, concepts, processes, tools, and methodologies to solve real-world problems while meeting deadlines
• May require occasional travel to remote locations, including work assignments at high altitudes or in low‑light environments. Employees must possess a valid California Driver’s License and successfully complete a pre‑employment physical examination, which includes vision screening.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds as part of the essential job functions.

Preferred Qualifications

• 4-yr tech school diploma or equivalent plus 6+ years hands-on experience with mechanical system fabrication, procurement, assembly, testing support, and maintenance.
• Experience using CAD software (preferably SolidWorks) to view and edit models and drawings.
• Experience in handling, installing, and assisting with the alignment of optical components and systems.
• Experience in the use and maintenance of vacuum system hardware, including pumps and helium leak checkers.
• Experience in the use and maintenance of ultrasonic cleaners and vacuum ovens.
• Experience with cryogenic cooling systems.
• Experience operating in a clean room environment.
• Experience in the use of high-pressure cylinders.
• Experience in basic plumbing technology.
• Experience in basic electrical wiring and electrical troubleshooting.
• Experience in welding and soldering.
• Experience utilizing shop equipment such as drill presses, band saws, lathes, and mills.
• Experience with crane operation and rigging.

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 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 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