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Software engineer
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- Type
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Lead Telescope Assembly Technician
- Posted
- 8H AGO
About the role
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
We are seeking an experienced, highly capable, and detail-oriented Telescope Assembly Technician, Lead to join the Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy Division (PMA) in support of the reassembly and refurbishment of the Leighton Telescope. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong technical expertise, leadership capability, sound judgment, and advanced problem-solving skills in a dynamic, field-based environment.
This role is responsible for overseeing and executing mechanical assembly, subsystem integration, and general fabrication work in accordance with engineering specifications while coordinating day-to-day field operations. The Lead Technician provides technical direction to technicians and contractors, ensures alignment with engineering specifications, and supports the resolution of complex technical and logistical challenges. The position requires the ability to interpret technical documentation, follow complex procedures, and contribute to the resolution of technical challenges that arise during assembly. The position also requires the ability to translate engineering requirements into effective field execution while maintaining high standards for safety, quality, and documentation and performing physically demanding work in a remote, high-altitude setting.
The successful candidate will serve as a key point of coordination between engineering staff, project leadership, and field personnel. The role requires strong organizational awareness, the ability to manage competing priorities, and the judgment to make informed decisions in real time to maintain progress and quality. The role also requires someone who works effectively as part of a team, communicates clearly with engineers, project staff, and local collaborators, pays good attention to detail and has a strong commitment to safety and quality. Interaction will include coordination with Chile-based staff, contractors, and vendors, as well as periodic collaboration with project personnel in Pasadena.
This full-time assignment requires a high level of independent judgment, leadership, adaptability, and accountability along with the ability to understand both the broader project objectives and the detailed execution required to meet them. The position plays a critical role in ensuring that project objectives are met by guiding field execution, maintaining workflow continuity, and upholding technical and operational standards across the team.
Essential Job Duties
- Perform complex mechanical assembly and subsystem integration.
- Lead day-to-day field operations including planning and task assignment.
- Provide technical direction to technicians and contractors.
- Interpret and apply engineering drawings and specifications.
- Serve as liaison between engineers and field team.
- Coordinate and support rigging and crane operations.
- General shop work including cleaning, painting, metalworking, and woodworking.
- Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues.
- Review work for quality and compliance and identify and report defects.
- Ensure proper documentation of all work.
- Document assembly procedures and results.
- Maintain safe and clean work environment.
- Operate telehandler and manlift.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical field with at least 8 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated experience independently troubleshooting complex mechanical systems and providing technical direction on large-scale assembly and integration projects.
- Extensive experience in telescopes, mechanical assembly of large systems or fabrication.
- Experience leading technical teams.
- Strong understanding of engineering drawings.
- Ability to troubleshoot complex systems.
- Strong attention to detail, coordination and communication skills.
- Spanish language proficiency.
- Valid driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift up to 16 kg (35 lb).
- Ability to climb ladders and work at height.
- Physical strength and dexterity required for mechanical assembly work.
Work Environment:
- Outdoor workyard environment.
- Initial assembly site at approximately 2900 m (9500 ft) altitude.
- Deployment site at approximately 5115 m (16800 ft) altitude.
- Work conducted in a remote location (San Pedro de Atacama, Chile).
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