Posting 24-71
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all qualified candidates.
What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program and may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).
Conditions of Employment
- Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation, as required.
- Complete a Probationary Period if applicable.
- Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
- The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
- Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
- Eligible for hybrid work schedule after 6 months of employment
INTRODUCTION
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support. Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants.
SUMMARY
The purpose of this position is to provide electronics engineering system support to a variety of projects. To that end, the instrumentation that is designed to be deployed is cutting edge and extremely challenging both in the area of high frequency analog signal processing and very high speed digital signal processing.
MAJOR DUTIES
Functions as a mid-level FPGA firmware engineer to implement firmware solutions including testing and debugging of new and existing firmware.
2. Performs basic checking of electrical circuits and systems designs. Assists engineers in the design and construction of lab bench test setups for the evaluation of both purchased and in-house-designed instrument system components.
3. Prepares formal schematics, schematic capture, parts/materials lists, and component assembly drawings from preliminary sketches or verbal instructions and translates electrical designs to PCB layouts and Interfaces with fabrication companies for ordering and inventory management.
4. Provides technical direction to, and reviews the work of, printed circuit layout vendors.
5. Translates and develops 3D models of assemblies for hosting electrical hardware and performs thermal analysis to meet the stringent requirements at telescope sites using Solidworks or similar software.
6. Develops embedded software for control and monitoring of instrumentation.
7. Supports engineering design reviews, Configuration Control Board, and technical meetings.
8. Collaborates with scientists and multi-disciplinary engineering staff as needed to ensure success of system development.
9. Participates in regular planning and status reporting activities.
10. Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Functions as a mid-level FPGA firmware engineer to implement firmware solutions including testing and debugging of new and existing firmware.
2. Performs basic checking of electrical circuits and systems designs. Assists engineers in the design and construction of lab bench test setups for the evaluation of both purchased and in-house-designed instrument system components.
3. Prepares formal schematics, schematic capture, parts/materials lists, and component assembly drawings from preliminary sketches or verbal instructions and translates electrical designs to PCB layouts and Interfaces with fabrication companies for ordering and inventory management.
4. Provides technical direction to, and reviews the work of, printed circuit layout vendors.
5. Translates and develops 3D models of assemblies for hosting electrical hardware and performs thermal analysis to meet the stringent requirements at telescope sites using Solidworks or similar software.
6. Develops embedded software for control and monitoring of instrumentation.
7. Supports engineering design reviews, Configuration Control Board, and technical meetings.
8. Collaborates with scientists and multi-disciplinary engineering staff as needed to ensure success of system development.
9. Participates in regular planning and status reporting activities.
10. Performs other duties as assigned.
How to Apply: Please use the following link to visit Smithsonian's Career Page: Smithsonian Institution Job Opportunities Site