Engineering Aide; Electronics

Engineering Aide (Electronics), IS-0802-3 – Smithsonian Institution

Department:
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Location:

Cambridge, MA

Compensation: $17.43 - $22.65 / hour

Final date to receive applications: 15 September 2025

Opening date: 08/15/2025 | Closing date: 09/15/2025

Series/Grade: 0802/03

Type of position:
Trust Temporary (Non-Federal), Not To Exceed 1 year

Division:
Central Engineering

Area of consideration:
This position is open to all eligible candidates.

Overview

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 with Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support.

Summary:

This is the position of Electrical Engineering Aide, Central Engineering Department, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The purpose of the position is to provide systems engineering support to various projects.

Major duties

• Assist engineering staff with the assembly and testing of Helio Swarm Faraday cup instruments.
• Assist with the installation of the electrical harnessing and systems for the custom Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) chamber thermocouple system.
• Assist with monitoring LabVIEW/Python temperature monitoring and logging code for operations.
• Assist with automation tasks using LabVIEW/Python for:
• Monitoring and logging of voltages and currents during test activities
• Operating power supplies for test setup – including suppressor voltage, high voltage, and analog system power
• Control of Ion Gun using Kimball Physics LabVIEW driver
• Development of motion control software for faraday cup positioning in the chamber (Rotary and X-Y positioning)

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

Grade 3:
Successful completion of 1 year of post-secondary study that included at least 6 semester hours in engineering, physics, drafting, surveying, physical science, or mathematics, or related fields.

For information on the qualification requirements for IS-0802 Engineering Aide, please refer to the General Schedule Qualification Standards 0800 (Engineering/Technical Series):

https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Basic understanding of electrical engineering.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply basic engineering procedures or operations.
• Basic knowledge of engineering concepts as obtained through secondary school or undergraduate coursework.
• Basic knowledge of software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Visio.

Education from outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to U.S. higher education and documented in the application package if applicable.

Other information:

• False statements may result in rejection or termination after employment begins.
• Resumes should describe related paid and non-paid work experience, with start/end dates and average weekly hours.
• Relocation expenses are not paid.
• The Smithsonian provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. Contact hrvard.edu for accommodations. Review Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures for details.
• The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To review EEO program information, please visit: https:// SAO is an equal opportunity employer. See: http:///

Seniority level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Temporary

Job function

• Engineering and Information Technology
• Industries:
  Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos