Electronics Engineer
Listed on 2026-02-18
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Engineering
Systems Engineer, Research Scientist, Electrical Engineering
Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Location: Cambridge, MA
Compensation: $141,041 - $183,353 / year
Final date to receive applications: 13 March 2026
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 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 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.
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. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403(b) Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Childcare), and Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).
Conditionsof 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.
, leveraging deep expertise to plan and execute complex, high‑impact assignments. Your work will directly support the development of cutting‑edge instrumentation for astrophysical and astronomical data collection, including related test, calibration, and ground support systems.
- Lead the design and development of advanced electrical and electronic systems, subsystems, and components, transforming challenging scientific goals into innovative hardware solutions.
- Advise and collaborate with CfA scientists and engineering teams
, offering expert consultation in instrument electrical design and implementation. - Translate scientific objectives into actionable engineering solutions
, defining and refining hardware requirements that advance or extend the state of the art. - Analyze system‑level performance needs
, conduct conceptual design, and create preliminary systems diagrams tailored to complex research instruments. - Perform critical trade‑off analyses
, balancing technical feasibility, performance, and environmental constraints to recommend optimal design approaches. - Prepare comprehensive cost and schedule estimates for design, fabrication, testing, and calibration, while documenting each phase of development.
- Maintain thorough technical documentation
, including reports, test plans, procedures, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
, presenting and defending technical proposals before funding agencies and scientific peer review panels.
, from initial concept through final delivery. This includes:
- Overseeing system design, analysis, testing, and documentation.
- Maintaining technical oversight of projects in progress, ensuring design integrity and alignment with scientific goals.
- Selecting appropriate technologies and setting technical priorities.
- Managing design teams (engineers, designers, technicians), ensuring project milestones, budgets, and…
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