Electronics Engineer

Final date to receive applications: 16 November 2026

Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Cambridge, MA

Compensation: $69,905 - $109,959 / year

OPENING DATE:
October 16, 2026 CLOSING DATE:
November 16, 2026 TYPE OF POSITION:
Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal) DIVISION:
Central Engineering

LOCATION:

Cambridge, MA AREA OF CONSIDERATION:
This position is open to all eligible candidates.

Visa sponsorship may be available for this position, subject to export control requirements.

This position requires access to export-controlled work. The candidate must be a U.S. person (a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder), or an individual granted refugee or asylum status), or a national of a country eligible for approval under an export license.

This is a career ladder opportunity. Selection will be made at either grade 9 or grade 11. The candidate may be non-competitively promoted to grade 11 upon recommendation of the supervisor based on classification requirements, satisfactory performance, and employee qualifications.

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, which 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
• Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Childcare)
• 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.

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.

This position serves as a Developmental Electronics Engineer performing professional engineering duties requiring the application of electronic theory, circuit design, signal processing, instrumentation, and systems integration. Work supports projects involving electronic equipment, subsystems, and components used in mission operations, research, testing, or field deployment.

Performs engineering calculations, modeling, and analysis of electronic circuits, RF systems, digital/analog components, sensors, and instrumentation. Assists in developing design specifications, schematics, and test plans for electronic systems. Apply engineering principles to improve reliability, performance, and maintainability.

Conducts functional, performance, and environmental testing of electronic…