Detector​/Instrument Engineer

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Regular Full-Time Greenbelt, MD, US

3 days ago Requisition

Salary Range: $90,000.00 To $ Annually

Must be a US Citizen
Estimated Duration:
Ongoing
W2 Position with full benefits

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $90-120K + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Columbus Technologies & Services at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center seeks a talented Senior Detector/Instrument Engineer to advance our cutting-edge technology for internal projects. This exciting opportunity allows you to contribute directly to next-generation space exploration capabilities. The successful candidate will conduct activities associated with the electro-optical testing and characterization of near-infrared (NIR) and visible detector technologies.

• Design, build, and instrument cryogenic test systems for Near-Infrared and Visible wavelength detectors.
• Operate and maintain low-temperature detector test facilities, ensuring safe and efficient data collection.
• Develop and execute automated test scripts for data acquisition, temperature control, and vacuum system management.
• Troubleshoot complex electro-optical test system issues and implement robust solutions.
• Document test procedures, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and test results according to industry and flight-project standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (mechanical, thermal, optical, and software engineers) in test design and integration.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives for the Detector Characterization Lab.

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related field; MS or PhD preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of hands‑on experience in low‑temperature or Near‑IR detector testing and analysis.
• Demonstrated expertise in design, construction, and operation of electro‑optical test equipment for characterization of Near‑IR or Visible detector properties including: read noise, slope noise, quantum efficiency, dark current, conversion gain, linearity, and cross‑talk.
• Experience operating cryogenic and high‑vacuum test equipment capable of reaching temperatures from 40K to 80K.
• Proficiency using laboratory electronics, including oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, multimeters, and precision power supplies to debug test setups.
• Ability to write scripts (i.e. Python, LabVIEW, or C/C++) to automate test equipment, control temperature/vacuum systems, and data acquisition.
• Proficiency in data analysis on large data sets using scientific computer libraries (e.g., Python's Num Py, Sci Py, Astropy, or MATLAB) for statistical data reduction, curve fitting, and image processing.
• Strong technical writing skills for preparing test plans, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and comprehensive test reports.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively within a large interdisciplinary team of engineers and scientists.

• Understanding of Hg Cd Te  detector physics, Readout Integrated Circuits (ROICs), and hybridization of detector arrays.
• Experience handling sensitive hardware in Cleanroom environments (ISO 7/8) and strict adherence to Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) safety protocols.
• U…