General Computing Intern

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Job Summary

LIGO Laboratory (the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory) seeks a highly motivated and skilled General Computing Intern to join its team.

LIGO's General Computing Intern will work in-person, on-site at the LIGO Livingston Observatory for approximately 10-15 hours per week. This is a great opportunity for a student to work with the General Computing team at a cutting-edge science facility and to learn to collaborate with teammates both in-person and at remote LIGO Lab locations.

LIGO Laboratory is a National Science Foundation major facility dedicated to observing the newly discovered gravitational-wave universe. Jointly operated by the California Institute of Technology and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the LIGO Laboratory operates world-leading observatories near Richland, WA and Baton Rouge, LA as well as R&D centers on the Caltech and MIT campuses. The LIGO Laboratory’s mission spans a broad and vibrant array of activities related to gravitational-wave physics and astronomy, including detector operations, R&D toward detector improvements, gravitational-wave astrophysics, observatory operations, and education and public outreach.

This position is located in Livingston, LA and requires the intern to work on-site and in-person with the observatory team for up to 15 hours per week throughout the year and not just during the summer.

The intern will:

• Work with senior staff to provide technical support and assistance to LIGO staff on their laboratory-provided computers and software.
• Work with senior staff to provide software installation and removal as needed, as well as e-mail, anti-virus, anti-malware configuration assistance for users.
• Prepare documentation of procedures for such software and configuration assistance.
• Work with senior staff to perform diagnosis of hardware issues on user’s computers.
• Assist with system backups and restoration, and operating system updates to solve user’s issues.
• Perform printer maintenance such as toner replacement and clearing of paper jams.
• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications

• Enrollment as student pursuing an undergraduate degree in Computer Science or related field of study.
• At least two years of baccalaureate-level course work in Computer Science or related field of study.
• Ability to work up to 15 hours/week during the semester, additional hours/week are available during summer break.
• Working knowledge of Windows or Macintosh operating systems.
• Some experience with network configuration on Windows or Macintosh systems.
• Good interpersonal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a networked, multi-user computer environment.
• TCP/IP configuration knowledge and experience troubleshooting wired and wireless network connections.
• Experience with computer hardware such as building a PC and trouble‑shooting and replacing components.
• Experience with system restorations from backups and upgrading operating system versions.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and identify problems.

Required Documents

• Cover Letter that summarizes your relevant experience from work or school, as well as why you would like to work at LIGO.
• Resume.

$19.00 - $22.00 per hour

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits…