Mechanical Technician

Company: Center for Astrophysics - Harvard & Smithsonian
Location: Cambridge
Posted on: August 6, 2022

Job Description:

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory asks the big science questions, including:--- What happened in the early universe?--- What do black holes look like?--- How do stars and planets form and evolve?--- Does life exist outside the solar system?
RESPONSIBILITIESAt SAO, technicians work collaboratively with engineers and scientists to develop instrumentation that will get us closer to answering these questions. From world-wide telescope arrays that can image black holes to space missions studying solar emissions, this is truly a fantastic place to work - full of opportunities and challenges. The position is located in Cambridge, MA.
We're seeking an experienced mechanical technician to support the engineering staff engaged in the development of optical instruments, predominantly in the areas of mechanical assembly and integration of ground and space-based astrophysical instruments.
DUTIES:1. Assists in the overall assembly, alignment, and test of mechanical assemblies to ensure conformance with performance requirements.2. Assists in the operation and calibration of laboratory support equipment used in assembly and alignment. Disassembles, cleans, lubricates, and reassembles optical stages and other precision equipment. Operates and maintains laboratory cryogenic and high vacuum systems.3. Performs necessary operations for mechanical assembly, including precision cleaning of parts and assemblies to Class 100 and 1000 standards and mixing of project-specified epoxies. Assists in cleanroom operations.4. Working from drawings, CAD models and detailed procedures, reviews designs for ease of assembly and machinability. Recommends design and procedural modifications to satisfy these criteria, and works cooperatively with the design engineer to achieve a design that best satisfies the technical, cost and schedule requirements of the project.5. May be required to travel to customer/contractor facilities or remote telescope locations to support the installation and testing of hardware. Provides hands-on assistance and makes recommendations on approaches to resolve assembly problems that may arise in the field.6. Assists lab manager with maintaining and configuring the general laboratory environment using cranes, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment. Also assists with maintaining laboratory thermal ovens and high vacuum equipment. 7. The ability to operate and maintain machining equipment when needed is helpful, but not required. Qualifications: Candidates must possess two years or more of directly related technical work experience in a research lab environment.1. Demonstrated ability to follow specified procedural instructions necessary to maintain quality control.2. Knowledge of and skill in applying an extensive body of standard procedures to analyze schematic drawings, detailed mechanical assembly drawings, parts lists, procedures, and specifications.3. Basic knowledge of precision alignment techniques, with an aptitude for using and adapting available specialized equipment for optimum performance.4. Knowledge and ability to perform mechanical assembly tasks, manipulate, assemble and package delicate, fragile, and expensive parts without damage in a laboratory environment.5. Ability to communicate and document lab needs and project challenges to CE supervisory staff and project management.6. Ability to work effectively, both independently and as a member of a design team, with engineers, scientists, designers, and other technicians.
Education:All applicants must meet ONE of the following basic requirements (you must submit a copy of your transcripts for confirmation):High school diploma or trade school degree in a related field + 5 years of relevant experienceEngineering Technology degree + 2 years of relevant experienceCurriculum for Engineering Technology degrees must be in a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) as a professional engineering curriculum.
This is a temporary, three-year position with the potential to be permanent.
Salary range: $61,268 - $79,650 per year
All applicants must apply on USAJobs: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/664566600

Keywords: Center for Astrophysics - Harvard & Smithsonian, Cambridge , Mechanical Technician, Professions , Cambridge, Massachusetts