R&D Electrical Engineer I, Steward Observatory

With communication and instruction from senior engineers, the candidate will define problems and design and build electronics to meet requirements. The candidate must use first electronic principles to solve electronic requirements. Work will include troubleshooting and resolving design and build issues with both new and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) circuits. This may include some simulation using tools such as PSpice. Under the supervision of senior engineer(s), implement and/or debug and test complex high-speed circuit boards throughout the entire product lifecycle. Develop firmware and hardware, including building, testing, and improving existing firmware and hardware with supervision. Manage assembly and fabrication contracts, including electronic parts to assemble boards and working with board houses to get items ordered and built on time and within budget, with input from team. Documents procedures and train non-electrical engineering staff on best practices to prevent misuse of or damage to sensitive electronics. May also serve as a point of contact for certifying staff in ESD and related training(s) with approval of supervisor(s). Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): Knowledge of one or more programming languages applicable to embedded systems firmware (CIC++, assembly code, VHDL, Verilog, etc.). Skill in using one or more electronic CAD packages (Altium, KiCad, Orcad/Cadence, Eagle, etc.). Ability to work with laboratory equipment relevant to electronic design, debugging, and testing, such as power supplies, function generators, and oscilloscopes. Excellent teamwork and human relational skills necessary for work in a fast-paced, occasionally high-pressure spaceflight mission environment. Flexibility to identify needed modifications in response to changing project requirements and other uncertainties, with the confidence to ask for input from senior engineer(s) when additional specialized technical or management knowledge is required for success.