
Hybrid Engineering Technician (Mechanical), IS-0802-09 bei Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Institution · Cambridge, Vereinigte Staaten Von Amerika · Hybrid
- Junior
- Optionales Büro in Cambridge
CLOSING DATE: August 25, 2025. Selection can be made after the posting period of 14 days.
SERIES/GRADE: 0802-09
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)
DIVISION: Central Engineering
LOCATION: Cambridge, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.
What are Trust Fund Positions?
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.
OVERVIEW
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.
SUMMARY
This is the position of Mechanical Engineering Technician, Central Engineering Department (C.E.), Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The purpose of the position is to provide support to the engineering and scientific staff engaged in the development of optical instruments, predominantly in the areas of mechanical assembly and design support.
MAJOR DUTIES
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 basic tasks in support of mechanical assembly, including cleaning parts, mixing epoxies, and assisting with the fabrication and modification of parts using manual and automated equipment. Supports cleanroom operations as needed.
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. Provides hands-on assistance and makes recommendations on approaches to resolve assembly problems that may arise in the field. May be required to travel to customer/contractor facilities or remote telescope locations to support the installation and testing of hardware
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. Assists QA manager with in-process inspections to ensure compliance with NASA standards in fabrication processes, verifying component placement, mounting, and Engineering Change Orders (ECOs). Assists with incoming inspections of electrical and mechanical parts. Assists in non-conforming material disposition, referring issues to design engineers and the QA manager. Maintains detailed inspection records per AS9100 standards with QA oversight.
8. Performs other duties as required.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Qualifications:
One year of full-time experience at the GS-8 or equivalent level that is close or similar to the work of this position, including technical work experience in a research lab environment.
Specialized Experience:
Examples of qualifying specialized experience include technical work in drafting, surveying, construction estimating, physical science, mathematics, aerospace, architecture, chemicals, electrical or mechanical systems, mining, petroleum, or nuclear systems.
Experience in a trade or craft may be credited as specialized experience when the work provided intensive knowledge of engineering principles, techniques, methods, and precedents. Examples are trade positions with substantial developmental, test, or design responsibilities such as:
- Planner and estimator who analyzed designs for production purposes.
- Instrument maker or model maker who performed design or development work on devices fabricated
OR
Equivalent combinations of successfully completed graduate education and experience are also qualifying.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required:
1. Demonstrated ability to follow specified procedural instructions necessary to maintain quality control.
10. Effectively communicates and documents lab needs and project challenges to CE supervisory staff and project management.
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact [email protected]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures (https://www.si.edu/OEO/IndividualswithDisabilities).
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer. Please visit the SAO website at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/