Mechanical Engineer

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

Caltech Optical Observatories (COO) is seeking a talented mechanical engineer to join its Optical and Infrared (OIR) Instrumentation group. The OIR group designs, fabricates, and commissions astronomical instrumentation systems for large telescopes at Palomar, Gemini, Keck, and the planned Thirty Meter Telescope Observatories, while fostering a community of respect, learning, and individual growth. The qualified mechanical engineer will contribute to instrument and mechanical subsystem conceptualization, detailed design, mechanical fabrication, system integration, testing, and commissioning of state-of-the-art instrumentation, pushing back the frontiers of planetary science, astronomy, and cosmology.

This full-time position is based on the Caltech campus in Pasadena, California, but requires occasional travel to Palomar Mountain, San Diego, California, and Maunakea, Hawaii. COO encourages a healthy work-life balance, with work schedule flexibility consistent with results-oriented performance evaluation and mentorship.

Essential Job Duties

• Provide mechanical engineering support of Caltech's astronomical instrumentation program, from conceptual design through commissioning, delivering sophisticated research instruments on major astronomical telescopes.
• Assist with mechanical systems engineering, including capture and flow-down of intricate mechanical requirements, and development of critical performance budgets and detailed cost estimates.
• Perform advanced mechanical design, component specification, tolerancing, drawing, procurement, and fabrication oversight of state-of-the-art scientific instrumentation.
• Conduct detailed finite element and thermal performance analyses of ambient and cryogenic opto-mechanical systems accurately and efficiently.
• Coordinate mechanical assembly, integration, and verification of sophisticated optoelectromechanical subsystems with emphasis on safety, efficiency, reliability, and quality.
• Develop, execute, and deliver instrumentation documentation, including technical notes, quantitative analyses, design documentation, alignment and test plans, and verification results.
• Assist with the testing and validation of instrument optomechanical performance across thermal and environmental use cases.
• Assist researchers and/or students with the design, set-up, or modifications of experiments and independent projects.
• Participate in strategic planning, conceptualization, and proposal preparation for new instrument concepts alongside internal and external Principal Investigators.

Basic Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience and 6+ years' experience, including demonstrated independent design responsibility for mechanical systems.
• Fluency with modern solid modeling software, rapid prototyping, traditional part and assembly drawing, and reduced dimensioning fabrication techniques.
• Demonstrated expertise in creating manufacturing drawing packages, interface control specifications, and supporting documents.
• Excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills are essential. Must work effectively and respectfully within talented technical and scientific teams.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and execute complex quotations and procurement efforts.
• High-level proficiency in a significant number of the following technical areas: static and dynamical load analyses, FEA, mechanism design, GD&T, PDM tools, quality assurance, thermal analysis and design, structural engineering, thermal and flexure compensation, mounting of large and precise optics, vacuum systems, machining operations, EDM, additive manufacture techniques, and/or robotics.
• Occasional travel and work assignments at high altitudes and in limited light environments; requires a successful pre-employment physical, including vision screening.
• Ability to lift 25 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent and 6+ years' experience with complex SolidWorks assemblies, hands-on experience with optical instrumentation, infrared camera systems, and/or cryogenic vacuum systems, or equivalent work or military experience.
• Superior knowledge of optomechanical and thermal design principles and analysis techniques, including for vacuum and cryogenic systems.
• Detailed understanding of manufacturing processes and experience working closely with machine shops and fabricators.
• Strong collaborative communication skills working within a diverse, multicultural, and international team environment.
• Superior knowledge of analysis/FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS).
• Professional experience with commercial optical design tools (e.g., ZEMAX, CODE V).
• Experience with space-based or satellite astronomical systems.

The Successful Candidate Will:

• Demonstrate Customer Focus: Demonstrate a concern for the needs and expectations of customers (internal or external); focus efforts on identifying and meeting the needs of customers; use an understanding of customer needs as the basis for decision-making and organizational action; build strong relationships of trust with customers.
• Make Good Decisions: Apply logic and practical thinking to decision making; gather necessary input and data from multiple sources to inform decisions and make decisions based on one's best thinking given time available; draw correct and reasonable conclusions based on data and information; make appropriate decisions in a timely manner regardless of pressure or uncertainty; make decisions quickly when called to do so; consider budgetary impact of decisions.
• Plan / Organize: Determine objectives and strategies required to deliver results; determine how to use resources efficiently to accomplish a task or project; consider budgetary impact of decisions.
• Demonstrate Technical Knowledge and Skills: Apply technical and professional skill or knowledge in position-related areas; keep up with current developments and trends in areas of expertise.
• Build Trusting Partnerships: Develop and leverage collaborative relationships with internal and external colleagues based on mutual trust to facilitate the accomplishment of work goals; work cooperatively with stakeholders to identify and meet mutual goals.
• Clearly Communicate: Clearly and succinctly convey information and ideas to individuals and groups; shape communication to the needs of the audience; convey ideas and opinions clearly to others; share relevant information and expectations openly, honestly and in a timely fashion; listen attentively to others.
• Actively Learn: Demonstrate zeal for new information, knowledge, and experiences; regularly seek and capitalize on learning opportunities; quickly assimilate and apply new information.
• Demonstrate Agility / Flexibility: Be open to changing conditions; adjust one's own behavior in light of changing conditions; adjust effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures.

Required Documents

• Resume.
• Cover Letter.

Hiring Range

$97,000 - $136,900 Per Year

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 such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.


EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.

Disability Accommodations

Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.

If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at View email address on click.appcast.io.

Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at View email address on click.appcast.io.