Mechanical Technician

• Support mechanical fabrication, component procurement, assembly, integration, and verification of sophisticated optoelectromechanical subsystems with emphasis on safety, efficiency, reliability, and quality.
• Operate and maintain general laboratory equipment, including fabrication, alignment, and test equipment.
• Assist with the testing and validation of instrument optomechanical performance across thermal and environmental use cases.
• Organize work areas and maintain supplies.
• Support maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of astronomical instrumentation.
• Maintain timely and accurate written documentation of job duties.
• Communicate with different departments throughout the Caltech campus.

Basic Qualifications

• 2‑year tech school diploma or equivalent technical education toward a related 4‑year degree, plus 4+ years of hands‑on experience with mechanical system fabrication, procurement, assembly, testing support, and maintenance.
• Experience assembling and troubleshooting mechanical systems and mechanisms utilizing mechanical drawings and manuals.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing processes and experience working closely with machine shops and fabricators.
• Experience utilizing common hand tools for fabrication and assembly operations.
• Experience specifying and procuring basic mechanical components and supplies.
• Experience setting up and monitoring mechanical systems tests and documenting test results.
• Experience operating common lab instruments and devices.
• Experience using and dispensing common lab chemicals and solvents.
• Understanding of common lab safety protocols.
• Experience using Microsoft Office software and web tools.
• Excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills are essential. Must work effectively and respectfully within talented technical and scientific teams.
• Ability to work independently with general instruction, using knowledge of principles, concepts, processes, tools, and methodologies to solve real-world problems while meeting deadlines
• May require occasional travel to remote locations, including work assignments at high altitudes or in low‑light environments. Employees must possess a valid California Driver's License and successfully complete a pre‑employment physical examination, which includes vision screening.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds as part of the essential job functions.

Preferred Qualifications

• 4-yr tech school diploma or equivalent plus 6+ years hands-on experience with mechanical system fabrication, procurement, assembly, testing support, and maintenance.
• Experience using CAD software (preferably SolidWorks) to view and edit models and drawings.
• Experience in handling, installing, and assisting with the alignment of optical components and systems.
• Experience in the use and maintenance of vacuum system hardware, including pumps and helium leak checkers.
• Experience in the use and maintenance of ultrasonic cleaners and vacuum ovens.
• Experience with cryogenic cooling systems.
• Experience operating in a clean room environment.
• Experience in the use of high-pressure cylinders.
• Experience in basic plumbing technology.
• Experience in basic electrical wiring and electrical troubleshooting.
• Experience in welding and soldering.
• Experience utilizing shop equipment such as drill presses, band saws, lathes, and mills.
• Experience with crane operation and rigging.

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 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 the of decisions.
• Demonstrate Technical Knowledge and Skills: Apply technical and professional skills 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 , knowledge, and experiences; regularly seek and capitalize on learning opportunities; quickly assimilate and apply .
• Demonstrate Agility / Flexibility: Be open to changing conditions; adjust one's own behavior changing conditions; adjust effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures.

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

To be considered for this position please visit our web site and apply on line at the following link: