Engineering Aide (Electronics), IS-0802- 3

Application Deadline: 15 September 2025

Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Employment Type: Temporary

Location: Cambridge, MA

Compensation: $17.43 - $22.65 / hour

Description

OPENING DATE: 08/15/2025
CLOSING DATE: 09/15/2025
SERIES/GRADE: 0802/03
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Temporary (Non-Federal), Not To Exceed 1 year 
DIVISION: Central Engineering
LOCATION:  Cambridge, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.
What are Trust Fund Positions?Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care). 
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

INTRODUCTION
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 Electrical Engineering Aide, Central Engineering Department, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory.  The purpose of the position is to provide systems engineering support to various projects 

MAJOR DUTIES

• Assist engineering staff with the assembly and testing of HelioSwarm Faraday cup instruments.
• Assist with the installation of the electrical harnessing and systems for the custom Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) chamber thermocouple system. 
• Assist with monitoring Labview/Python temperature monitoring and logging code for operations
• Assist with automation tasks using Labview/python for:
  • Monitoring and logging of voltages and currents during test activities
  • Assist with operating power supplies for test setup - including suppressor voltage, high voltage, and analog system power.
  • Assist in the control of Ion Gun using Kimball Physics Labview driver
  • Support the development of motion control software for faraday cup positioning in the chamber (Rotary and X-Y positioning)

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Basic Requirements: Grade 3: Successful completion of 1 year of post-secondary study that included at least 6 semester hours in any combination of courses such as engineering, engineering or industrial technology, construction, physics, drafting, surveying, physical science, or mathematics.
For information on the qualification requirements for IS-0802 Engineering Aide please click on the following link: