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Job Summary
LIGO Laboratory (the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory) seeks a highly motivated and skilled Instrument Assembly Technician to join its team. LIGO is a major National Science Foundation research facility dedicated to gravitational wave astronomy and astrophysics, jointly operated by the California Institute of Technology and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The current generation of advanced interferometers came on line in 2015 and shortly afterwards LIGO launched the field of gravitational wave astronomy with the first direct observation of black holes; this achievement won LIGO founders the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physics. LIGO consists of two widely separated (3,002 km), 4 kilometer-long interferometers operating as a single, phased detector. One (LIGO Hanford Observatory) is located north of Richland, Washington and the other (LIGO Livingston Observatory) is in Livingston, Louisiana.

Concurrent to observatory operations, the Laboratory maintains a vigorous R&D program to further enhance the capabilities of the LIGO detectors. An instrument upgrade now in preparation, called the A+ Upgrade to Advanced LIGO, will quintuple the LIGO event detection rate and is scheduled for phased installation starting in 2020. For more information, please visit the Laboratory website at http:\\\www.ligo.caltech.edu.

The successful candidate will join the LIGO Hanford Observatory Detector Engineering team to assist in fabrication, precision cleaning, assembly, installation and qualification testing of instrumentation and equipment for the A+ Upgrade, and will also support Observatory Facility and Vacuum Equipment operations and maintenance as needed. Duties will include preparation of mechanical, electronic and optical components for ultrahigh vacuum service; instrument assembly and functional testing under workshop, laboratory, and cleanroom conditions; equipment installation and integration under cleanroom conditions; data entry and inventory management; development, review and distribution of process documentation, and general equipment maintenance and repair.

This position will report to the LIGO Hanford Detector Engineering Group Leader; it is a 3-year term position.

Job Duties
- Build, calibrate, test, troubleshoot and maintain electromechanical and optomechanical components and subassemblies for system upgrades
- Mechanical assembly of precision instruments inside workshop, laboratory and cleanroom environments, following detailed assembly documentation including schematics and engineering drawings
- Assist in handling, inventory, precision cleaning and packaging of parts, including use of automated cleaning equipment and vacuum and/or air bake ovens
- Assist in maintenance of cleaning and baking equipment, vacuum chambers, clean rooms, and test equipment
- Assist in execution of test procedures, laboratory processes and part evaluation
- Assist in instrument installation, integration and final testing in an ultrahigh vacuum system, working within a controlled cleanroom environment
- Assist in heavy equipment rigging, crane and forklift operations
- Perform routine facility maintenance functions using appropriate standard tools, including minor plumbing, electrical, and carpentry work
- Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications
- Proficiency with standard computer applications (e.g., Word, Excel, and web tools)
- Minimum 6 years of related experience, at least 3 years of which working in a laboratory, nuclear or aerospace environment
- Ability to read and understand mechanical and electrical drawings, schematics, technical specifications, assembly instructions, and test procedures
- Ability to qualify for and maintain safety certification for operation of overhead cranes, forklifts, pallet jacks and personnel lifts
- Ability to qualify for and maintain safety certification for working at heights
- Excellent organizational skills, a high level of initiative, and ability to work in a collaborative environment while maintaining a professional demeanor
- Ability to communicate with people who have a broad spectrum of backgrounds and skills
- Possess and maintain a valid driver's license
- Ability to work occasional evening or weekend shifts as required by engineering and observing schedules
- Must be able to travel up to 5 weeks per year to LIGO Livingston, Caltech, MIT or other sites to receive specialized training or to collaborate on projects
- Must be able to lift 20 pounds or more
- Safety oriented

Preferred Qualifications
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree
- Knowledge of basic manual machine shop methods, tools, materials and processes
- Experience in optical instrument design, testing or assembly
- Experience in ultrahigh vacuum system technology
- Experience in cleanroom operations and/or technical cleaning procedures
- Experience in LASER operation and familiarity with LASER safety protocols
- Experience working in large-scale R&D facilities

Required Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter


To be considered for this position please visit our web site and apply on line at the following link: https://hr.caltech.edu/work/job_openings

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





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