Jobs


  • Receiver Engineer

    Aug 2007

    Location: Owens Valley Radio Observatory
    Open until filled

    Caltech is seeking a recent graduate in physics or engineering to assist with the construction and testing of a new generation of millimeterwave receivers for CARMA. The position is based at the Owens Valley Radio Observatory. This is an opportunity for an exceptional engineer to work on cutting edge projects in a unique location in the midst of a great outdoor recreation area.

    The successful candidate will be expected to assist with the assembly and testing cryogenic receiver systems based on superconducting (SIS) mixers. This work will be carried out under the general direction of senior staff, but the candidate must also have the ability to work independently. CARMA is in a state of continual evolution and there are opportunities for a capable and enthusiastic applicant to contribute significantly in other areas. This person will also be expected to improve and maintain current receiver systems for astronomical observations.

    Candidates should have recently obtained a BS or MS in Electrical Engineering or Physics. A strong interest in experimental work is required, and knowledge of any of the following areas would be useful assets: microwaves, cryogenics, detectors, and noise measurements. Experience in PC data acquisition, particularly using LabVIEW, would be advantageous.

    For further information, contact James Lamb at (760) 938-2075 Ext 101, or Send email

    Applications should be sent to Dr James Lamb, California Institute of Technology, Owens Valley Radio Observatory, P.O. Box 968, Big Pine, CA 93513.

  • Assistant Cryogenics Engineer

    Aug 2007

    Location: Owens Valley Radio Observatory
    Open until filled

    Caltech is seeking an individual to maintain cryogenic refrigetration systems at its Owens Valley Radio Observatory. There are about 25 such systems used to cool sensitive astronomical millimeter-wave receivers.

    It is expected that this person will monitor performance, diagnose and fix problems, and plan for replacements and upgrades. As time permits this person will also help with other receiver, telescope and facilities operations and maintenance.

    Preference will be given to candidates with experience in diagnosing and fixing closed-cycle cryogenic refrigerator systems, but we will consider applicants who have demonstrated abilities in mechanical or conventional refrigeration areas, good problem solving skills, and a willingness to learn techniques for cryogenic systems. A systematic and meticulous approach to maintaining systems and records is essential, and knowledge of PCs, and basic physics or electronics would be helpful.

    Work will be split between facilities at OVRO in the valley and at the CARMA array site at Cedar Flat in the Inyo Mountains, 20 minutes from OVRO. It will be coordinated with other engineers working on the receiver and telescope systems. Once familiar with the systems, it is important that this person be able to independently carry out most of the above tasks while also working in a distributed team that is focused on operating and maintaining the array.

    For further information, contact James Lamb at (760) 938-2075 Ext 101, or Send email

    Applications should be sent to Dr James Lamb, California Institute of Technology, Owens Valley Radio Observatory, P.O. Box 968, Big Pine, CA 93513.

  • Software Engineer

    Sept 2007

    Location: Owens Valley Radio Observatory
    Open until filled

    Caltech is seeking a software engineer to development and maintain software for CARMA. The position is based at the Owens Valley Radio Observatory. This is an opportunity for an exceptional engineer to work on cutting edge projects in a unique location in the midst of a great outdoor recreation area.

    Primary duties will include designing, developing, installing and maintaining software for a new digital correlator system. Other duties will include work on software for the interferometer control system.

    Candidates must have strong programming skills in C++ and experience with Unix. Candidates must also be organized, flexible, and comfortable with the constant change that accompanies scientific research. Candidates should be able to work well both individually and in a team environment.

    This position requires a BS/BA in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, or Astronomy and 2 to 4 years programming experience.

    For further information contact Steve Scott via email

    Applications should be sent to Dr. Stephen Scott, California Institute of Technology, Owens Valley Radio Observatory, P.O. Box 968, Big Pine, CA 93513.


Caltech is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and disabled persons are encouraged to apply (AAE/EOE).

About CARMA

CARMA consists of 15 telescopes designed for aperture synthesis imaging of spectral lines and radio continuum emission in the 1.3 and 3 mm atmospheric windows. By 2008, baselines to 1.9 km will provide sub-arcsecond (0.15") imaging. Observational programs include studies of nearby regions of star formation and mapping molecular gas in galaxies.

OVRO's location

The Owens Valley Radio Observatory (OVRO) is located in the scenic Owens Valley on the east side of the Sierra Nevada mountains, 10 miles south of Bishop, California. OVRO is located within 15 miles of the CARMA observing site, Cedar Flat. Bishop is a small community surrounded by National Parks and wilderness areas and is ideally located for people interested in outdoor sports ranging from fishing to winter mountaineering.

Last updated 30-Aug-2007 (JWL)