Electronics Engineer (IS-0855-9/11)
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Summary
Developmental Electronics Engineer at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (Cambridge, MA) designing, testing, and integrating RF/microwave, analog, and digital electronics for astronomical instrumentation. Day-to-day: circuit analysis and design, lab testing with scopes/spectrum analyzers, Python instrument control, and engineering documentation.
OPENING DATE: October 16, 2026
CLOSING DATE: November 16, 2026
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)
DIVISION: Central Engineering
LOCATION: Cambridge, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.
Visa sponsorship may be available for this position, subject to export control requirements.
This position requires access to export-controlled work. The candidate must be a U.S. person (a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder), or an individual granted refugee or asylum status), or a national of a country eligible for approval under an export license.
CLOSING DATE: November 16, 2026
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)
DIVISION: Central Engineering
LOCATION: Cambridge, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.
Visa sponsorship may be available for this position, subject to export control requirements.
This position requires access to export-controlled work. The candidate must be a U.S. person (a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder), or an individual granted refugee or asylum status), or a national of a country eligible for approval under an export license.
This is a career ladder opportunity. Selection will be made at either grade 9 or grade 11. The candidate may be non-competitively promoted to grade 11 upon recommendation of the supervisor based on classification requirements, satisfactory performance, and employee qualifications.
What are Trust Fund Positions?
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, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Childcare), 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.
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 position serves as a Developmental Electronics Engineer performing professional engineering duties requiring the application of electronic theory, circuit design, signal processing, instrumentation, and systems integration. Work supports projects involving electronic equipment, subsystems, and components used in mission operations, research, testing, or field deployment.
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 position serves as a Developmental Electronics Engineer performing professional engineering duties requiring the application of electronic theory, circuit design, signal processing, instrumentation, and systems integration. Work supports projects involving electronic equipment, subsystems, and components used in mission operations, research, testing, or field deployment.
Engineering Analysis & Design
Performs engineering calculations, modeling, and analysis of electronic circuits, RF systems, digital/analog components, sensors, and instrumentation. Assists in developing design specifications, schematics, and test plans for electronic systems. Apply engineering principles to improve reliability, performance, and maintainability.
Testing, Evaluation & Troubleshooting
Conducts functional, performance, and environmental testing of electronic equipment. Uses oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, logic analyzers, and other diagnostic tools to isolate faults. Prepares test reports, data summaries, and recommendations.
Project & Documentation Support
Contributes to engineering project plans, schedules, and technical documentation. Drafts engineering change proposals, technical memos, and configuration documentation. Ensure compliance with agency engineering standards and quality assurance requirements.
Systems Integration & Implementation
Assist senior engineers in integrating electronic subsystems into larger platforms. Supports installation, calibration, and verification of electronic systems in laboratory or field environments. Participate in risk assessments and technical reviews.
Technical Liaison & Collaboration
Coordinates with contractors, vendors, and other engineering teams. Provides technical input during meetings, design reviews, and procurement activities. Supports evaluation of vendor proposals and technical data packages.
Additional duties at Grade 11:
Prepare formal engineering documentation including schematics, parts/materials lists, and component assembly drawings from preliminary sketches or verbal instruction. Participate and document the testing of microwave and optical components needed for millimeter wave astronomical instrumentation. Provide support for site installation of millimeter receiver hardware evaluated in the lab.
Prepare formal engineering documentation including schematics, parts/materials lists, and component assembly drawings from preliminary sketches or verbal instruction. Participate and document the testing of microwave and optical components needed for millimeter wave astronomical instrumentation. Provide support for site installation of millimeter receiver hardware evaluated in the lab.
Basic Requirements:
(A) Degree: professional engineering. To be acceptable, the curriculum must: (1) be in a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) as a professional engineering curriculum;
OR
(2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.
OR
(B) Combination of education and experience--college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering.
(A) Degree: professional engineering. To be acceptable, the curriculum must: (1) be in a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) as a professional engineering curriculum;
OR
(2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.
OR
(B) Combination of education and experience--college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering.
Additional Requirements:
Grade 9: Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade 7 level in similar positions. Specialized experience is experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the work of the position.
Grade 11: Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade 9 level in similar positions. Specialized experience is experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the work of the position.
Grade 9: Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade 7 level in similar positions. Specialized experience is experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the work of the position.
Grade 11: Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade 9 level in similar positions. Specialized experience is experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the work of the position.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required:
- Professional knowledge of electrical/electronic engineering including RF, digital, analog, microwave, and signal processing.
- Skill using engineering tools such as SPICE, MATLAB, CAD/EDA software.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and technical specifications.
- Knowledge of test equipment: oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers.
- Ability to troubleshoot complex electronic systems and develop engineering solutions.
- Knowledge of project management principles and documentation standards
- Experience in the design, testing, and calibration of a range of electronics and support equipment.
- Knowledge of wave propagation and RF technology.
- Knowledge and experience of python programming for instrument control and data analysis.
- Strong oral and written communications skills, including the ability to draft reports and create presentation material for meetings and design reviews.
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
Relocation expenses are not paid.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact hr@cfa.harvard.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact hr@cfa.harvard.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in our workplace. Please visit the SAO website at