Mechanical Technician

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Job Summary

The is a full-time position, with benefits, and located at Palomar Observatory, in San Diego, CA. Under limited supervision, the position reports to the observatory superintendent, working closely with all telescope support groups and the Chief Engineer. The Mechanical Technician will perform skilled mechanical installation, maintenance, and repair of observatory equipment.

Essential Job Duties

• Works with the mechanical group in support of facility operations and maintenance.
• Assembly, installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of industrial and scientific equipment, including mechanical power transmission systems, hydraulics, precision mechanisms, opto-mechanical and structural assemblies.
• Basic design and fabrication of custom fixtures, devices, or modifications to existing equipment.
• Participate in the service and maintenance of large telescope optics.
• Performs equipment rigging, lifting, and setting using cranes, hoists, jacks, and lifting hardware.

Additional Duties:

• Updates mechanical drawings and maintains observatory site-based documentation.
• Tracks current design trends and availability of new technology as applicable to new or upgraded equipment, devices, or processes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• 3 years of experience as a Mechanical Technician.
• Knowledge of methods, practices, procedures, and tools used in completing major repairs, maintenance, and overhaul of mechanical equipment.
• Skilled in the use of power and hand tools.
• Skilled in precision mechanical measurement and alignment.
• Demonstrated troubleshooting skills in solving technical problems.
• Knowledgeable in reading and interpreting engineering drawings and specifications.
• Excellent communication skills
• Able to work productively in a team environment.
• Able to lift 25 lbs. of tools and materials.
• Able to work at high or in confined spaces.
• Able to wear respirators.
• Able to work at a site altitude of 6000.'
• Must have a valid driver's license at the time of employment and be able to maintain it throughout employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous Observatory experience.
• Heavy rigging experience.
• Basic knowledge of industrial equipment, electrical power, and control circuits.
• Knowledge of OptoMechanics.
• Skilled using a variety of machine shop equipment such as lathes, mills, drills, saws, and grinders.
• Skilled using precision measuring instruments such as micrometers, dial indicators, and gauges.
• Experienced with computer-aided design software.
• Able to safely and efficiently weld, solder, and braze.
• Knowledge of Vacuum Coating Systems.
• Basic computer skills including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Degree or technical certifications.

Required Documents

• Resume.

$33.50 - $38.50 Per Hour
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.
As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.

If you would like to request an accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Caltech Recruiting at