Smithsonian Institution · 2 months ago
Engineering Technician (Mechanical), IS-0802-09
Cambridge, MA
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
$69K/yr - $90K/yr
1+ years expThe Smithsonian Institution is a renowned leader in scientific exploration, particularly in astrophysics. They are seeking a Mechanical Engineering Technician to support the engineering and scientific staff in developing optical instruments, focusing on mechanical assembly and design support.
ArtEducationLegalMuseums and Historical Sites
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Assists in the overall assembly, alignment, and test of mechanical assemblies to ensure conformance with performance requirements
Assists in the operation and calibration of laboratory support equipment used in assembly and alignment. Disassembles, cleans, lubricates, and reassembles optical stages and other precision equipment. Operates and maintains laboratory cryogenic and high vacuum systems
Performs basic tasks in support of mechanical assembly, including cleaning parts, mixing epoxies, and assisting with the fabrication and modification of parts using manual and automated equipment. Supports cleanroom operations as needed
Working from drawings, CAD models and detailed procedures, reviews designs for ease of assembly and machinability. Recommends design and procedural modifications to satisfy these criteria, and works cooperatively with the design engineer to achieve a design that best satisfies the technical, cost, and schedule requirements of the project
Provides hands-on assistance and makes recommendations on approaches to resolve assembly problems that may arise in the field. May be required to travel to customer/contractor facilities or remote telescope locations to support the installation and testing of hardware
Assists lab manager with maintaining and configuring the general laboratory environment using cranes, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment. Also assists with maintaining laboratory thermal ovens and high vacuum equipment
Assists QA manager with in-process inspections to ensure compliance with NASA standards in fabrication processes, verifying component placement, mounting, and Engineering Change Orders (ECOs). Assists with incoming inspections of electrical and mechanical parts. Assists in non-conforming material disposition, referring issues to design engineers and the QA manager. Maintains detailed inspection records per AS9100 standards with QA oversight
Performs other duties as required
Qualification
Required
One year of full-time experience at the GS-8 or equivalent level that is close or similar to the work of this position, including technical work experience in a research lab environment
Specialized Experience: Examples of qualifying specialized experience include technical work in drafting, surveying, construction estimating, physical science, mathematics, aerospace, architecture, chemicals, electrical or mechanical systems, mining, petroleum, or nuclear systems
Experience in a trade or craft may be credited as specialized experience when the work provided intensive knowledge of engineering principles, techniques, methods, and precedents
Demonstrated ability to follow specified procedural instructions necessary to maintain quality control
Knowledge of and skill in applying a wide range of standard procedures to analyze schematic drawings, detailed mechanical assembly drawings, parts lists, methods, and specifications to support assembly
Basic knowledge of precision alignment techniques, with an aptitude for using and adapting available specialized equipment for optimum performance
Knowledge and ability to perform mechanical assembly tasks, manipulate, assemble and package delicate, fragile, and critical parts without damage in a laboratory environment
Knowledge of and skill in standard machining operations; ability to operate and program multi-axis CNC milling machines
Familiarity with inspection processes (such as IPC 610, 620, or 630) or NASA standards (J-standard, 8739.4 & 8739.6, ESD, S2020, AS9100D)
Demonstrated familiarity with cleanroom operations, such as an understanding of contamination sources and adherence to cleanroom protocols
Ability to analyze, interpret, and document data gained from the inspection of parts and materials
Ability to select and utilize a variety of specialized precision electronics tools and inspection equipment, such as calipers, micrometers, comparative measuring gauges (height, depth, thread, and radius); optical comparator and Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) experience is preferred
Effectively communicates and documents lab needs and project challenges to CE supervisory staff and project management
Preferred
Optical comparator and Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) experience is preferred
Benefits
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)
Company
Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Institution is a group of museums and research centers administered by the United States government.
5001-10000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$0.05MKey Investors
Bezos Earth Fund
2025-05-21Grant· $0.05M
Leadership Team
E
Elizabeth Ziebarth
Visitor Accessibility, Smithsonian Institution
Ellen Stofan
Under Secretary for Science and Research
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