CalTech - California Institute of Technology Jobs

CalTech - California Institute of Technology

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Big Pine, CA

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"Lead Project Engineer"

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Lead Project Engineer

Staff

2026-05-01

Location

Big Pine, CA

Caltech

Type

Full-time Exempt

Salary

$205,067 - $275,000

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's in Engineering
8+ years senior engineering
Radio astronomy tech (EMC, RFI, DSP)
Large-scale telescope design
RFQs and project reviews

Research Areas

Radio Astronomy
DSA-2000
Imaging Radio Telescope
Digital Signal Processing
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Lead Project Engineer

Position Description

Lead Project Engineer

Job Category
Fulltime Regular

ExemptOvertimeEligible
Exempt

Benefits Eligible
Benefit Based

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Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.


Job Summary

We are seeking a Lead Project Engineer to be in charge of the design and construction of the most advanced imaging radio telescope in the world. This individual will be responsible for the technical definition and documentation of 2000-antenna Deep Synoptic Array (DSA-2000) systems. The role will be based in Big Pine, CA, and requires up to 20% regional and international travel.

Essential Job Duties

  • Develop a thorough understanding of the total system with emphasis on the interfaces between the major components.
  • Coordinate technical documents for all subsystems of the project, verify interface requirements between subsystems and maintain documentation of the overall architecture of the project.
  • Analyze the hardware systems to verify overall performance and compatibility of subsystems.
  • Identify critical technical problems and coordinate engineers and scientists to provide solutions.
  • Maintain documentation of the overall architecture of the project.
  • Track technical risk, critical path issues and specification changes for the project, coordinating closely with the project manager and principal investigator (PI) team.
  • Manage technical information for procurements, tracking delivery times and delays with the project manager.
  • Organize and coordinate the interactions between the various teams ranging from the front-end receivers to the final delivery of the scientific images.
  • Manage the engineering team towards meeting milestones and completion of design work. Supervise engineers assigned to the project and the external contractors providing services for the site.
  • Help lead the documentation, planning and proposal preparation for major stage gate reviews and funding proposals.
  • Coordinate closely with scientists and engineers at Caltech and DSA-2000 partner institutes to ensure the successful technical implementation of the DSA-2000 software.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or equivalent degree in a related engineering field (e.g., electronic engineering, electrical engineering, systems engineering)
  • 8 years of experience in senior engineering role(s) within a large integrated project
  • Experience must include the following: technology domains related to radio astronomy such as electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), radio frequency interference (RFI), digital signal processing (DSP), and software; large-scale radio telescope and infrastructure design; working across life-cycle phases (e.g., design, qualification, industrialization, production, construction, and transition to operations); writing Requests for Quotation (RFQs) and evaluating bids; developing, implementing, and conducting acceptance processes and project reviews.
  • Requires good English written and oral communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with a diverse team of engineers, technicians, scientists, and other stakeholders, locally and remotely.

Required Documents
Resume

Hiring Range

$205,067 - $275,000

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

📚What are the minimum qualifications for this Lead Project Engineer role?

To qualify, candidates need a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in electronic, electrical, or systems engineering. Require 8+ years in senior engineering on large integrated projects, including radio astronomy domains like EMC, RFI, DSP, and software. Experience must cover lifecycle phases, RFQs, bids, and reviews. Strong English communication skills essential. Explore research jobs for similar roles.

💰What is the salary range and benefits for this position?

The hiring range is $205,067 - $275,000, based on experience and factors. Benefits include health, dental, vision insurance, retirement plans, generous PTO, tuition reimbursement. Benefit-based for eligible employees. Learn more about university salaries and perks.

📍Where is the Lead Project Engineer position located and what travel is involved?

Primarily based in Big Pine, CA. Requires up to 20% regional and international travel. Ideal for those in higher ed jobs near California research sites.

📋What are the key responsibilities of the Lead Project Engineer?

Lead DSA-2000 design/construction: develop system understanding, coordinate docs/interfaces, analyze hardware, solve problems, track risks, manage team/contractors, prepare reviews/proposals. Coordinate Caltech and partners. See research assistant jobs for related duties.

📝How do I apply for the Lead Project Engineer job at Caltech?

Submit a resume via the official link. No other docs specified. Prepare with our free resume template and cover letter template. Deadline: May 1, 2026.

🔭What is the DSA-2000 project?

DSA-2000 is the world's most advanced imaging radio telescope with 2000 antennas. Focuses on radio astronomy. Role leads technical definition. Check postdoc research tips.

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