Detector/Instrument Engineer

OVERVIEW

Must be a US Citizen 

Estimated Duration: Ongoing

W2 Position with full benefits

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $90-120K + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Columbus Technologies & Services at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center seeks a talented Senior Detector/Instrument Engineer to advance our cutting-edge technology for internal projects. This exciting opportunity allows you to contribute directly to next-generation space exploration capabilities. The successful candidate will conduct activities associated with the electro-optical testing and characterization of near-infrared (NIR) and visible detector technologies.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, build, and instrument cryogenic test systems for Near-Infrared and Visible wavelength detectors.

• Operate and maintain low-temperature detector test facilities, ensuring safe and efficient data collection.

• Develop and execute automated test scripts for data acquisition, temperature control, and vacuum system management.

• Troubleshoot complex electro-optical test system issues and implement robust solutions.

• Document test procedures, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and test results according to industry and flight-project standards.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (mechanical, thermal, optical, and software engineers) in test design and integration.

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives for the Detector Characterization Lab.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related field; MS or PhD preferred.

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in low-temperature or Near-IR detector testing and analysis.

• Demonstrated expertise in design, construction, and operation of electro-optical test equipment for characterization of Near-IR or Visible detector properties including: read noise, slope noise, quantum efficiency, dark current, conversion gain, linearity, and cross-talk.

• Experience operating cryogenic and high-vacuum test equipment capable of reaching temperatures from 40K to 80K.

• Proficiency using laboratory electronics, including oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, multimeters, and precision power supplies to debug test setups.

• Ability to write scripts (i.e. Python, LabVIEW, or C/C++) to automate test equipment, control temperature/vacuum systems, and data acquisition.

• Proficiency in data analysis on large data sets using scientific computer libraries (e.g., Python's NumPy, SciPy, Astropy, or MATLAB) for statistical data reduction, curve fitting, and image processing.

• Strong technical writing skills for preparing test plans, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and comprehensive test reports.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively within a large interdisciplinary team of engineers and scientists.

DESIRED SKILLS

• Understanding of HgCdTe detector physics, Readout Integrated Circuits (ROICs), and hybridization of detector arrays.

• Experience handling sensitive hardware in Cleanroom environments (ISO 7/8) and strict adherence to Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) safety protocols.

• Understanding of optical and radiometric sources and integration of sources with detector cryostats.

• Knowledge of thermal architecture, including thermal shielding, radiative heat transfer, thermal strapping, and cryogenic temperature sensors and controllers.

• Proficiency with turbomolecular and scroll pumps, vacuum gauges, outgassing considerations, and helium leak testing.

• Experience with the safe handling of cryogenic fluids.

• Familiarity with Focal Plane Array readout electronics (e.g., custom ASICs, Leach controllers, or FPGA-based DAQ systems).

• Skills to write automated data processing pipelines capable of handling large volumes of image data.

• Familiarity with CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo) to design custom detector mounts, cold baffles, and optical alignment fixtures.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action

Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, marital status, age, national origin, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. As a federal contractor, Columbus participates in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States.