Job Details
Project Engineer - 137210
Description
University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
Department: Physics – POLITE Experimental Cosmology Project
Job Number: #137210
Type: Full-Time
Category: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Posted: October 27, 2025
Filing Deadline: Friday, November 7, 2025
About UC San Diego
UC San Diego values diversity, inclusion, and innovation. The university welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and encourages individuals with the required qualifications or transferable skills to apply.
-
UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by October 29, 2025, for preference in rehire. Contact your Employment Advisor for assistance.
-
Special Selection Applicants: Apply by November 7, 2025. Eligible applicants should contact their Disability Counselor for support.
Position Description
Under the supervision of Professor Brian G. Keating, the Project Engineer will serve as a key member of the POLITE Project, an advanced observational cosmology experiment based in Julian, California.
The project focuses on conducting high-precision tests of Lorentz invariance, a foundational concept in physics. The engineer will apply professional expertise to moderately complex assignments, working within a specialized research domain that requires analytical problem-solving and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Key Responsibilities
-
Design, develop, and operate a custom-built telescope for precision astrophysical observations.
-
Collect, process, and analyze high-precision astrophysical data.
-
Ensure the accuracy and reliability of instrumental calibrations.
-
Develop and maintain data reduction pipelines for experiment analysis.
-
Interpret scientific results in the context of fundamental physics and cosmology.
-
Maintain and operate the POLITE field site and related equipment.
-
Support the project’s mission of advancing experimental tests of symmetry and invariance in physics.
Qualifications
Required:
-
Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline; or equivalent experience/training.
-
Working knowledge of engineering principles and methods, particularly in astronomical polarimetry.
-
Understanding of laboratory equipment, experimental techniques, and standard research practices.
-
Strong organizational and decision-making skills to prioritize work assignments effectively.
-
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear technical documentation.
-
Ability to collaborate and problem-solve effectively in a team environment.
-
Experience with CCD/CMOS camera operations, FITS file analysis, and telescope optics.
-
Familiarity with The Sky observatory software, camera control systems, and instrument calibration tools.
-
Programming experience, particularly in Python and Jupyter, with the ability to install and troubleshoot software.
-
Experience performing data quality checks, time-series updates, and data visualization (e.g., generating plots and figures).
Preferred:
-
Prior experience in experimental astrophysics or instrumentation engineering.
-
Experience managing observatory or telescope operations.
Special Conditions
-
Employment is contingent upon successful background check clearance.
-
Must comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as well as any applicable federal, state, or local health directives.
Compensation
Annual Full Pay Range: Unclassified (based on experience, education, licensure, and business needs).
Hourly Equivalent: Unclassified.
Final compensation will be determined based on internal equity, qualifications, and budget considerations. The hiring pay scale reflects UC San Diego’s anticipated range for this position.
Equal Employment Opportunity
UC San Diego is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification under state or federal law.
For details, visit:
Additional Information
UC San Diego maintains a smoke- and tobacco-free environment. For more information, visit smokefree.ucsd.edu.