POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

ELECTRONICS ENGINEER

The Electronics Engineer (EE) position is part of Lowell Observatory's Technology Department. The Electronics Engineer designs and builds telescope, subsystem, and facility electronics hardware; and supports installation and test of such hardware. Work is performed primarily at the Lowell Discovery Telescope (LDT) site. This position reports to the LDT Engineering Manager.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The electronics engineer shall design, procure, test, install, and maintain electronic components, equipment and control systems for Lowell Observatory telescopes. The primary duties shall include testing and troubleshooting electronics and control systems and design of printed circuit boards. Other expected design tasks include layout of cables and cabinets, component sizing and selection, and creation of design documentation. Procurement activities include component selection, soliciting and reviewing bids, and inspection and verification of incoming components. The EE shall participate in assembly and testing of equipment to verify function and performance and assist with installation and debug of equipment at the telescope site. Maintenance activities include preventative maintenance and inspections, trouble shooting, and generating operations and maintenance procedures. The EE shall occasionally support night operations in a technical support capacity and when required, provide systems training to telescope operators.

QUALIFICATIONS

• The electronics engineer must be self-motivated with attention to detail and able to complete tasks on schedule.
• They must possess excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• They must be willing to take on new tasks and duties as needed.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• The electronics engineer shall possess a degree in electronics engineering technology, BS in Electrical Engineering, or equivalent training, and a minimum of five years relevant experience, advanced degree is a plus.
• Experience should include maintenance and/or construction of astronomical telescope facilities or other complex technical facilities. Experience should span a broad range of technologies; from low voltage analog to logic-level digital, to 480 volt three-phase power.
• They should be familiar with sensors such as charge-coupled devices, resistance temperature detectors, encoders and load cells, and motor controllers including stepper drives, brushless direct-current amplifiers, and three-phase variable frequency drives.
• Knowledge of astronomical instrumentation, scientific detectors, cryogenic vacuum systems, networking principles, and precision optomechanical controls are a plus.
• They should be proficient with MS Office software package, schematic capture, and schematic layout.
• Ability to read and create engineering drawings, data sheets, schematics, & wiring diagrams required.
• Experience should include taking circuits from requirements to completion of simple printed circuit boards, cabling, cabinets, and facility wiring.
• Familiarity with National Instruments LabVIEW software is desired.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The Electronics Engineer works largely at the LDT, located roughly 45 miles southeast of Flagstaff, AZ at an altitude of approximately 7800 feet elevation. Environmental conditions can be unpredictable with temperature ranges varying between –20 and +90 ˚F. Inclement winter weather conditions can also be expected which will require travel to/from the telescope in occasionally snowy, icy, and/or rainy conditions; willingness and ability to drive safely in inclement conditions is required.

This position requires a moderate degree of standing, walking, bending, handling, reaching, grasping, driving, and repetitive motions. The role includes operating small and heavy machinery and equipment. Duties may also require driving vehicles, including at night. Requires the ability to occasionally lift and manipulate heavy objects (60lbs or more).

Status:  Full Time, Regular 40hrs/week

Compensation Type: Salary

Compensation: $85K - $110K, Depends on Experience

Benefit Eligible: Yes*

FLSA Classification:  Salary, Exempt

Location:  Lowell Discovery Telescope, near Happy Jack, AZ

To Apply:
Please send the following documents to jobs@lowell.edu

• Lowell Application (www.lowell.edu/careers)
• Letter of interest addressing your qualifications
• Resume
• Phone numbers and e-mail addresses of three professional references

Application review will begin on 3/24/2026. The position is open until filled.

*Benefits Overview:

Full Time - Lowell Observatory provides 11 scheduled paid holidays, 3 weeks of sick pay, and a Flexible Paid Time Off policy, giving you the flexibility to rest and recharge. Benefits include Retirement, Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability coverage. The company covers the majority of employee medical, life, and long-term disability premiums, as well as 50% of dependent medical coverage. After six months of employment, employees are eligible for up to a 5% match on retirement plan contributions.

Employment is subject to passing a background check
 

Lowell Observatory is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. Lowell Observatory has always been, and always will be, committed to diversity and inclusion. We seek individuals from all backgrounds to join our teams, and we encourage our employees to bring their authentic, original, and best selves to work.
 

Lowell Observatory sits at the base of one of the mountains sacred to indigenous tribes throughout the region. We honor their past, present, and future generations, who have lived here for millennia and will forever call this place home.
 

Lowell Observatory is committed to providing access, and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. Our non-smoking campus is at an elevation of 7,200ft/2200m, and the LDT is 40 miles south of Flagstaff at an elevation of 7,800 ft/2370m. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Human Resources office for assistance.
 

VERSION March 2026/HR