Engineering Aide (Mechanical), IS-0802- 4

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescriptionOPENING DATE: 08/13/2025
CLOSING DATE: 09/12/2025
SERIES/GRADE: 0802/04
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Temporary (Non-Federal), Not To Exceed 1 year
DIVISION: Central Engineering
LOCATION: Cambridge, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.
What are Trust Fund Positions?Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include 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).
Conditions of Employment

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation, as required.
• Complete a Probationary Period if applicable.
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

OVERVIEWINTRODUCTION
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support. Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants.

SUMMARY
This position will provide on-the-job engineering training and experience in the field of astrophysics. In particular, the work will involve assisting engineers in technology development for use in large-scale space telescopes, as well as other externally funded engineering projects.
MAJOR DUTIES Assist engineering staff with design, assembly, integration, and test of HelioSwarm faraday cup instruments.

• Using SolidWorks, design Ground Support Equipment (GSE) to be used to inspect the multiple grid assemblies.
  • 2-Axis open cell linear stage system
  • Support grid cassette in center with repeatable clocking
  • Small video camera with ability to zoom in on grids and look for defects
  • Use Labview to assist in programming a 2 axis scan that looks at every wire cell in the grid
  • Work with Electrical Engineering
• Gain lab experience by supporting the assembly of the Engineering Model (EM) Faraday Cup
  • Assist in the design of GSE required to support and align the subassemblies using learned knowledge from prototype
  • Assist in assembling EM Grid Cassette assemblies; understand the use of 2D scanner for aid in assembly.
  • Assist in assembling the EM Entrance Grid Module, EM High Voltage Modulator Module, EM Limiting Aperture Module, EM Collector Module
• Participate in Thermal Vacuum Testing, including Calibration of the Engineering Model (EM) Faraday Cup
• Perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTSBasic Requirements:Grad 4 : Successful completion of 2 years of post secondary study that included at least 12 semester hours in any combination of courses such as those shown above for GS-3 (or equivalent). At least 3 of the 12 semester hours must have been in drafting if a drafting area of specialization has designated the position.
For information on the qualification requirements for IS-0802 Engineering Aide please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications…

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required:

• Basic understanding of mechanical engineering.
• Knowledge of, and skill in applying, basic or commonly used rules, procedures, or operations acquired through classroom or on-the-job training in the field of Engineering.
• Basic knowledge of Engineering, as might be obtained through secondary school or undergraduate course work.
• Knowledge of software such as: MS-Excel, MS-Word, and 3D CAD tools such as SolidWorks

Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package. Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.

What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager. Relocation expenses are not paid.

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact hr@cfa.harvard.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures (https://www.si.edu/OEO/IndividualswithDisabilities). The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To review The Smithsonian's EEO program information, please click the following: https://www.si.edu/oeo 
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer. Please visit the SAO website at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/