Job Information
California Institute of Technology Operations Specialist in Richland, Washington
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 LIGO Laboratory (the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory) seeks a highly motivated and skilled Operations Specialist to join its team. This position is located in Richland, WA. LIGO Laboratory is a National Science Foundation major facility dedicated to observing the newly discovered gravitational-wave universe. Jointly operated by the California Institute of Technology and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the LIGO Laboratory operates world-leading observatories near Richland, WA and Baton Rouge, LA as well as R&D centers on the Caltech and MIT campuses. For more information, please visit the Laboratory website at The Tri-Cities (Richland, Kennewick, Pasco) is a rapidly developing community set in the heart of wine-country in southeast Washington state, where the Columbia, Yakima, and Snake rivers meet. The rivers and nearby Cascade and Blue mountain ranges provide ample outdoor recreation opportunities from water-skiing to fishing to hiking. The region is known for its contributions to science and technology in the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the DOE Hanford Site. People choose to work at LIGO for many reasons, often with fulfilling, long-term careers. LIGO is a family-friendly laboratory and strives to ensure everyone is able to achieve the work-life balance they desire. Employees have access to a wide range of benefits including a child-care assistance program. Caltech\'s benefits program offers a quality, competitive benefits package that is affordable for you and the Institute. The program provides a strong base of coverage for you and your dependents, and the ability to choose the plan and the level of coverage that best meet your needs. We also offer a 403(b) defined contribution plan to eligible staff as well as a Voluntary Retirement Savings (TDA) Plan. Essential Job Duties Report to the LHO Operations Specialist Team Leader. Operation of a large-scale gravitational wave interferometer through monitoring and adjustment of interferometer systems, associated observatory equipment, and facilities to ensure desired performance and data integrity. The work schedule may cover any time during the 24hour operations and schedules may vary. Coordinate and review interferometer activities. Assist in assembly, installation, inventory, testing, and commissioning of the Advanced LIGO and Advanced LIGO Plus optics, electromechanical components, electronic controls, or data acquisition and control hardware/software. Create, analyze, debug, and edit Python scripts for the automated operation and management of the 4-km interferometer and associated subsystems. Carry out maintenance, calibration, and upgrade of instrumentation at the Observatory, including the interferometers, infrastructure, support equipment, and other apparatus as required. Participate in physical characterization of instrumental signatures in the interferometer data and assist with the development of operational techniques and analysis methods to discriminate these signatures. Occasionally participate in educational activities for the public, including detector science, astrophysical investigations, and basic science concepts. Assist in development of new technologies, protocols and methods to support the Observatory\'s continuing mission. These efforts may require occasional travel to other LIGO installations and collaborating institutions in Livingston, Louisiana, Pasadena, California, Cambridge, Massachusetts, and possibly internationally. Collaborate effectively