Engineer I - Test Engineer at the Infrared Radiation Effects Laboratory (IRREL)

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Engineer I – Test Engineer at the Infrared Radiation Effects Laboratory (IRREL)

What You’ll Do:

• Tasks will include schematic capture, component placement, trace routing and documentation, procuring PWB fabrication and assembly, and verifying the final assembly.
• Review electrical interface requirements for upcoming test devices and design the PWBs (printed wiring board) for operating in a cryogenic test Dewar.
• Design and implement thermal/mechanical test fixtures for mounting test devices in cryogenic test Dewars.
• Assist with resolution of hardware anomalies root cause and corrective action at board, box, and system levels.
• May make continuous improvement suggestions and participate in initiatives to improve productivity and process efficiency.
• Characterize visible and infrared focal plane arrays in both benign and radiation environments.
• Support experiments, both locally and at offsite locations.
• Support a flexible second and/or third shift and weekend shift schedule to support program test schedules when necessary.
• Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units, and the Company.  Interact appropriately with others to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

What You’ll Need:

• BS degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field is required plus 2 or more years related experience. MS degree or higher preferred.
• Each higher-level degree, i.e., Master’s Degree or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of experience. Related technical experience may be considered in lieu of education. Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.
• Experience with Schematic capture tools – OrCAD is preferred.
• Experience with design, analysis, and layout of PCBs (printed circuit boards).
• Experience with PSPICE/LTSPICE.
• Experience with Visual Basic 6, Visual Studio and VHDL software is a plus.
• Experience with cryogenic test Dewars, vacuum systems and related equipment is a plus.
• Experience with Altera FPGAs is a plus.
• Experience in signal and power integrity analysis of digital/FPGA designs is a plus.
• Ability to work requirements and flow down for system/subsystem/box/board needs.
• Hands on experience with laboratory power supplies, oscilloscopes, function generators, and logic analyzers is required.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, strong presentation skills, and ability to work with internal and external customers.
• Effectiveness in multidisciplinary teamwork environment with broad responsibilities and minimal oversight.
• Knowledge of visible, NIR, SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR detector characterization is a plus.
• Ability to work requirements and flow down for system/subsystem/box/board needs.
• Good interpersonal skills.

Full-Time On-Site Work Environment: This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site full-time. Travel and local commute between Ball campuses and other possible non-Ball locations will be required.

Working Conditions:

• Ball Aerospace is a drug-free workplace, which is imperative to the health and safety of all employees and is required as a condition of receiving contracts from federal agencies.  Please remember that regardless of the legalization of marijuana in Colorado and other states, possession and use continues to be illegal under the federal Controlled Substances Act.  This includes the use of some CBD products.  A post-offer, pre-employment drug test is a condition of employment. 
• Work is performed in an office, laboratory, production floor, or cleanroom, outdoors or remote research environment.
• May occasionally work in production work centers where use of protective equipment and gear is required.
• May access other facilities in various weather conditions.

A current DoD clearance and/or SCI access with Polygraph is not required to be eligible for this position, however applicant must be willing and eligible for submission within 60-90 days after an offer is accepted and must be able to maintain the applicable clearance/access.  By applying to this position, you are agreeing to complete a National Security Clearance Pre-Screen Questionnaire to evaluate your general ability to obtain the required security clearance or government customer access associated with this position.

Relocation for this position is available.

Direct Program Charge: 99%

Compensation & Benefits:

• HIRING SALARY RANGE: $81,000 - $100,500 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.)
• Job Grade:  Aerospace M1 
• This position includes a competitive benefits package. For details, copy and paste https://bit.ly/3pNSnxv into your browser or visit our careers site.

Job Referral Fee: $1,000.00

US CITIZENSHIP IS REQUIRED

Ball Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.