Job Description

R&D Electrical Engineer I, Steward Observatory Posting Number req27627 Department Steward Observatory Department Website Link https://astro.arizona.edu Location Tucson Campus Address Tucson, AZ USA Position Highlights

Steward Observatory is both a century-old observatory on the University of Arizona campus and one of the University’s oldest research units. Founded in 1918, the Observatory brings together students, staff, faculty, engineers, and technicians to explore the universe and share discoveries through world-class research, education, and outreach. With more than 180 professionals supporting advanced facilities, laboratories, and observatories, Steward Observatory offers a collaborative environment where technical expertise plays a critical role in advancing ground- and space-based astronomy.

The University of Arizona's Steward Observatory invites you to apply for the role of R&D Electrical Engineer I. In this role, you will support research in ground- and space-based telescopes by working closely with mechanical, software, and optical engineers to accomplish the goals of the Principal Investigator and the associated research program, under the direction of senior electrical engineer(s). Applying known electrical engineering theories and principles, you will design, build, specify, and configure electronic systems to support research. This includes designing, fabricating, testing, and implementing electronic hardware and firmware, as well as researching, specifying, and configuring commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions to accomplish the goals of the Principal Investigator.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Duties & Responsibilities

• With communication and instruction from senior engineers, the candidate will define problems and design and build electronics to meet requirements.
• The candidate must use first electronic principles to solve electronic requirements.
• Work will include troubleshooting and resolving design and build issues with both new and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) circuits. This may include some simulation using tools such as PSpice.
• Under the supervision of senior engineer(s), implement and/or debug and test complex high-speed circuit boards throughout the entire product lifecycle.
• Develop firmware and hardware, including building, testing, and improving existing firmware and hardware with supervision.
• Manage assembly and fabrication contracts, including electronic parts to assemble boards and working with board houses to get items ordered and built on time and within budget, with input from team.
• Documents procedures and train non-electrical engineering staff on best practices to prevent misuse of or damage to sensitive electronics. May also serve as a point of contact for certifying staff in ESD and related training(s) with approval of supervisor(s).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of one or more programming languages applicable to embedded systems firmware (CIC++, assembly code, VHDL, Verilog, etc.).
• Skill in using one or more electronic CAD packages (Altium, KiCad, Orcad/Cadence, Eagle, etc.).
• Ability to work with laboratory equipment relevant to electronic design, debugging, and testing, such as power supplies, function generators, and oscilloscopes.
• Excellent teamwork and human relational skills necessary for work in a fast-paced, occasionally high-pressure spaceflight mission environment.
• Flexibility to identify needed modifications in response to changing project requirements and other uncertainties, with the confidence to ask for input from senior engineer(s) when additional specialized technical or management knowledge is required for success.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering.
• Experience in control systems, emergent applications of AI to leverage electrical engineering capabilities and accelerate circuit design, debugging, testing, and qualification, or other generally applicable emerging electronic tools and processes.
• Experience tracking and reporting project progress against team schedules and budgets and reporting using standard office applications as well as technical applications such as Git, Microsoft Project (or similar software), and MATLAB/Simulink.
• Hands-on experience with printed circuit board repair and modification using soldering irons, inspection microscopes, ESD control devices, and other rework tools.
• Experience in managing the build, receipt, and outsourcing of typical electronic assemblies, cabling, and related infrastructure.
• Experience with technical writing and the ability to understand existing technical documentation with minimal external input.

FLSA Exempt Full Time/Part Time Full Time Number of Hours Worked per Week 40 Job FTE 1.0 Work Calendar Fiscal Job Category Research Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits Rate of Pay $65,687 - $85,393 Compensation Type salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE) Grade 9 Compensation Guidance The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator. Career Stream and Level PC1 Job Family Research Engineering Job Function Research Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive) Number of Vacancies 1 Target Hire Date Expected End Date Contact Information for Candidates Summer Franks

R&D Electrical Engineer IV - CAAO

summerfranks@arizona.edu

Open Date 11/10/2026 Open Until Filled Yes Documents Needed to Apply Resume and Cover Letter Special Instructions to Applicant Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.

Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.