Electrical Engineer

RSCH AND DEV ENGR 2 TX (004757)

UCPath Position ID: 40979808

Position Description History/Status

For Reference ONLY - PeopleAdmin JA Number:

1133855

Approved Date:

2/26/2025 6:26:27 PM

Date Last Edited:

2/26/2025 6:26:23 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

3/16/2022

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

1300O

Organization:

LETTERS AND SCIENCE

Division Code:

1340D

Division:

L&S PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Department:

099500 - EARTH, PLANETARY, AND SPACE SCIENCES

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

40979808

Position Description ID

167148

UC Payroll Title:

RSCH AND DEV ENGR 2 TX (004757)

Personnel Program

Professional and Support Staff (PSS)

Salary Grade:

STEPS

Job Code FLSA:

Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

TX: Technical

Employee Relations Code:

E: All Others - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

2 - Staff: Career

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

0.7

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40056532

Reports to Payroll Title:

Professor

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40059547

Department Head Payroll Title:

Chair

GENERAL SUPERVISION - Indicates that the incumbent develops procedures for performance of variety of duties; or performs complex duties within established policy guidelines.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Research & Development Engineer functions as part of the Experimental Space Physics group in the Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences. The incumbent will design and develop scientific instrumentation for space missions and ground-based platforms, specifically radiation detectors and magnetic wave sensors for upcoming small satellite and lunar surface (lander) science missions. A strong electrical engineering background and comfort with embedded systems is required, as well as the ability to work through the printed circuit board (PCB) development process as a primary technical contributor to the development of satellite instrumentation, from the concept stage through space deployment. Under the supervision of the Principal Development Engineer and instrument engineers, the incumbent will assist with the design of PCBs, FPGA programming, bench testing, and validation. Where applicable, the incumbent will participate in environmental verification and future spacecraft integration. Must demonstrate professionalism and competence in a small team environment, exhibiting versatility, independence, follow-through, team spirit and willingness to diversify quickly.

Design/construction of scientific instrumentation, integrated space-flight payload systems

A1. Design electronic circuits and prepare PCB layout for environmental verification in space flight-like conditions and for ground-based scientific instruments using Altium Designer or equivalent. (E)  A2. Generate design documentation including schematics, assembly instructions, requirements compliance, fault-tree analysis and risk matrices. (E)  A3. Prepare electronics parts lists for approval including all sub-assemblies, cables, connectors in the design; coordinate with vendors to procure parts and facilitate board fabrication and other elements. (E)  A4. Develop and execute test procedures to verify performance of electronics designs and make any modifications to system necessary to comply with performance specifications; present related reports to the science team/instrument PIs. (E)  A5. Document ongoing design by authoring flow charts and/or block diagrams describing operation of circuits and software designs, interface agreements, and technical requirements documents. (E)   A6. Accommodate instrument power, telemetry and noise susceptibility into system-level design of an in-house developed CubeSat. (E)

70%

Instrument Design Advances and Documentation

B1. Become familiar with existing UCLA design and verification processes, and related sensor designs through hands-on testing and laboratory activities. (E)  B2. Perform independent, highly focused research into engineering-oriented approaches arising from the needs of the project. (E)  B3. Recommend technical improvements to enable next-generation development iteration, and advance state-of-the-art practices in design and laboratory operations. (E)  B4. Assist with writing technical summaries for proposals, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications. (E)

30%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree

and/or equivalent experience/training

Required

1. BSEE, BSCE or related degree and 2+ years relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. -

Required

2. Demonstrated experience with low-power analog circuit design and associated board layouts. -

Required

3. Demonstrated experience with sensor-based (or similar) signal acquisition and processing applications (either analog or digital), low-noise signal amplification and power systems. - Required

Required

4. Working knowledge of PC based printed circuit board design tools (Altium Designer or similar). - Required

Required

5. Familiarity with digital electronic interfaces and design, such as FPGAs and microcontrollers. -

Required

6. Attention to detail and ability to translate scientific project requirements into robust engineering solutions. -

Required

7. Willingness to learn new techniques on-the-fly and be resourceful in solving interdisciplinary engineering challenges. - Required

Required

8. Ability to diagnose and repair electronic systems designed by others, using common laboratory test equipment such as oscilloscopes and signal analyzers. -

Required

9. Skill in working independently and following through on assignments with minimal supervision. - Required

Required

10. Interpersonal skills to work and communicate effectively with others, verbally and in writing. -

Required

11. Familiarity with modern software engineering tools for issue tracking, documentation, and version control. - Required

Preferred

12. Experience with aerospace design and tests methods; component de-rating and appropriate selection based on project requirements. -

Preferred

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

E-Verify Check: The position is funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requiring UCLA to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate(s) must pass the E-Verify check.

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

2712 Geology Bldg

Standing/Walking

X

Sitting

X

Bending/Stooping

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

Climbing

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

Loud noise levels

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 3:  Position in which exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues is not part of the position description. The normal routine task involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and the employee can decline to perform tasks which involve a perceived risk without retribution.