Research Scientist

Job Category: Fulltime Regular
Exempt Overtime Eligible: Exempt
Benefits Eligible: Benefit Based

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

Seeking a fiber-optic sensing engineer to design, build, and validate specialized DAS systems for scientific use in challenging environments. The role spans optoelectronic design, coherent detection, timing/synchronization, fiber integration, and signal processing, with end-to-end responsibility from prototype to field deployment. The Research Scientist will work closely with seismologists and hardware/software teams to deliver reliable instruments and data pipelines aligned to research goals.

Lead end-to-end DAS development-from lasers/receivers and embedded control to optical signal processing and data products. Translate research needs into system specs, deliver prototypes for lab and field, and drive performance to target metrics. Collaborate across disciplines and document designs, tests, and results.

Essential Job Duties

• Design DAS optoelectronics (laser sources, receivers, coherent detection, timing/sync).
• Build, integrate, and bring up prototypes; perform calibration and performance testing.
• Develop optical signal processing and data pipelines for real-time and offline use.
• Plan and execute lab and field tests; analyze results and iterate designs.
• Translate science requirements into technical specifications and test plans.
• Establish reliability, environmental, and QA procedures for harsh deployments.
• Select components, manage vendors, and track cost/schedule/risks.
• Produce documentation, user guides, and training for researchers.

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in fiber-optic sensing and at least 3 years of experience.
• Hands-on experimental capabilities.
• Experience with DAS or coherent optical interferometry.
• Proficiency in laboratory instrumentation and optoelectronic bring-up.
• Ability to program for data analysis/signal processing (e.g., Python or MATLAB).

Preferred Qualifications

• Hardware-software integration and embedded control.
• Field deployment experience in harsh or remote environments.
• Collaboration with earth science or seismology teams.
• Good communication skills.

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• Publication list or portfolio of relevant projects

To be considered for this position please visit our web site and apply on line at the following link: https://hr.caltech.edu/work/job_openings

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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