New

Research Scientist

California Institute of Technology
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, sick time, tuition reimbursement
United States, California, Pasadena
Aug 22, 2025
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 Hiring Range $97,000 to $136,900 per year The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training. As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks. EEO Statement We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf. Disability Accommodations Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position. If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu. Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu.