General Engineer; Systems Engineer

General Engineer (Systems Engineer) (IS-0801-14)

Location:

Cambridge, MA

Compensation: $141,041 - $183,353 / year

Final date to receive applications: 19 January 2026

Series/Grade: IS-0801-14

Type of Position:
Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)

Division:
Central Engineering

Area of Consideration:
This position is open to all qualified candidates eligible to work in the United States.

Conditions:

Requires access to export-controlled work; candidate must be a U.S. person (citizen, permanent resident, or national).

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) leads global research in astronomy and astrophysics. Together with the Harvard College Observatory, it forms the Harvard‑Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. SAO’s work spans ground‑based and space‑based research, the development of cutting‑edge scientific instrumentation, and science education. The General Engineer will provide expert systems engineering support for advanced instrumentation for space‑borne and ground‑based astrophysical data collection.

• Provide technical direction to the long‑range development of advanced instrumentation, guiding the translation of scientific requirements into engineering specifications.
• Lead systems engineering activities throughout the development lifecycle: concept of operations, requirements management, system architecture modeling, design, risk management, integration, testing, and implementation planning.
• Prepare and coordinate engineering budgets, schedules, and detailed technical input for project proposals, cost estimates, and technical plans.
• Support subsystem integration, testing, verification, validation, and deployment activities, ensuring alignment with mission requirements and regulatory standards.
• Represent the agency on technical task forces, industry and academic forums, and in presentations to project scientists and contracting agencies.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers, contributing to workforce development and engineering standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Basic Requirements: A degree in professional engineering from an ABET‑accredited program, or a combination of education and experience that demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of engineering sciences and the ability to apply them to a branch of engineering. Acceptable proof includes professional registration, EIT exam completion, or equivalent academic coursework.
• Additional Requirements: Minimum one year of specialized experience at or above the grade 13 level in similar positions, including experience with instrument and system performance error budgets, trade studies, scheduling, staffing estimates, and budgeting.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Mastery of engineering principles; expertise in systems engineering principles and processes; ability to plan, schedule, and direct engineering work; strong communication skills; and the capability to conduct thorough design and failure reviews.

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring accommodation should contact hrvard.edu
.

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a diverse workforce enriches our work and enhances our exhibitions and programs. For more information on our EEO program, visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

To apply, please submit a resume that includes a description of your paid and non‑paid work experience related to this job, with start and end dates (month and year) and average hours per week.