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Haystack is hiring! If you’re interested in applying to one of these open positions, and for more information, including detailed job requirements, please click on the job title to visit the MIT Careers page. We accept applications only through the MIT Careers site.

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FPGA/Digital Design Engineer

Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA)/DIGITAL DESIGN ENGINEER, Haystack Observatory, to develop advanced radio astronomy and radar data acquisition and signal-processing systems along with remote sensor systems. Will engage with scientists to translate high-level requirements into working hardware and firmware designs, including end-to-end efforts to design systems involving high-speed signal processing. Projects include digital back-ends for very long baseline interferometry (VLBI), advanced phased-array radar hardware, highly customized software radios, spectral-line processors, and low-power embedded developed sensors. This will include efforts to develop new astronomical systems to support science measurements from a 37-m radio telescope. Responsibilities include FPGA design and development of digital receivers, filters, and spectrometers, with data rates approaching terabits per second (Tb/s); translating concepts into working hardware and using the resulting systems in the field; helping write requirements and validation efforts for subsystems; contributing to project cost and time planning efforts; and other duties as assigned. 

Financial Assistant

FINANCIAL ASSISTANT 2, to serve as part of the finance team. Will support several principal investigators (PIs) and small- and large-scale research projects by handling complex procurement of goods and services. Responsibilities include researching appropriate vendors, gathering quotes, and securing parts, materials (e.g., specific machine pieces, sheet metal, printed circuit boards, electrical components, and chassis and panels), and supplies necessary for assembly and/or inhouse fabrication of equipment; reviewing, processing, and monitoring financial transactions for over sixty accounts; researching and resolving financial discrepancies, verifying and approving credit card charges, approving requisitions and invoices, and ensuring purchase orders and invoices are reflected accurately and charged appropriately; maintaining account information, preparing journal vouchers, distributing reports, and assisting research staff with fiscal issues and complex procurement needs; interacting with MIT departments to obtain required documentation and backup in compliance with Institute and departmental policies and procedures; and assisting with special projects as needed. This position consistently requires making sound detailed decisions based on broad general guidelines. 

Senior Administrative Assistant

SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, to provide complex administrative support for the Haystack director, including daily calendar and correspondence management. May provide additional support for other members of the Haystack Director’s Office. Will manage logistics (e.g., catering, guest speakers, invitations, IT needs, etc.) for department lunches, colloquia, conferences, open houses, and other special events; make travel arrangements and prepare expense reports for all observatory research staff and guests visiting the observatory; schedule and coordinate meetings and site visits; coordinate the process of submitting the annual report to the president and outside professional activities reports; oversee Haystack-wide absence calendar and conference room reservation calendars; provide logistical support for summer student research programs, including items such as travel, housing and application coordination, and reporting; manage and arrange EHS training and licensing schedules and sessions for technicians; and handle other projects/duties as assigned.