Communications Specialist

Caltech is seeking a full-time Communications Specialist for a two-month summer position focused on space telescope communications. This in-person role requires expertise in architectural engineering and aims to enhance public outreach through various media. Candidates should have a background in engineering design, strong communication skills, and a passion for science communication. The position involves collaboration with scientists and project members to develop engaging content.
Communications Specialist

Caltech

Job Category: Occasional
Exempt Overtime Eligible: Overtime Eligible
Benefits Eligible: Non-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

Caltech/IPAC's Communication and Education team is seeking a limited term, full-time Communications specialist with a focus on communicating the science and engineering designs of space telescopes. This two-month summer position is for a candidate with an understanding of Architectural Engineering, and a desire to expand their experience and impact in public outreach, communications and education. This will be an in-person work opportunity on the Caltech campus during July and August 2025.

IPAC, part of the Physics, Math, and Astronomy Division at Caltech (www.caltech.edu), provides science operations, user support, data and archive services, and scientific vision to maximize discovery with observatories both in space and on the ground. The IPAC Communications and Education team works with researchers at IPAC, JPL and international partnerships to develop, document and communicate mission stories and general science education via press releases, imagery, audio, video, and VR experiences. IPAC has stories to tell, and we invite you to be a part of the team that finds and tells these stories!

Job Responsibilities

As a Communications specialist, you will work collaboratively in an active, creative, and strategic environment with team members and scientists and project members from the missions and projects with IPAC involvement. Your collaborative work will develop communications that may include interactives, features, graphics, multimedia and more. The goals include representing both science drivers and engineering design choices of select space-telescope missions with IPAC involvement.

Basic Qualifications

If you have the following in your background, then we want to hear about your interest in joining our team:
• At least 2 years of undergraduate studies in engineering design or architectural engineering.
• Training or experience in electrical, lighting, mechanical, and structural systems, and how systems interact.
• Strong teamwork, collaboration, verbal and written communication, along with demonstrated creativity and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience or training in graphic design.
• A passion for science communication and community engagement.

Preferred Qualifications

Beyond these basic qualifications, there are a set of skills and experiences which will add to your ability to contribute to the roles and responsibilities of an IPAC/ICE Communications specialist. The following might give you a head-start here, but even if these do not describe you or your experience, we would still like to hear from you:
• Entry level or beyond experience with Python, Excel, Microsoft Word
• Entry level or beyond experience AutoCAD and Adobe Photoshop
• Experience working with scientists to develop content for the general public.

Required Documents
• Resume.

Optional Document
• Cover letter.

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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