Operations Specialist

Ryan Crouch

Richland, WA +1-603-***-**** ************.*@*****.*** Linkedin Publications

Professional Summary

Astronomy & Astrophysics graduate and operations specialist with a strong background in laboratory systems, data handling, and technical operations. Currently supporting the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) at Caltech's Hanford site, contributing to groundbreaking research inastrophysics. Coauthored collaboration papers on surpassing the quantom limit.

Professional Experience

Caltech / LIGO Hanford Observatory Jun 2022 - Present

Operations Specialist Richland, WA

•Coordinated and managed daily operations of the detector when on shift, being the final say on any and all detector impacting activities, ensuring the functionality of one of the most sensitive instruments on Earth on a rotating shift schedule

•Supported maintenance and troubleshooting of vacuum systems, optics, and high-precision instrumentation, leading to reduced downtime and enhanced system reliability through root cause analysis

•Interfaced with scientific and engineering teams to ensure seamless experiment execution and system performance, resulting in improved collaboration and project success

•Maintained detailed operational logs and contributed to continuous process improvements, and enhanced documentation

•Developed, maintained, and tested software to support different subsystems of the Detector, mostly in python, and matlab

Education

Florida Institute of Technology

Bachelor of Science, Astronomy & Astrophysics

• Achievements: Cohead of Tutoring for the Astrobiology Club, Assistant director of Ortega research observatory, Senior Design project was accepted to be presented at the 2020 Posters On The Hill conference.

Skills

•Technical: Python, MATLAB, C++, Rust, Simulink, SQL, Shell/Bash Scripting, Windows, Linux & Unix-Based Systems, Automation, Data Reduction and Analysis, Vibrational Analysis (Brüel & Kjaer), Electronics & Hardware Testing (TDR, OTDR), Git, Controls, Optic/cavity Alignment Algorithms, Solidworks, Electromechanical Systems, Machine Learning, Microsoft Suite; Word, Excel, PowerPoint…

•Instrumentation: Lasers (safety, interferometry), Vacuum Systems, Accelerometers, Seismometers, Spectrum Analyzers, Optics, Advanced Surveying Tools; FARO, Autolevels, Theodolites, Oscilliscopes, Photodiodes (QPDs, PDs…), PLC equipment

•Soft Skills: Analytical Problem-Solving, Operational Coordination, Clear Communication, Independent Initiative, Technical Documentation, Coordination and Collaboration with Third-Party Suppliers, Engineering Principles, International Collaboration

Projects & Research

Next-Gen Triple Pendulum Suspensions

Caltech / LIGO Hanford Observatory

•Collaborated with subsystem lead to build, test, and categorize a dozen advanced triple pendulum suspension systems to support a new readout system aimed at reducing quantum noise in future LIGO observing runs.

•Tasks included precision alignment, vibrational testing, QA/QC verification, and documentation of mechanical performance (transfer functions).

•Setup test stands to test the electronic chain, and dynamics via transfer functions

Initial Alignment Subsystem

Caltech / LIGO Hanford Observatory

•Integral part of the team leveraging a FARO vantage laser tracker to establish a high-precision coordinate system for the entire vacuum equipment area.

•This groundwork supports upgrades for the next observing run with sub-millimeter precision (0.5 mm) required for key optical components.

Contamination Control Secondary

Caltech / LIGO Hanford Observatory

•Investigate vacuum compatibility

•Mananage site cleanrooms and dust monitors, including planing a site wide dust monitor upgrade using rs485 connections over 4km

•Consulting for future LIGO India

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