Mechanical Engineer

NSF’s NOIRLab is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. NOIRLab is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) which operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs: Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Chile and Hawai’i. The mission of NOIRLab is to enable breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing and operating state-of-the-art ground-based observatories and providing data products and services for a diverse and inclusive community.

A Mechanical Engineer designs and develops technical solutions for telescopes and support services in the mechanical, electro-mechanical and opto-mechanical systems.

A Mechanical Engineer works closely with other mechanical, electrical, optical and software engineers and technicians, project managers, scientists and telescope operators to solve technical problems, develop improvements to existing systems and support new instrument projects.

Mechanical Engineers typically report to an Engineering Manager or Project Manager for functional work. The Mechanical Engineer contributes to moderately complex aspects of one or more projects. Work is generally collaborative in nature, but requires a high degree of self-direction and ability to work independently. Work can vary from purely design and analysis to highly hands-on, and may require spending substantial time on the telescope site.

A bachelor degree in mechanical engineering or similar discipline is required. An advanced degree is preferred, and substantial work experience, including telescope experience, is required to be considered for Mechanical Engineer III or IV level. A good working level of English is required for this job.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Analysis, design and implementation of complex mechanical, opto-mechanical or electro-mechanical systems.
• Troubleshooting of complex technical problems with the telescope and support systems.
• Identifying and proposing improvement projects to the telescope and support systems, including technical justification, cost-benefit analysis and engineering solution.
• Assist junior level mechanical engineers and technicians in troubleshooting and supporting systems.
• Assist junior level mechanical engineers in design and implementation of systems.
• Work with engineers from other disciplines and scientific staff to document and clarify requirements for new mechanical systems. Translate requirements into tasks specifications, including tasks for junior level engineers.
• Provide clearly written documentation (both technical and user oriented) for projects and technical tasks. To be considered for Mechanical Engineer III or IV level must be capable of writing proposal documents and whitepapers that explain mechanical systems in a language that can be appreciated by an educated but non-expert audience.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring of junior level mechanical engineers, supervising their work and giving direction as needed.
• Provide regular updates on progress of assigned tasks, and keep project managers, team lead and other stakeholders informed about issues that might impact deadlines.
• Stay current with changes in the field.
• Take the initiative to research new technologies and investigate ways in which they may be applied to solve problems faced by the observatory.

Job Specifications:

A Mechanical Engineer must be able to design, develop and maintain mechanical, opto-mechanical and electro-mechanical systems of moderate or high complexity and must have a good overall understanding of astronomical telescopes or similar systems.

The candidate must have a good working understanding of project management and equipment life-cycle process, from requirements development, conceptual design, detailed design, implementation, commissioning, maintenance, to end-of-life / obsolescence management. Engineer III and IV must be capable of managing projects of increased scope and complexity, and may direct project teams that include other engineers and technicians, especially at level IV.

A Mechanical Engineer must be proficient at technical analysis incorporating multiple interacting systems, often drawing on information and experience from other disciplines and more senior staff.

Requires excellent verbal and written skills in order to create design requirements, user manuals, and technical documentation. Requires ability to provide technical leadership, whenever required, while being self-starting on new development projects.

Required Education:

• Mechanical Engineer II or III: Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. Master degree or equivalent work experience preferred.
• Mechanical Engineer IV: Master's degree or equivalent work experience is required.

Required Experience:

• Mechanical Engineer II: 3-5 years of relevant job experience
• Mechanical Engineer III: 5-8 years of relevant work experience, with at least 2 years of Telescope experience
• Mechanical Engineer IV: 8+ years of relevant work experience, with at least 5 years of Telescope experience

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of mechanical engineering concepts.
• Must be proficient in the use of at least one common 3D CAD, CAE, CAM, simulation and/or analysis engineering software applications.
• Have advanced knowledge in one or more areas of mechanical engineering relevant to the observatory, including but not limited to:
  • CAD / CAE
  • FEA and structural analysis
  • CFD
  • Thermal analysis
  • Vibration analysis
  • Opto-mechanical systems
  • Cryogenic and vacuum systems
• Experience with managing different aspects of mechanical engineering work such as analysis, design, fabrication, commissioning, troubleshooting, maintenance and/or project management.
• Experience with technical documentation management, revision control and change management.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse community of users and developers and write clear technical documentation
• Ability to work with distributed teams.
• A good level of English is required, both written and spoken.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl.
• The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at

The position will remain open until it is filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by September 27, 2024.

• Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume in English, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname Docname.
• Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to .
• Please enter 3 professional references in your application (references will only be contacted later in the recruitment process).

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at .

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 49 US institutions and 3 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories for the National Science Foundation and NASA .