25 Feb
Mechanical Engineer
Vacancy expired!
NSF's National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory (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. We are seeking
a Mechanical Engineer to be part of the Mechanical Engineering (ME) group of NOIRLab Engineering Services (ES), a distributed team of over 30 members in charge of providing excellence in the design, construction, commissioning and maintenance of all mechanical and physical plant equipment at the telescopes including observatories' instrumentation, and the operation of machine shops. The Mechanical Engineer has responsibility for the mechanical engineering analysis, design and support for a wide variety of areas, in a multi-cultural environment. Telescope and instrumentation maintenance, reliability engineering, continuous performance improvement and obsolescence mitigation are important aspects in this position. Furthermore, by participating in design reviews, this position is expected to represent operational needs and past experience during the development of new instruments. The working time will be mostly at the telescope site, with some time at the offices and workshop at NOIRLab administrative facilities. The position will be tuned to the incumbent's experience and abilities and may encompass leadership or supervision of other engineers and technicians. Travel to the other NOIRLab facilities may be required for short periods of time. Essential Functions:- Provides mechanical engineering support to the operations and maintenance work on the telescope and instrumentation.
- Provides mechanical engineering analysis, design, fabrication, integration and test support for ongoing and future development programs related to the telescope and instrumentation. Represents operational stakeholder interests in design reviews.
- Takes (cross-functional) responsibility for one or more systems and/or instruments.
- Prepares technical reports, drawings, purchase requisitions, fabrication contracts and other forms of documentation related to the work.
- All AURA employees are responsible for the proper management and control of all AURA property within their work area, whether assigned to them or someone else. This responsibility includes reporting any known missing, stolen, or non-working property in their work area to their supervisor or the AURA Property Officer.
- Responsible for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position or subordinates of this position as defined in the Vela Award Management system.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Mechanical design, analysis, fabrication, and assembly practice.
- Proficient with CAD design software (SolidWorks, ANSYS, AutoCAD, or equivalent).
- Familiarity with analysis and simulation software (MatLab, Mathematica or similar).
- Ability to speak and write effectively, including preparation of comprehensive engineering documentation, technical reports, or professional association papers.
- Ability to work in an interdisciplinary and international environment.
- Committed team worker in a diverse environment.
- Motivated to learn new skills and abilities.
- Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
- Must have a valid Driver's License; clean driving record.
- Three or more years of relevant experience.
- Experience in design and maintenance of precision mechanical or opto-mechanical equipment.
- Experience with mechatronics, electro-mechanical and industrial automation systems such as servo drives, PLCs, or industrial robots.
- Ability to characterize fabricability of designed parts and materials using CNC lathes and mills, and manual grinding, drilling, and milling machines, and related equipment.
- Experience with industrial and large mechanical systems and reliability-based maintenance & design.
- Astronomical observatory experience .
- Some interdisciplinary experience.
- Interaction with internal/external (scientific) stakeholders.
- Experience working with industry contractors.
- Ability to present work in conferences.
- Professional Engineer (PE) certification.
- 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.
- Must possess - sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) reach upward, sideways, downward to work with paper files; b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, fax machines, copiers, and other office machines.
- Must possess - 1) ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform job; 2) sufficient visual capacity to perform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than eye contacts or eye glasses; 3) sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid; and 4) ability to impart information orally so that others understand and can respond appropriately.
- Given the international nature of NOIRLab, occasional work at high elevation summit sites may be required (summit elevations range from 6,800 feet to 14,000 feet).
Vacancy expired!