25 Feb
Mechanical Engineer
Arizona, Tucson , 85719 Tucson USA

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.

Other Functions:
  • 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.

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:
  • 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.

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:
  • 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.

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.
  • 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).
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. At NOIRLab we are committed to diversity and inclusion; our managing organization, AURA, as a leader in the astronomical community, develops and supports programs that advance our organizational commitment to diversity, broaden participation, and encourage the advancement of diversity throughout the astronomical scientific workforce. Learn more at http://www.aura-astronomy.org/diversity.asp Please list 3 professional references in your application (references will only be contacted later in the recruitment process) and attach: a cover letter and a CV or resume, 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 Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at This position will remain open until filled, to be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by March 5th, 2021. Preference will be given to qualified internal candidates and qualified Native Americans living on or near the Tohono O'odham reservation

. NOIRLab has the majority of staff working remotely during COVID-19 crisis. The safety of our staff and community is our top priority. We will continue to interview and screen candidates in this new virtual landscape. Offers of employment can be extended and new hires can on-board virtually and arrangements may be made for remote work. Relocation benefits will be available to those eligible when travel can be supported The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of over 40 US institutions and three international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories. AURA's role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. AURA is responsible for managing the operations of the NSF's NOIRLab, the National Solar Observatory, and the construction of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory and the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope under cooperative agreements with the National Science Foundation and operations of the Space Telescope Science Institute under contracts with NASA.

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with DisabilitiesThe contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Vacancy expired!


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