NOIRLab Optical Engineer - La Serena, Chile - Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy

Descripción

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.

General Summary Description of Position:

The NOIRLab Optical Engineer position is part of the Optical Engineering (OE) group, within the NOIRLab Engineering Services (ES), a distributed team of optical experts providing excellence in optical and opto-mechanical design, analysis, maintenance and handling, and coating of telescope optics.

The NOIRLab Optical Engineer can participate in designing, testing, troubleshooting and maintenance optical systems and coating plants of the NOIRLab Facilities in Chile, Hawaii and Arizona. The NOIRLab Optical Engineer is responsible for providing expertise to all aspects of optics for telescopes and must apply his/her experience to maximize the performance of optical systems. The engineering activities include optical design of new optical and optomechanical systems, system integration, testing, commissioning, and maintenance of existing instruments. This role requires good interpersonal skills and team spirit to work in conjunction with technical staff, engineering staff, scientific staff, and external organizations to guide the development of instruments, prepare maintenance documentation and procedures, participate in design reviews, and to provide guidance to technicians.

Within the OE group, this position participates in a wide variety of projects for large and mid-scale observatories. This position is primarily assigned to the , supporting the design, integration, installation and start-up of multiple instrument projects, with additional responsibilities for design of new instrumentation for the SOAR Telescope and operational support of the Blanco Telescope, all located in Chile.

Given the nature of the work, this is an on-site position that can be located at any of NOIRLab major operations centers in Arizona, Chile or Hawaii. The working time is divided between the telescope site and the sea level base facilities. This position will require occasional international travel to the different NOIRLab locations. If based in Chile, the position holds a 5-day work week predominantly on-site, at the Cerro Pachon and Cerro Tololo facilities; and it will also be expected to work at the AURA Recinto facilities in La Serena, as needed.

Essential Functions:

Other Functions:

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements 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.

Salary Range (For US Locations Only): $87,100-$115,610. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications, experience and job location.

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 February 16, 2024.

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 47 US institutions and 3 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories for the and . AURA's role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. In addition, AURA is deeply committed to public and educational outreach, and to throughout the astronomical and scientific workforce. AURA carries out its role through its astronomical facilities.

As a recipient of 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.