COPY - Senior Optical Fabrication Engineer

Optical Engineer

This role supports Steward Observatory's mission to enable cutting-edge discoveries in astronomy and astrophysics by developing, designing, and manufacturing high-performance telescope mirrors for world-class ground- and space-based observatories.

The engineer will serve as a technical leader within the Mirror Lab, owning grinding, polishing, and figuring processes and ensuring mirrors meet extremely tight optical and performance requirements for flagship telescope programs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define and execute grinding and polishing processes to achieve 10-20 nm RMS surface accuracy
• Analyze advanced measurement data to guide fabrication and optimize processes
• Conduct tests and experiments to improve fabrication methods and equipment
• Evaluate mirror fidelity and performance for internal leadership and external customers
• Write detailed technical reports and present findings to stakeholders
• Supervise and mentor assigned engineers, providing technical direction and guidance

Skills and Requirements:

• 10+ years of optical fabrication experience (15+ preferred)
• Hands-on experience grinding, polishing, and figuring high-precision optical surfaces
• Ability to evaluate, interpret, and judge advanced metrology and measurement data
• Experience delivering optics that meet extremely tight tolerances – PhD
• 15+ years of optical fabrication experience
• Significant R&D experience in addition to production work
• Background in nanomachining or adjacent fabrication disciplines
• Education:
• Master's degree in engineering or science relevant to optical engineering (required)
• PhD in engineering or relevant science (preferred)
• No certifications explicitly required