Optomechanical Engineering Associate, Observing Support

Optomechanical Engineering Associate, Observing Support

The McDonald Observatory is an astronomical observatory located 16 miles from Fort Davis, Texas, which is 440 miles away from the UT Austin campus. Position may be considered an essential employee for emergency or critical response. Residence in the Observatory's residential community is preferred. Hours include occasional weekends, evenings, and holidays.

The University of Texas at Austin provides an outstanding benefits package to staff, including:

• Competitive health benefits (Employee premiums covered at 100%; family premiums at 50%)
• Vision, dental, life, and disability insurance options
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Teachers Retirement System of Texas (a defined benefit retirement plan)
• Additional voluntary retirement programs: tax sheltered annuity 403(b) and a deferred compensation program 457(b)
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses

Purpose

The Optomechanical Engineering Associate provides hands-on mechanical and technical support for all McDonald Observatory and tenant telescope facilities. This includes performing instrument changes, setting up instruments, cleaning optical surfaces, re-coating astronomical optics, and assisting with design and machining. This position is part of the Observing Support (OS) team and reports to the OS Manager.

Responsibilities

• Facility and Instrumentation Support. Performs maintenance and repairs on McDonald Observatory's astronomical instruments, including the 107-inch Harlen J. Smith Telescope (HJST), the historic Otto Struve Telescope, and the 30- and 36-inch facilities. Assists with upgrades, modifications, as well as design and machining as directed.
• Tenant Support. Performs maintenance and repairs on the tenant facilities that are supported by McDonald Observatory.
• Operations Support. Assists in general operations tasks, including instrument changes, optical cleaning, optical recoating, and telescope assembly. Provides technical support for observing, including reviewing night logs for problems, refilling cryogens, and changing filters, among other tasks. May lead operations support efforts and supervises the 107-inch machine shop.
• Documentation. Assists in quality control checks and upgrades to the Operation & Maintenance (O&M) Manuals for the optical and mechanical systems in coordination with management.
• Performs other related duties as assigned. Drive a UT vehicle.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering/Sciences, or a related field.
• A minimum of two years of experience in an optical lab or other precision research environment.
• Experience with precision equipment used in research programs.
• Familiarity with optical coating procedures.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work, to meet deadlines and expectations.
• Self-driven individual with keen technical ability, systematic and detail-oriented approach.
• Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and strong team player.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate with a variety of audiences, including science users, engineers, educators, nighttime staff, and administrative staff.
• Proficient computer skills such as Microsoft Office 365, specifically Excel.
• Experience with project management tracking software such as Jira.
• Desire and ability to learn new skills or methods.
• Competencies include accuracy and attention to detail, decision-making and critical thinking, effective communications, initiative, interpersonal relationships, problem-solving, and service excellence.
• An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Welding and metal fabrication skills.
• Proven ability to design experiments, conduct tests, and gather and interpret data for troubleshooting optomechanical component or system failures.
• Understanding of system-level interactions between optics, electronics, software, and mechanical parts to enable effective problem-solving at the system level down to the individual part level.
• Demonstrated ability to design effective, robust mechanical and/or optical systems with a strong emphasis on clear and comprehensive technical documentation.
• Experience with CAD and coding.
• Familiarity with astronomical instrumentation.
• Familiarity with optical and/or near-IR detectors.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: care of optics, optical alignments, stray light analysis and control, optical mountings, and optical coatings, including thin films.

Driving Required

This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license. The applicant selected must provide a current three year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident.

Salary Range

$58,000 + depending on qualifications and experience

Working Conditions

• Position is located at the McDonald Observatory, Fort Davis, Texas. If you do not live in the surrounding areas, you will need to relocate.
• May work in all weather conditions and extreme temperatures. The McDonald Observatory is located at approximately 6900 ft. above sea level. Environmental conditions can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from -10˚F to +95˚F. Inclement winter weather can be expected, which requires comfortable driving in wintry conditions on mountain grades.
• Climbing ladders, free climbing on/around heavy equipment
• Working in/from man-lifts and scissor lifts
• Heavy lifting (must be able to lift 35 lbs.).
• Working with hazardous chemicals and cryogenic liquids
• Working with heavy machinery
• Working at a computer
• Use of approved safety equipment is required; may be required to undergo respirator fit testing

Work Shift

• Monday - Friday, generally 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Occasional work hours outside of the standard schedule.
• Working at night, on weekends, and on holidays may be required.

Required Materials

• Letter of Interest
• Resume/CV
• Three work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor