OPTOMECHNICAL ENGINEER

Job number:  07110703

Type:  Full time, professional.

Closing date:  Open until the position is filled.

Location:  GMT Project Office, Pasadena CA


Background:

The Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) Project is a collaboration of major US and international educational and research institutions constructing a next-generation extremely large optical/infrared telescope for scientific astronomical research.  GMT will have a segmented primary mirror 25 meters in diameter and will be located at Las Campanas Observatory in Chile. The telescope is being designed with adaptive optics and an advanced suite of instruments to support a diverse program of key scientific investigations.  The Project has completed the conceptual design of the telescope and facility and is currently in the Design Development Phase.  The GMT members include Carnegie Institution of Washington, Harvard University, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, University of Arizona, The University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, and the Australian National University.  The project office is located in Pasadena, California.

GMT website:  www.gmto.org


Job Summary:

The telescope optical systems are being designed by the project team working closely with engineering groups at the GMT institutions.  The Optomechanical Engineer will be a member of this team reporting to the GMT Telescope Group Leader. He/she will take an active hands-on role in specifying, designing and procuring optical assemblies for the telescope with principal design responsibility for a number of key subsystems. 

The Optomechanical Engineer will work with the Systems Engineering Group and others on the telescope team to develop design requirements, interface control documents, and error budgets for the optical systems. He/she will also be involved in the performance modeling of the telescope.

The Optomechanical Engineer will be responsible for designing mirror systems and supports, refractive correctors, and various phasing sensors.  Critical components will be prototyped under his/her direction.  He/she will prepare technical reports to document the designs and will be called upon to deliver presentations at technical reviews.

The Optomechanical Engineer will also be involved in contracting for the design and/or fabrication of optical components and assemblies.  This will involve identifying potential suppliers, writing statements of work and technical specifications, participating in the bid/selection process, and monitoring contracted work in progress.


Job Duties:

The Optomechanical Engineer will be responsible for:Determining optical sensitivities and tolerances and for developing error budgets and specifications from top level requirements. Designing and analyzing optical subassemblies for the telescope including primary mirror supports, segmented secondary mirror assembly, guiders and phasing sensors. Conducting prototyping testing of mirror supports, edge sensors and other critical assemblies. Preparing technical reports to document the design and performance of GMT. Preparing and delivering presentations at technical reviews and conferences. Participating in the procurement process for engineering services and construction including identification of potential vendors/suppliers, preparation of technical specifications & statements of work, and participation in the selection process and monitoring of the work.

The Optomechanical Engineer will work closely with others to:Develop design requirements and interface specifications for the optical subsystems and assist in the preparation of the system engineering documents. Support the preparation of top-down and bottom-up system error budgets. Support static and dynamic performance modeling of the mechanical, optical, and control systems of the telescope in the presence of wind disturbance and atmospheric turbulence effects. Support instrument groups in developing concept designs for focal plane instrumentation. Coordinate optical systems integration and test programs.


Minimum Requirements:A M.S. degree in mechanical or optical engineering or equivalent experience. 7 years engineering experience with large optomechanical systems. Willingness and ability to travel to foreign and domestic vendor, partner, and observatory locations as the need arises.


Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesStrong design skills with expertise in CAD solid modeling (e.g. Solidworks) and finite element analysis (e.g. ANSYS).  Matlab experience is preferred and Zemax experience is a plus. Experience with telescope or aerospace systems is strongly preferred. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.


Compensation

GMTO Corporation offers a competitive compensation package including medical and retirement benefits.  The level of compensation will depend on the experience of the applicant.  Employment will be though the Carnegie Institution of Washington (CIW).  CIW is an equal opportunity employer.


Applying

Applicants should submit a Letter of Interest and a Resume at http://www.gmto.org/employment. Only electronic submissions will be accepted.  Please refer to the Job Number in the letter.