Research Scientist/Engineer (Multiple Positions)

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Thursday, March 10, 2022
Archive Date: 
Thursday, April 7, 2022
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Science Engineering
Institution Classification/Type: 
Large Academic
Institution/Company: 
University of Washington
Department Name: 
Astronomy Department
City: 
Seattle
State/Province: 
WA
Country: 
United States of America
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

The University of Washington (UW) Astronomy Department has an outstanding opportunity for a opto/mechanical engineer who will have responsibilities both with the Astrophysical Research Consortium (ARC) 3.5m telescope and other ground- and space-based instrument  projects. The 3.5m telescope at APO is owned and operated by a consortium of eight universities, whose members utilize the telescope for astronomical research covering a wide range of topics as well as student training. For more information, please visit the observatory websites:

Apache Point Observatory: https://www.apo.nmsu.edu/

Design work is underway for a new spectrograph for the 3.5m and you will provide opto-mechanical design and testing support for that project. This work requires in-depth optical design, analysis, mechanical design, systems testing, and integration of the new systems. Mechanical design includes the use of Solidworks for 3d modeling and the use of NX for simulation, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), PYTHON, MATLAB and data Reduction. This includes working with and possibly designing vacuum systems. The ideal candidate will be a motivated self-starter who excels at managing multiple projects and priorities. The duties for this position include the following:
 

Organize shipments and purchasing with different machine shops.

Design Opto-mechanical and vacuum systems.

Analysis of designs and how they’re working with the systems including testing support for multiple projects.

Initiate integration of designs into the new systems.

Create Mechanical designs through the use of Solidworks for 3d modeling and the use of NX for simulation, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), PYTHON, MATLAB and data Reduction.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor’s level degree in mechanical engineering, optical engineering, or related field, AND three or more years of applicable experience.

Equivalent experience may substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to solve technical problems independently and creatively

Ability to speak and write effectively, including the writing of technical proposals and reports

Ability to communicate and cooperate with others

Familiarity with systems engineering approaches, project scheduling and budgeting

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
The prospective candidate must be willing to travel occasionally (at least once a year) to Apache Point Observatory (NM). APO is at high altitude, and the position requires the ability to do physical work on site.

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 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

Able to climb stairs and work at observatory altitude

Desired:

Production process design experience

Familiarity with opto-mechanical design & alignment

Hands-on experience with Zemax or other equivalent optical design software

Application Process:

Applicants must apply for these positions through the UWHires website (click here).
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process.  These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others.  Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.

Application Deadline: 
Thursday, April 7, 2022
Current Status of Position: 
Accepting Applicants
Apply to Job
Attention To: 
Astronomy Department