Optomechanical Engineer for the Hobby-Eberly Telescope

The University of Texas at Austin, McDonald Observatory invites applications for an Optomechanical Engineer for the Hobby-Eberly Telescope (HET) in the beautiful Davis Mountains of West Texas. The HET is a fully queue scheduled 10-m class optical and near-IR spectroscopic telescope. The position is responsible for maintaining all optics on the HET and manage all activities in the HET optic lab including maintaining the reflectivity of the primary mirror segments, operating and maintaining the mirror coating facility and serve as the supervisor for the HET optics team. This position works closely with colleagues at the HET and in Austin to design, build and maintain optomechanical tools and instrumentation as needed for the efficient operation of the HET.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in mechanical or optical engineering with more than two years’ experience or Bachelor's degree in mechanical or optical engineering with more than four years of related experience, preferably in an optomechanical design role or in the optical coating industry, including one plus years’ experience as a team lead or in a supervisory role.
• Experience in optical component cleaning and handling procedures, optical coating equipment and coating processes, mechanical and optomechanical design, optical system performance measurement and optical component mounting.
• Basic machining skills and a passion for hands-on problem solving.
• Understanding of system level interaction between optics, mechanics, electronics and software systems as well as problem solving from the system level down to component level

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficient in optical coating processes, more specifically ion assisted electron beam vapor deposition, and the process control requirements that lead to optimal coating performance in terms of reflectivity and durability.
• Proficient in vacuum system operation and maintenance for optical coating processes. 
• Proficient in mechanical and optomechanical design using Solid Works and/or Inventor. 
• Familiar with basic optical design and some proficiency in the use of optical design/simulation tools such as ZEMAX and the ability to communicate effectively with optical designers on optical design and performance measurement. 
• Hands on experience in optical component mounting, interfaces and adhesive bonding. 
• Practical programming experience (Python, MATLAB or equivalent) for advanced optics and optical coating modelling, design and data analysis

Benefits, see https://hr.utexas.edu/prospective/benefits.html. May include on-site housing at McDonald Observatory.  See https://utaustin.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UTstaff/job/MCDONALD-OBSERVATORY/HET-Optomechanical-Engineer_R_00010826 for complete description and to apply.  This position is security-sensitive, and a background check will be conducted. UT is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and committed to diversity.