Senior Engineer, Optical Fabrication

About the role

Our mission is to enable cutting-edge discoveries in astronomy and astrophysics by developing, designing, and manufacturing the highest-performance mirrors for use in ground and space telescopes. Our giant, lightweight, honeycomb mirrors are used in leading observatories including the Vera Rubin Observatory, the MMT, and the Large Binocular Telescopes. We're currently working to enable future capabilities by producing 8.4 m diameter primary mirror segments for the Giant Magellan Telescope and other programs.

Responsibilities

• Define processes for grinding and polishing telescope mirrors to an accuracy of 10-20 nm RMS surface.
• Processes include diamond generating cast mirror blanks to final dimensions and shape accuracy of 20 microns RMS; fine grinding to remove subsurface damage and achieve 1 micron RMS accuracy; and polishing and figuring to meet demanding requirements over a wide range of spatial scales.
• Decision-making includes comprehensive definition of processes to be carried out repeatedly over a timescale of months, design of individual grinding and polishing runs, and strategic use of measurements.
• Evaluate measurement data in order to guide the fabrication process and to optimize the process. Recognize the limitations of measurements that are at the edge of what is possible, and determine which information is valuable and reliable.
• Carry out tests and experiments to optimize fabrication processes. Analyze mirror performance in multiple ways, including image quality, deflection due to mechanical and thermal loads, and active optics.
• Write reports on diverse subjects, including demonstrating that mirrors satisfy requirements at multiple stages of fabrication; and analysis of mirror performance.
• Present results to Steward Observatory leadership and customers.
• Serve as the Mirror Lab authority for verifying the fidelity of surface evaluations for all stakeholders.

Requirements

• A master's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Qualifications

• Experience should include significant research and development, as well as production.

Skills

Experience that includes significant research and development as well as production.

Benefits

Prefer a PhD in engineering or a science relevant to optical engineering.

Pay

$139,102 - $180,833

Schedule

Full Time