Active Optics Control Scientist
About The Position
The Active Optics Control Scientist will lead the optimization of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory’s active optics performance during operational commissioning and survey operations. The role focuses on evaluating on-sky performance, improving control algorithms, analyzing delivered image quality, modernizing active optics control software, and optimizing the end-to-end pipeline to reduce latency and execution time. The position collaborates with scientists, software engineers, optical engineers, and operations teams across an international organization to help ensure the observatory consistently achieves the image quality required for its scientific mission. The position offers the opportunity to work on a cutting-edge active optics system at a major astronomical facility and contribute to image quality for the Legacy Survey of Space and Time. The job may be based in Tucson, Arizona, or La Serena, Chile, and requires willingness to travel domestically and internationally, including to observatory locations.
Requirements
- PhD in Astronomy, Optical Sciences, Physics, or a related discipline.
- At least 3 years of experience developing, commissioning, or operating active optics or adaptive optics systems.
- Strong background in control theory and control algorithm development.
- Experience with simulation, modeling, and analytical tools.
- Proficiency in Python or a comparable scientific programming language.
- Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally, including to observatory locations.
Nice To Haves
- Telescope or large scientific facility commissioning experience.
- Hands-on experience with optical control systems, laboratory optical testbeds, or precision instrumentation.
- Expertise using Zemax, Code V, or similar optical modeling tools.
- Experience with Git/GitHub-based software development workflows.
- Success working within globally distributed technical teams.
- Strong technical writing and scientific communication skills.
Responsibilities
- Evaluate and improve on-sky active optics performance.
- Lead the optimization of active optics control algorithms.
- Analyze delivered image quality and identify performance improvements.
- Streamline, standardize, and modernize active optics control software.
- Optimize the end-to-end active optics pipeline to reduce latency and execution time.
- Collaborate with scientists, software engineers, optical engineers, and operations teams across an international organization.
- Help ensure Rubin consistently achieves the image quality required for its scientific mission.
Benefits
- Paid time off
- Employer retirement plan contributions
- Collaborative and mission-driven work environment
- Opportunity to support internationally recognized astronomical research
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
