Rubin Active Optics Control Scientist
About The Position
The Active Optics Control Scientist will advance the performance of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory’s active optics system during operational commissioning and survey operations. The role focuses on evaluating and improving on-sky performance, optimizing control algorithms, analyzing delivered image quality, and modernizing the active optics software and pipeline to reduce latency and execution time. The scientist will collaborate with scientific, software, optical engineering, and operations teams across an international organization to help ensure Rubin achieves the image quality needed for its scientific mission. The position is based in either Tucson, Arizona, or La Serena, Chile, and offers the opportunity to work with a major astronomical facility conducting the ten-year Legacy Survey of Space and Time. The role is with NSF NOIRLab, a federally funded research and development center operated by AURA.
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 controls 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 active optics pipeline end to end to reduce latency and execution time.
- Collaborate with scientists, software engineers, optical engineers, and operations teams across an international organization.
- Help ensure the observatory consistently achieves the image quality required for its scientific mission.
Benefits
- Paid time off.
- Retirement plan contributions.
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
- Attractive work environment.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
