Instrumentation Manager

Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy•Boulder, CO

3h•$155,000 - $187,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The NSF Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST), operated by the National Solar Observatory (NSO), is the world’s largest and most advanced solar telescope, designed to help answer fundamental questions about our Sun and its complex magnetic fields. DKIST, which completed construction and began operations in November 2021 on the summit of Haleakala, Maui, Hawaii is a major program within the NSO. The NSO, an NSF national research and development center dedicated to solar science, is managed by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA). AURA, a consortium of 49 U.S. institutions and 3 international affiliates, operates world-class astronomical observatories. Its role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that drive innovative astronomical research. We are hiring a DKIST Instrumentation Manager who will be responsible for managing major upgrades of existing DKIST instrumentation and for the implementation of new instrumentation developments. The Instrumentation Manager works with and takes direction from the Program Scientist for Instrumentation to establish and implement instrumentation program priorities. The Instrumentation Manager manages a team of engineers and technicians that accomplish prioritized instrumentation tasks. The Instrumentation Manager also works with the Instrumentation Operations Manager on the implementation of upgrades and new developments for the telescope on the summit. The Instrumentation Manager functionally reports to the DKIST Program Scientist for Instrumentation. This position will be located at the NSO headquarters in Boulder, Colorado.

Requirements

Degree in engineering, physics, astronomy or other relevant field, or equivalent experience.
10+ years of experience with managing complex science projects, including preparation and management of performance, budget, schedule and risk.
Experience preparing and coordinating technical procurements of varying scale ($K - $M)
Experience managing teams of engineers and technicians.
Ability to apply project management practices and relevant project management tools.
Familiarity with Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) tools and the development of instrumentation maintenance plans
Excellent organizational skills and good written and verbal communication skills.
Experience with managing development and/or operations of telescope and instrument systems, or systems of similar nature and complexity
Familiarity with astronomical observatories and observing practices.
Ability to speak and write effectively in English, including preparation of comprehensive reports
Basic computer skills

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in engineering, physics, astronomy or other relevant field, or equivalent experience.
Experience in the development or support of astronomical instrumentation.
Experience and interest in ground-based observational solar research and science analysis

Responsibilities

Lead a team of engineers and technicians to develop and implement major upgrades to the current suite of operational DKIST instruments.
Work in close collaboration with the DKIST Program Scientist for Instrumentation to implement new instrumentation concepts to meet DKIST future science mission needs.
Work with the Instrumentation Operations Manager on the implementation of new instrumentation initiatives on the summit.
Manage resources and delegate instrumentation tasks and as required.
Develop program plans for new instrument development projects involving all relevant stakeholders.
Manage instrumentation project performance using appropriate systems, tools and techniques (e.g., Atlassian Confluence and JIRA). Ensure instrument projects are executed within schedule, scope and budget
Maintain project documentation, manage instrument vendor contracts, and manage project risk.
Communicate regularly with the Program Scientist for Instrumentation and DKIST Management about project progress, changes, issues, and solutions. Provide regular updates on program status, including schedule and budget.
Maintain effective communication with other DKIST operations teams.
Coordinate work, schedules and resources within the instrumentation team and other DKIST operations teams.
Adhere to established safety and other pertinent DKIST guidelines and procedures
Responsible for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position or subordinates of this position.
Perform other duties as assigned