Mechanical Engineer III
About The Position
The National Solar Observatory (NSO) is seeking a Mechanical Engineer III to design, analyze, and maintain mechanical components and systems to meet specified requirements and standards. This role involves developing specifications for new parts, modifications, or prototypes, identifying appropriate materials and processes, and utilizing CAD software for design and improvement. The engineer will conduct assembly and prototype testing, analyze and troubleshoot mechanical issues, and contribute to technical/engineering activities, project planning, and data analysis within a research and development environment or astronomical facility. The position requires independent problem-solving, collaboration with management and project teams, sourcing parts, and ensuring compliance with safety standards and government award terms.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
- 5+ years of experience in mechanical engineering.
- Familiarity with standards applicable to mechanical engineering and drafting.
- Ability to resolve technical problems by application of engineering and physics principles relevant to project requirements in mechanical engineering/technology, design drafting, computer CAD applications, and scientific optical instrumentation.
- Ability to develop conceptual ideas based on requirements and specifications and transform those into functional hardware.
- Proficient in the use of MS Office applications and general computer skills.
- Ability to speak and write effectively, including preparation and presentation of reports.
- Ability to cooperate with and obtain the support of others.
- Knowledge of technological developments and the ability to apply them to existing assignments.
Nice To Haves
- SolidWorks, or other 3D CAD packages.
- Solidworks Simulation, ANSYS or other FEA packages.
- Solidworks Thermal Simulation, Starr CCM+ or other CFD packages.
- Handling optics, optical assemblies, and complex astronomical instrumentation components and instruments.
- Experience in a research and development environment or astronomical facility and of working with observing instruments.
Responsibilities
- Performs a mechanical engineering role in technical/engineering activities, project planning and control and data analysis.
- Independently solves moderately complex mechanical design problems.
- Collaborates with management to develop techniques, procedures, tooling, assembly, testing, installation and other operations for a project.
- Sources the correct parts as needed for projects.
- Coordinates problem-solving of a technical nature directly or in conjunction with other members of a project team.
- Engineering development of existing designs and manufacturing procedures as appropriate.
- Develops techniques, procedures, and testing for compliance with technical requirements and approved time schedules.
- Develops techniques and procedures for installation and maintenance of instrumentation at the telescope with other on-site teams as necessary.
- Arranges and coordinates activities for a project and interacts with other departments and vendors when required.
- Exercises discretion in the application of available resources and techniques for a project.
- Complies with applicable safety standards and ensures safety of operations in areas under purview, and for correcting and/or reporting unsafe conditions and practices.
- Responsible for the proper management and control of all AURA property within their work area.
- Responsible for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position or subordinates of this position.
Benefits
- paid time off
- retirement plan contributions
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Number of Employees
501-1,000 employees
