Mechanical Engineer III

AURA • Boulder, CO

18h • $110,000 - $130,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Mechanical Engineer III is a critical contributor to the success of the Next-Generation Global Observing Network Group (ngGONG) design project, bridging detailed mechanical engineering with system-level observatory performance. By leading the design of key mechanical subsystems, this role ensures that telescope and instrumentation hardware meets demanding requirements for precision, stability, and long-term reliability. Working in close partnership with the Principal Mechanical Engineer and cross-disciplinary teams, the ME3 helps translate complex scientific and system requirements into practical, manufacturable designs. The quality and rigor of this work directly influence the performance, serviceability, and longevity of ngGONG’s observatory systems—making this role essential to delivering a world-class solar observing capability. The ngGONG project is currently funded for a three-year design phase, with the potential for additional funding contingent upon selection to advance into construction. This position is based in Boulder, Colorado, on the University of Colorado campus.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• 5+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, including design, analysis, and documentation of complex mechanical subsystems.
• Ability to resolve technical problems by applying engineering and physics principles relevant to mechanical design, including use of 3‑D CAD tools and sound design practices.
• Proficiency with a 3‑D CAD package (such as SolidWorks) for part and assembly modeling and drawing creation, including basic GD&T.
• Experience performing basic mechanical analyses (e.g., hand calculations, simple FEA, or tolerance analysis) to support and justify design decisions.
• Ability to develop conceptual ideas based on requirements and specifications and help transform these concepts into functional, manufacturable hardware.
• Ability to speak and write effectively, including preparation and presentation of technical reports and design documentation.
• Ability to cooperate with and obtain the support of others, working effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Knowledge of technological developments in relevant mechanical engineering fields and the ability to apply them to existing and new assignments.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with large‑scale scientific instrumentation, aerospace, or observatory systems, particularly opto‑mechanical or precision motion systems.
• Working knowledge of materials, fabrication methods (e.g., machining, welding, brazing), and thermal/mechanical behavior for precision applications.
• Hands‑on experience with prototyping, integration, alignment, and testing of mechanical subsystems.
• Familiarity with configuration management, version control, and project documentation systems.
• Experience using FEA tools and/or basic CFD tools to support mechanical design work.
• Experience supporting alignment of opto‑mechanical systems or precision mechanisms, including use of relevant metrology tools.
• Demonstrated growth in technical responsibility and ability to contribute to technical excellence within engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical engineering design and analysis for telescope, opto‑mechanical, and instrumentation subsystems, using 3‑D CAD tools to produce models, assemblies, and detailed drawings that comply with project standards.
• Independently solve moderately complex mechanical design problems for assigned subsystems, including selection of materials, fasteners, and fabrication methods suitable for precision observatory environments and remote sites.
• Translate system and science requirements into mechanical requirements and design concepts for components and subassemblies, under the guidance of the Principal Mechanical Engineer and Systems Engineer.
• Perform or support mechanical analyses (for example, basic structural, thermal, vibration, and tolerance assessments) and use analysis results to refine and validate designs.
• Prepare engineering documentation for new parts and modifications, including drawings, bills of material, specification sheets, and integration procedures that meet configuration control and quality requirements.
• Collaborate with the Principal Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, and other team members to develop techniques, procedures, tooling, assembly sequences, and test setups for mechanical subsystems.
• Support sourcing and technical evaluation of parts and assemblies; work with vendors and fabricators to resolve manufacturability, tolerancing, and quality issues, and to ensure designs can be built as intended.
• Participate in mechanical design reviews for assigned subsystems; present design concepts, analyses, and trade studies; address review comments and implement agreed changes.
• Support prototype fabrication, integration, alignment, and testing activities; provide hands‑on support as needed during build and test campaigns at the lab or on site.
• Coordinate technical problem‑solving directly or in conjunction with other members of the project team, escalating issues to the Principal Mechanical Engineer when appropriate.
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of design standards, checklists, and best practices for mechanical design and documentation within the ngGONG project.
• Arrange and coordinate activities related to assigned subsystems and interact with other departments and vendors when required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment.
• Details on benefits can be found at Benefits by Location - Aura Human Resources

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level