Metrology Chief Engineer, RFC Mirror Lab (Steward Observatory)
About The Position
The Steward Observatory within the University of Arizona College of Science invites applications for the role of Metrology Chief Engineer at the Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab. This position serves as the subject matter expert in evaluating the surface figures of the world's largest monolithic telescope mirrors, up to 8.4 meters in diameter. The Chief Engineer will lead a team of three optical engineers, advising principal investigators, college administrators, and potential sponsors on the capabilities of surface figure evaluation for mirrors valued at tens of millions of dollars. This role is responsible for verifying the accuracy and fidelity of complementary evaluations for all stakeholders. Additionally, the Chief Engineer will design and lead interdisciplinary teams in developing and implementing optical and infrared light tests aligned with sponsor requirements and mirror developmental stages. Responsibilities include calculating surface figure aberrations from force and temperature distributions and investigating discrepancies in test results. Steward Observatory is a research unit founded in 1918, fostering collaboration among students, staff, faculty, engineers, and technicians to advance ground- and space-based astronomy.
Requirements
- Master's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience.
- Minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
- Expert in use of MATLAB and Zemax software.
- Expert in both visible light and infra-red light deflectometry systems.
- Expert in interferometry.
- Demonstrated communications and organizational abilities to work on interdisciplinary teams to design, build and employ complex metrology systems.
- Demonstrated ability to find novel solutions to unprecedented challenges.
Nice To Haves
- Ph.D. in Optical Sciences, or Physics with an Optics emphasis.
Responsibilities
- Implements a surface figure evaluation strategy for mirrors during production and according to sponsors' requirements.
- Guides the work of mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to design and install equipment.
- Supervises the work of three optical/metrology engineers to perform surface figure evaluations.
- Writes, or approves the writing of, procedures for evaluating the efficacy of metrology systems.
- Writes reports describing the expected performance of systems under design, as well as the demonstrated capabilities, limitations, and calculation methods for metrology systems.
- Writes, or approves the writing of, complex data analysis code using MATLAB and Zemax to process data and display results.
- Writes, or approves the writing of, and implements MATLAB code to predict the surface figure effect of force array and temperature deviations from ideal.
- Writes, or approves the writing of, and implements MATLAB code to guide the automated control of hexapods for precise positioning.
- Designs complementary surface figure evaluation tests according to the phase of mirror production and the tests' sensitivities.
- Models Zemax light ray traces to ensure proper positioning of optical components and equipment.
- Performs error analyses to specify positioning requirements to engineering teams.
- Factors in environmental effects during tolerancing.
- Advises principal investigators, college administrators, and sponsors on the limits of surface figure evaluations and develops novel solutions.
- Supervises optical and metrology engineers in test design and execution.
- Provides technical expertise and advice to engineers encountering novel situations.
- Troubleshoots metrology system anomalies and leads cross-functional teams to implement solutions.
- Guides technicians in installing and testing mirror support actuators and thermal sensing systems.
- Confirms the work of mechanical engineers performing finite element analyses for ideal force arrays.
- Works with technicians to ensure provided force arrays are within tolerance and temperature distributions are measured accurately.
Benefits
- health, dental, and vision insurance plans
- life insurance and disability programs
- paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members
- retirement plans
- access to U of A recreation and cultural activities
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
