Research Engineering Optical Fabrication Technician III, Steward Observatory

The University of Arizona • Tucson, AZ

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Steward Observatory at the University of Arizona is hiring a Research Engineering Optical Fabrication Technician III to support the Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab, which produces telescope mirrors ranging from 3 to 8.4 meters in diameter. The position supports hands-on operation of mirror grinding and polishing equipment, measurement instruments, and transport equipment used in mirror fabrication. The technician supports the technical lead of a weekend night shift, working 9:00 PM to 9:00 AM Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The position supports a federal contract and requires U.S. citizenship; non-U.S. citizens and dual citizens cannot be considered.

The role involves operating specialized machines and measurement systems, working with a team to assess mirror conformance to engineering and scientific specifications, training junior staff, and safely moving large mirrors through the laboratory. Work is performed with minimal supervision in a manufacturing and laboratory environment with machinery, chemicals, noise, and other fabrication-related hazards. The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, and offers an hourly rate of $25.50–$31.88. The University of Arizona offers health, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; tuition reduction for eligible employees and family members; retirement plans; and access to university recreation and cultural activities.

Requirements

• High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• U.S. citizenship; non-U.S. citizens and dual citizens cannot be considered for this federal-contract-supported position.
• Ability to lead a group of technicians in operating specialized equipment.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to train and coach junior team members.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.

Nice To Haves

• Extensive working knowledge of large optic handling, generation, fine grinding, polishing, and metrology.
• Experience leading and training junior technicians.

Responsibilities

• Support the team leader in operating the Large Optical Generator (LOG) and Large Polishing Machine (LPM) to generate, fine grind, and polish telescope mirrors ranging from 3 to 8.4 meters in diameter and weighing up to 18 tons.
• Perform work with minimal supervision while following established procedures and safety standards.
• Apply knowledge of operating requirements and technical processes for large-scale optical mirror fabrication.
• Work with technicians to take precise optical, physical, and ultrasonic measurements and evaluate mirror conformance to specifications, including HREP, SCOTS, SLOTS, Test Plate, and Laser Tracker measurements.
• Guide and train lower-level staff.
• Support mirror movement through the lab using an air cart, including maneuvering near fixed obstacles, and coordinate mirror positioning while following required safety protocols.
• Enter run information, measurements, machine parameters, and run-result notes into project logbooks and spreadsheets.
• Complete daily reports.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Life insurance and disability programs.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Northern Arizona University tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members.
• Retirement plans.
• Access to University of Arizona recreation and cultural activities.
• Work-life programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED