Senior Systems Engineer
About The Position
The Senior Systems Engineer for ngGONG plays a critical role in shaping the future of ground-based solar observations. This position supports the National Solar Observatory’s Next-Generation Global Oscillation Network Group (ngGONG), a major international initiative currently in the design phase. ngGONG will modernize NSO’s global network of solar observatories, enabling continuous, high-quality observations that advance solar physics research and improve our understanding of space weather. As the lead technical authority for the ngGONG design effort, the Senior Systems Engineer ensures that scientific goals are translated into a cohesive, integrated, and compliant system design. During this formative stage, strong systems leadership is essential to align diverse technical disciplines, manage complexity, and position the project for a successful transition from design into construction and operations. 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 Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Ten (10) or more years of relevant engineering experience, including at least five (5) years in a systems engineering or technical leadership role on large-scale projects.
- Demonstrated experience defining and managing complex system architectures.
- Proven ability to lead interdisciplinary teams through design, integration, and verification phases.
- Strong analytical, modeling, and technical documentation skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency with engineering management tools, requirements databases, and configuration management systems.
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree (MS, PhD) or certifications (PE, PMP) are an asset.
- Experience working on National Science Foundation (NSF) or federally funded research or infrastructure projects.
Responsibilities
- System Architecture and Design: Define, develop, and document overall system architecture.
- Create and maintain Observatory Architecture and Configuration Documents.
- Serve as Lead Engineer and technical authority for the ngGONG design project.
- Define and manage system and subsystem interfaces.
- Ensure all designs comply with NSF and federal requirements (e.g., Research Infrastructure Guide, , Build America / Buy America Act).
- Requirements Development and Management Translate high-level science requirements into traceable systems-level and subsystem-level technical requirements.
- Review and approve subsystem Design Requirements Documents (DRDs) for completeness, traceability, and alignment with systems architecture.
- Apply appropriate international engineering standards (ISO, ASTM, ANSI, IEEE, IEC) to system-level specifications.
- Analysis and Performance Modeling Conduct system-level analyses, trade studies, and performance modeling to inform design decisions.
- Lead feasibility analyses and alternative design evaluations for system-level decisions.
- Develop and maintain system-level error budgets for optical, thermal, and mechanical performance.
- Integration, Verification, and Validation Planning Define and document comprehensive verification and validation strategies and plans for all systems and subsystems.
- Create and manage compliance matrices for verification and validation.
- Develop plans for subsystem integration activities and system-level integration sequences.
- Project and Process Management: Develop and implement the Systems Engineering Management Plan (SEMP).
- Serve as Control Account Manager for Systems Engineering, including ownership of the Systems group budgets, schedules, and risks.
- Support project design reviews including Conceptual Design Review (CoDR) and Preliminary Design Review (PDR).
- Contribute to Design Completion and Construction Proposal documentation.
- Support project risk management and oversee change management processes.
- Maintain technical documentation repositories and ensure version and configuration control.
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 https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/benefits-by-location/
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
