University of Arizona

Mechanical Engineer, LFAST


PayCompetitive
LocationTucson/Arizona
Employment typeFull-Time

This job is now closed

  • Job Description

      Req#: req20461
      Mechanical Engineer, LFAST
      Posting Number req20461
      Department Steward Observatory
      Department Website Link https://www.as.arizona.edu/
      Location Main Campus
      Address Tucson, AZ USA
      Position Highlights The LFAST project of Steward Observatory seeks to fill the position of R&D Mechanical Engineer II. LFAST is developing an innovative new optical telescope that can be mass replicated to create an array with a very large collecting area. The successful Mechanical Engineer candidate will work under minimal supervision to design, fabricate, assemble, test, and document various LFAST mechanical subsystems. This work will be carried out in a team environment, collaborating with other engineers, faculty, and students across the project. Periodic support of nighttime testing will be required, including at observatory mountain sites in Arizona. Mechanical engineering professionals with knowledge of telescope systems are especially encouraged to apply. Of particular interest is experience integrating and testing subsystems to form a complete functioning system, commissioning of telescope systems, and improving and optimizing existing designs to increase functionality and address current limitations.

      Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

      The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here .

      Duties & Responsibilities
      • The engineer will work under minimal supervision, leveraging their own expertise and knowledge of mechanical concepts and engineering best practices, to carry out the detailed design and implementation of telescope mechanical subsystems. This will include design and shop drawings, specification of materials, fabrication, and assembly techniques, and prototyping where appropriate. They will interface with vendors, make recommendations to project management regarding procurement, oversee external fabrication, and assist with in-house assembly and testing.
      • Support the design, fabrication, installation, and testing of other related telescope subsystems, including optical systems, electronic systems, and software systems, where they interact with mechanical systems. This may include designing and fabricating mechanical jigs and fixturing, as well as integration of non-mechanical subsystems into mechanical subsystems.
      • The engineer will support activities planning and carrying out installation of the LFAST telescope systems at the mountain observatory site.
      • The engineer will document designs using standard engineering version and change control procedures, and generate assembly, testing, and troubleshooting procedures. They will participate in the handover of deliverables and knowledge transfer with partners as required. They will prepare and deliver technical presentations at team meetings and project
        reviews.
      • The engineer will support planning, investigation, design refinement, and cost estimating for mass production of telescope mechanical components and supporting structures.

      Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

      • Knowledge of practical mechanical design for cost-efficient rapid manufacture.
      • Proven ability to refine and implement mechanical design concepts into working prototypes.
      • Understanding of mechanical analysis and an ability to translate this into mechanical design requirements and features.
      • Possess an attitude and aptitude for developing and implementing straightforward, practical mechanical design solutions that meet minimum requirements without unnecessary complexity.
      • A working knowledge of optical telescopes and astronomical concepts.
      • Can work independently without close supervision or monitoring, under general supervision, while closely following instructions and directions where appropriate.
      • Self-motivating with a professional approach to task priorities, deadlines, and schedules.
      • Familiar with using computers and smartphones to document work and communicate via text, email, and Zoom video conferencing.

      Physical Requirements:

      • Must be able to think and work at altitudes of 7,000 - 10,000 ft, and lift/transport up to 50 lbs.
      Minimum Qualifications
      • Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience and a minimum of three (3) years of relevant work experience is required.
      • Experience with Solidworks CAD software OR equivalent software.
      • Ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy .
      Preferred Qualifications
      • Experience with Finite Element Analysis.
      • Experience working in a scientific environment and/or the astronomical engineering community.
      • Experience documenting, recording, and communicating work activities clearly and concisely.
      FLSA Exempt
      Full Time/Part Time Full Time
      Number of Hours Worked per Week 40
      Job FTE 1.0
      Work Calendar Fiscal
      Job Category Research
      Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits
      Rate of Pay $75,540 - $98,201
      Compensation Type salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
      Grade 10
      Compensation Guidance The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

      The Grade Range Minimum, Midpoint, and Maximum Fields listed below represent a full range of career compensation growth over time in this position and grade. Each unit typically sets starting pay between minimum and midpoint upon hire. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.
      Grade Range Minimum $75540
      Grade Range Midpoint $98201
      Grade Range Maximum $120863
      Career Stream and Level PC2
      Job Family Research Engineering
      Job Function Research
      Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
      Number of Vacancies 1
      Target Hire Date 10/14/2024
      Expected End Date
      Contact Information for Candidates so-humanresources@list.arizona.edu
      Open Date 8/28/2024
      Open Until Filled Yes
      Documents Needed to Apply Resume and Cover Letter
      Special Instructions to Applicant
      Diversity Statement At the University of Arizona, we value our inclusive climate because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. As a Hispanic-serving institution, we translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues, and constituencies. Because we seek a workforce with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. As an Employer of National Service, we also welcome alumni of AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service programs and others who will help us advance our Inclusive Excellence initiative aimed at creating a university that values student, staff and faculty engagement in addressing issues of diversity and inclusiveness.
      Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
      Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.

  • About the company

      95194 The University of Arizona is a public land-grant research university in Tucson, Arizona.