GMTNIRS Systems Engineer, McDonald Observatory

Overview

Job Posting

Title:

GMTNIRS Systems Engineer, McDonald Observatory

Hiring Department:
McDonald Observatory

Position Open To:
All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled

Hours:

40

FLSA Status:
Exempt

Earliest

Start Date:

Immediately

Position Duration:
Expected to Continue Until Dec 31, 2025

Location:

UT MAIN CAMPUS

The University of Texas (UT) McDonald Observatory, a major astronomical research observatory, seeks highly qualified and strongly motivated applicants for the position of an Instrumentation Systems Engineer to complement an active group working on the Giant Magellan Telescope Near-Infrared Spectrograph (GMTNIRS), a high-resolution infrared spectrograph designed as a first-light instrument on the Giant Magellan Telescope behind the Adaptive Optics system.

The primary science goals for GMTNIRS are the characterization of exoplanet atmospheres and stellar astrophysics at all evolutionary stages. The applicant would join the project in the final design phase, with a Final Design Review planned for Spring 2027. GMTNIRS is a collaboration between the University of Texas at Austin, Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, Carnegie Institute for Science, and the Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics.

The position is initially available for a fixed term of one year. Extension beyond one year will depend on funding, performance, and project needs. Must be able to work in the US without employer sponsorship.

This position is at the University of Texas at Austin campus. It may require occasional travel to collaborator institutions.

The University of Texas at Austin provides an outstanding benefits package to staff, including:

• Competitive health benefits (Employee premiums covered at 100%; family premiums at 50%)
• Vision, dental, life, and disability insurance options
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Teachers Retirement System of Texas (a defined benefit retirement plan)
• Additional voluntary retirement programs: tax-sheltered annuity 403(b) and a deferred compensation program 457(b)
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
• For more details, please see: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). and -rewards

As the GMTNIRS system engineer, you work with Instrument Scientist, Dr. Greg Mace, to develop and refine the overall instrument-level assembly, integration, and verification plans.

• Develop and refine overall instrumentation-level assembly, integration, and verification plans in collaboration with instrument scientist.
• Enable systems engineering best practices in document and requirements management systems. Example documents include mass and electrical budgets and tracking, design trade studies, subsystem requirements documentation and compliance tracking, interface control documentation, risk mitigation and hazards analysis.
• Collaborate with technical staff to complete design trade studies. Provide the structure and effort for documentation needs. Expertise on astronomy instrumentation will be provided by other team members.
• May work with other technical staff to document subsystems and support the GMTNIRS Project Manager on cost estimation, schedules, and work/product breakdown documentation.
• Other duties as required related to team project.

• Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Astronomy, or Engineering and/or four years industry experience with systems engineering.
• Experience developing engineering budgets (mass, electrical, effort) and good documentation skills.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to be adaptable, work independently, and work collaboratively.
• Eager to work as an integral project team member.
• Demonstrable good judgment.
• Knowledge of astronomy research and observatory operational best practices is not required.
• Competencies include accuracy and attention to detail, decision-making and critical thinking, effective communications, initiative, interpersonal relationships, problem-solving, and service excellence.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

• Master's Degree or higher in Physics, Astronomy, or Engineering.
• Extensive experience in systems engineering documentation.

About $55,000 + depending on qualifications and experience.

• Working at a computer, including repetitive keyboard use at a workstation.
• May work in all weather conditions.
• Use of manual dexterity.
• May include climbing of stairs and ladders, and lifting and moving.
• McDonald Observatory is located approximately 6800 feet above sea level with variable temperatures and winter driving conditions.

• Generally, M-F, 8 am - 5 pm
• May require extended hours
• Occasional travel to collaborative institutions

• Cover Letter
• Resume/CV
• Three work references (at least one from a supervisor)

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent…