Principal Mechanical Engineer

The Principal Mechanical Engineer plays a pivotal role in enabling the next generation of ground-based solar observations through the ngGONG network. This position is central to translating ambitious scientific goals into reliable, high-precision mechanical systems that will operate across multiple observatory sites for decades. As the technical authority for mechanical and opto-mechanical design, the PME ensures that telescope structures, instruments, and interfaces perform as intended—safely, efficiently, and maintainable—under real-world conditions.

Beyond technical excellence, this role shapes how the project is executed. The Principal Mechanical Engineer sets engineering standards, leads a multidisciplinary team, and integrates mechanical solutions with optical, electrical, controls, and civil systems. The decisions made in this role directly affect scientific data quality, long-term operability, and the success of a major national research asset. In short, this position ensures that the science can happen—today, and well into the future.

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.

• Lead the conceptual and detailed design of mechanical and opto‑mechanical subsystems, including telescope structures, mounts, drives, enclosures, thermal control hardware, instruments, mechanical interfaces, and precision support mechanisms.
• Define and maintain mechanical architectures and interfaces between telescope assemblies, instruments, site/buildings/fit‑out, and support systems, working closely with the Systems Engineer and other discipline leads.
• Develop and review complex CAD models, assemblies, and detailed drawings; establish and enforce drawing practices, GD&T, materials/fastener standards, and mechanical design guidelines.
• Oversee and/or perform mechanical analyses such as structural (static and dynamic), thermal, vibration, and tolerance stack‑ups to inform design decisions and support design reviews.
• Translate high‑level science and system requirements into actionable, manufacturable mechanical designs, including tolerances, alignment schemes, adjustment ranges, and maintenance access provisions.
• Supervise and lead a small team of engineers (mechanical, electrical/electronics, and potentially optical and PLC/safety), including task assignment, priority setting, coaching, and day‑to‑day technical guidance.
• Create and manage team work plans and schedules; balance workload across engineers; ensure that commitments on scope, schedule, cost, and quality are met for mechanical work packages.
• Guide and mentor junior engineers and drafters; review their work to ensure technical accuracy, compliance with standards, and consistency with project requirements and interfaces.
• Support prototype development, integration, and testing of mechanical subsystems; provide hands‑on technical guidance and troubleshooting during assembly, alignment, and verification activities.
• Lead mechanical portions of design reviews (concept, preliminary, and detailed); plan and conduct trade studies and risk assessments; prepare and present mechanical documentation, analyses, and recommendations to project leadership and external reviewers.
• Collaborate with vendors, fabricators, and external partners to ensure quality, manufacturability, cost effectiveness, and alignment with project objectives and standards; participate in make‑versus‑buy decisions where appropriate.
• Identify mechanical and integration risks, develop mitigation strategies, and maintain system‑level mechanical documentation, including risk and issue tracking related to mechanical scope.
• Ensure that mechanical designs are compatible with planned installation, integration, maintenance, and replacement strategies at all ngGONG sites, including safe access, handling, and alignment approaches.
• Act as a subject‑matter expert for mechanical systems during design reviews, acceptance tests, integration demonstrations, and operations/maintenance planning.
• Coordinate…