Senior Optical Engineer

The Senior Optical Engineer for ngGONG plays a central role in shaping the optical performance of the National Solar Observatory’s Next-Generation Global Observing Network Group (ngGONG). This international initiative is currently in the design phase and will modernize NSO’s global network of ground‑based solar observatories, enabling continuous, high-quality observations that advance solar physics and space weather research.

As ngGONG moves through critical design milestones, strong optical leadership is essential. The Senior Optical Engineer leads the design, analysis, and integration of telescope and instrument optical systems, ensuring they meet demanding scientific requirements while remaining manufacturable, alignable, and cost-effective. This role directly influences the scientific capability, reliability, and long‑term success of the observatory as it transitions from design into construction and commissioning.

This position supports the currently funded design phase of ngGONG and is expected to continue into subsequent construction phases pending standard NSF project approvals.

This position is based in Boulder, Colorado, on the University of Colorado campus.

• Write optical Design Requirements Documents (DRDs) for telescope and instrument assemblies, subsystems, in collaboration with the engineering team.
• Develop optical interface requirements for telescope and instrument systems.
• Maintain optical specifications and drawings for components in accordance with ISO 10110 standards.
• Identify and manage technical risks related to optical systems.
• Assist in translating science requirements into technical optical specifications.
• Work closely with Mechanical Engineering to develop mounts, alignment, tolerancing, and calibration strategies.

• Layout, design, model, and analyze complete optical systems for telescope and instrument assemblies and subsystems.
• Conduct wavefront error budgeting and stray light analysis to optimize system performance.
• Create detailed tolerancing studies and alignment procedures.

• Serve as the technical point of contact for optical component vendors.
• Develop optical system alignment, commissioning, and verification & validation test plans.
• Prepare specifications and statements of work for optical fabrication and coating contracts.
• Evaluate vendor capabilities and ROM quotes.

• Lead optical system sections of Conceptual Design Review (CoDR) and Preliminary Design Review (PDR).
• Prepare technical presentations and documentation for project meetings and reviews.
• Support planning and cost estimation for optical design completion and construction of optical systems and subsystems.

• Optical System Design and Analysis
• Wavefront Error Budgeting and Stray Light Analysis
• Tolerancing and Alignment Procedures
• Technical Project Management
• Requirements Development and Documentation
• Vendor and Contractor Technical Oversight
• Design Reviews, Planning, and Presentation Skills
• Risk Assessment and Mitigation

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Astronomy, or a related field required.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of relevant experience in optical system design, analysis, and engineering project management.
• Proven experience designing complex optical systems for telescopes or scientific instruments.
• Strong analytical skills, including wavefront error budgeting and stray light analysis.
• Experience with optical tolerancing, alignment procedures, and verification/validation planning.
• Excellent communication skills for collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams, vendors, and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in optical modeling and design software, such as Solid Works and Zemax.

• An advanced degree in Optical Engineering or a relevant field is an asset.

Thephysicaldemands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to…