Mechanical Engineer III

Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, the National Solar Observatory (NSO) is an NSF national research and development center dedicated to advancing our understanding of the Sun and its influence on Earth and the solar system. NSO operates and supports world‑class solar telescopes enabling cutting‑edge research in solar physics and heliophysics. The observatory is and facilities, managed by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), a consortium of 49 U.S. institutions and three international affiliates that operates premier astronomical observatories worldwide.

One of NSO’s flagship programs is the NSF Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST), the world’s largest and most advanced solar telescope. Located on the summit of Haleakalā in Maui, Hawaiʻi, DKIST completed construction and began operations in November 2021. Designed to address fundamental questions about the Sun and its complex magnetic fields, DKIST represents a major scientific investment and a cornerstone of NSO’s mission.

NSO is hiring for a Mechanical Engineer III to design, analyze, and maintain mechanical components and systems to meet specified requirements and standards. Develops specifications for new parts, modifications, or prototypes. Identifies appropriate materials and processes to ensure the quality, performance, and manufacturability of products. Utilizes CAD software and other design and modeling tools to plan, develop, and improve mechanical parts or components and communicate conceptual designs and specifications to stakeholders.

Conducts assembly and prototype testing to evaluate the performance, reliability, and safety of mechanical systems. Analyzes and troubleshoots mechanical issues or failures to identify root causes and develop solutions.

• Performs a mechanical engineering role in technical/engineering activities, project planning and control and data analysis.
• Independently solves moderately complex mechanical design problems.
• Collaborates with management to develop techniques, procedures, tooling, assembly, testing, installation and other operations for a project.
• Sources the correct parts as needed for projects.
• Coordinates problem‑solving of a technical nature directly or in conjunction with other members of a project team.
• Engineering development of existing designs and manufacturing procedures as appropriate.
• Develops techniques, procedures, and testing for compliance with technical requirements and approved time schedules.
• Develops techniques and procedures for installation and maintenance of instrumentation at the telescope with other on‑site teams as necessary.
• Experience in a research and development environment or astronomical facility and of working with observing instruments.
• Arrange and coordinate activities for a project and interact with other departments and vendors when required.
• Exercises discretion in the application of available resources and techniques for a project.
• Skilled in the use and application of computer aided design software.
• Complies with applicable safety standards and ensures safety of operations in areas under purview, and for correcting and/or reporting unsafe conditions and practices.
• All AURA employees are responsible for the proper management and control of all AURA property within their work area, whether assigned to them or someone else. This responsibility includes reporting any known missing, stolen, or non‑working property in their work area to their supervisor or the AURA Property Officer.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position or subordinates of this position.

• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
• 5+ years of experience in mechanical engineering.
• Familiarity with standards applicable to mechanical engineering and drafting.
• Ability to resolve technical problems by application of engineering and physics principles relevant to project requirements in mechanical engineering/technology, design drafting, computer CAD applications, and scientific optical instrumentation.
• Ability to develop conceptual ideas based on…