Mechanical Engineer; Opto-Design
Listed on 2025-12-27
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Engineering
Systems Engineer, Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineer (Opto-Design), (IS-0830-13)
Join to apply for the Mechanical Engineer (Opto-Design), (IS-0830-13) role at Smithsonian Institution
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Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Location: Cambridge, MA
Compensation: $119,355 - $155,164 / year
Final date to receive applications: 23 January 2026
Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Location: Cambridge, MA
Compensation: $119,355 - $155,164 / year
DESCRIPTION
OPENING DATE: December 23, 2025
CLOSING DATE: January 23, 2026
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)
DIVISION: Central Engineering
LOCATION: Cambridge, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Open to all current Smithsonian employees
What are Trust Fund Positions? Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. They have their own benefit program with health, dental, life insurance and retirement plans.
- Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation, as required.
- Complete a Probationary Period if applicable.
- Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
- Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
- Occasional national and international travel may be required in support of duties.
OVERVIEW
INTRODUCTION: The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. It collaborates with the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard‑Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA), supporting ground‑based and space‑based research and the development of major scientific instrumentation.
SUMMARY: This is the position of Opto‑Mechanical Design Engineer in the Central Engineering Department. The incumbent supports scientific investigations by providing mechanical, structural, and project engineering expertise for advanced ground‑based instrumentation and telescope systems. Multiple complex projects are managed simultaneously.
MAJOR DUTIES
Project Leadership: Leads mechanical subsystem development, oversees design and construction of complex opto‑mechanical systems, and provides technical consultation and task leadership. Advises senior leadership on engineering analysis and recommendations.
Technical Consultation: Provides expert advice to senior colleagues and external partners, conducts technical reviews, oversees quality assurance, and signs documents for technical approval.
Design & Analysis: Conducts advanced mechanical engineering design, calculations, and reviews; develops technical guidelines and standards.
Problem‑Solving: Identifies and resolves engineering design problems and recommends innovative solutions.
Documentation & Compliance: Prepares technical reports, specifications, and guidance documents to ensure projects meet performance, safety, and sustainability requirements.
Incumbent collaborates with CfA scientists on the full instrument life cycle and leads structural trades and analyses, procurement documentation, and complex instrumentation assembly.
Documents work in memoranda, reports, test plans, and procedures, authoring technical papers for publication and presenting at conferences.
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
A) Degree: professional engineering. Acceptable curriculum must be ABET accredited or include courses in five of the seven specified engineering sciences.
OR
B) Combination of education and experience that furnishes thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineering.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade 12 level in similar positions.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
- Advanced knowledge of mechanical engineering for optical instrumentation.
- Strong analytical skills and knowledge of structural…
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