Construction Engineering Manager

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The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill conducts internationally recognized research and instruction across physics and astrophysics. The department is building the Argus Array one of the most ambitious ground-based astronomy instruments now under construction. The Array synthesizes an 8-meter-class effective aperture from more than 1,200 individual optical telescopes feeding a 122-gigapixel camera, imaging the entire accessible northern sky at high cadence to deliver deep, high-frequency coverage of the changing sky.

A part of the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Observatory System and co-funded by Alex Gerko, the Array is now in its construction phase, building toward first light and a multi-year science survey. Joining the project means helping to deliver a one-of-a-kind scientific facility from the ground up.

The Argus Array one of the most ambitious ground-based astronomy instruments now under construction is hiring a Construction Engineering Manager to provide on-site engineering leadership and construction management as the observatory and its subsystems are built. This full-time temporary appointment is an interim bridge that allows this critical construction leadership to begin immediately, while the permanent position is classified, approved, and recruited.

As the senior engineering manager at the construction site, the position joins the team to make engineering decisions on the integration and testing of the telescope and its subsystems, including significant independent on-site decisions, and is accountable for on-site schedule, budget, quality, risk, and safety during the construction of the Argus Array.

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related discipline and five years of related supervisory experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

• Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, engineering, or a related technical or scientific field (required because of the unique astronomical-research nature of this engineering position; no facility like this has been built before)
• Experience leading the construction, integration, or commissioning of complex technical facilities or scientific instrumentation, including the direction of contractors and staff.
• Ability to work on-site at the construction location.

• Experience developing, constructing, commissioning, or operating astronomical observatories, telescopes, or scientific instrumentation.
• Prior senior on-site technical or facility leadership with contractor and capital-project oversight.
• Experience managing project schedule, budget, procurement, and risk, and serving as a technical representative on contracts.
• Familiarity with telescope, camera, detector, and control/data systems, and with project-management tools.

Work is performed on an active construction site at a remote mountain observatory. Requires the ability to access construction areas, move up to 50 pounds, work outdoors in variable conditions using appropriate protective equipment, and travel to and periodically reside near the site. Duties to be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at

Please note:

The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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