Senior Civil Engineer

Senior Civil Engineer

The Senior Civil Engineer for ngGONG plays a critical role in shaping the future of ground-based solar observations. This position supports the National Solar Observatory's Next-Generation Ground-Based Solar Observing Network (ngGONG), a major international initiative currently in the design phase. ngGONG will modernize NSO's global network of solar observatory stations, enabling continuous, high-quality observations that advance solar physics research and improve our understanding of space weather.

The Senior Civil Engineer plays a foundational role in turning ngGONG's scientific vision into buildable, real-world observatories. This position ensures that each ngGONG site—from terrain and infrastructure to buildings and foundations—is thoughtfully designed, rigorously reviewed, and fully compliant with regulatory and safety requirements. By leading civil engineering concepts, overseeing external A&E design efforts, and coordinating permitting and approvals, the Senior Civil Engineer helps de-risk the project early and sets the stage for successful construction and long-term operations.

This role is critical to aligning technical excellence with practical constraints such as constructability, cost, schedule, and site-specific conditions. Through close collaboration with multidisciplinary engineering teams, architects, and site stakeholders, the Senior Civil Engineer ensures that ngGONG facilities not only support the telescope systems they house, but also enable reliable operations for decades to come—making the science possible.

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.

Why NSO?

At the National Solar Observatory, you'll join a mission-driven community working at the frontier of solar science. Our teams are dedicated to understanding the Sun in ways that protect technology, enhance scientific discovery, and inspire global audiences. NSO offers a collaborative, forward-thinking environment where curiosity is encouraged, varied perspectives are valued, and employees can make a tangible impact on science and society.

Here, you will have the opportunity to grow your career, lead innovative outreach programs, and help shape the national conversation around solar physics and space weather.

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineer, Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in civil or structural engineering, development, fabrication/integration, and analysis.
• Demonstrated experience in civil design for facilities, infrastructure, or research/technical projects, including preparation or review of requirements, concepts, and construction-grade design packages.
• Working knowledge of site development, foundations, grading/drainage, and utility systems, including coordination of related surveys, geotechnical, and environmental inputs.
• Experience coordinating with multidisciplinary engineering teams and external A&E consultants, including review and critique of drawings, models, specifications, and estimates.
• Familiarity with key building and civil codes and standards (for example, IBC, ASCE 7, and applicable local building, zoning, and environmental regulations) and with permitting and approvals processes.
• Ability to produce and review engineering drawings and technical documentation, and to communicate requirements and technical decisions clearly in writing and in meetings.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to provide clear technical guidance, manage competing priorities, and track scope, schedule, and risk within an assigned work package.

Preferred

• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Experience with observatory, laboratory, or other complex scientific or technical facilities, preferably in remote or environmentally sensitive locations.
• Experience working on projects funded by federal agencies (such as NSF or NASA), including familiarity with…