Mechanical Engineer Job Honolulu area,Hawaii USA,Engineering

Position: Mechanical Engineer (0097161T)
Location : UH Manoa - IFA, Hilo, HI
Job Type: Part-Time Temporary
Job Number:
Department: University of Hawai'i at Manoa - Institute for Astronomy
Opening Date: 06/05/2026
Closing Date: 6/22/2026 11:59 PM Hawaii
Position Number:: 0097161T
Description
Title: Mechanical Engineer

Position Number: 0097161T

Hiring Unit: Institute for Astronomy

Location: Hilo, HI

Date Posted: June 5, 2026

Closing Date: June 22, 2026 @ 11:59pm

Band: B

Salary: salary schedules and placement information

Full-Time/Part-Time: Part-Time (50% FTE)

Temporary/Permanent: Temporary
Duties and Responsibilities

* Perform engineering service in design, development, construction, modification, upgrade, and repair of state-of-the-art, highly specialized, complex, and innovative research instruments and observatories.
* Review system designs, specifications, and material submittals of consultants and contractors to ensure compliance with University standards.
* Participate in planning for major equipment acquisitions and replacements, overhaul, maintenance, and calibration of equipment.
* Collaborate with scientific research and engineering personnel to determine design specifications and functional requirements of instrumentation, including the selection of materials.
* Plan, design, fabricate and install mechanical assemblies for observatory needs.
* Coordinate and manage the work of commercial service providers.
Other duties as assigned

* Denotes Essential Function
Minimum Qualifications

Possession of a baccalaureate degree in mechanical engineering or related field and 3 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for Mechanical Engineering; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.
Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of mechanical engineering as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving concepts, principles and methodologies.
Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with mechanical engineering.
Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of the problems and the resolution of the problems in an effective, innovative and timely manner.
Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.
Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer and apply word processing software.
If applicable, for supervisory work, demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.
Ability to conceptualize finished products through discussions with research scientists and engineers, pencil sketches and blueprints.
Ability to diagnose problems and make constructive recommendations.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty members, engineers, research personnel and others contacted in the course of work.
Must be able to work at an elevation of 14,000 feet.
Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs independently and/or with assistance.
Ability to travel independently to various geographical locations in a timely manner. Requirement fulfilled by a valid Hawaii Driver's License (class
3), comparable driver's license or use of means of transportation which meets position needs.

Desirable Qualifications

Considerable experience as a mechanical engineer at Maunakea or Haleakala observatories.
Direct experience with observatory retrofit upgrades.
Experience generating technical documents for complex systems.
Experience with cost-risk analysis of technical systems.
Considerable working knowledge of applicable hazards, safety precautions, and the proper use of observatory…