Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer

The Giant Magellan Telescope is one of the most powerful ground-based telescopes ever engineered. It is designed to push the boundaries of human knowledge and explore the unknown. Now under construction at Las Campanas Observatory in Chile’s Atacama Desert, one of the premier locations on Earth for astronomy, the telescope will deliver the highest-performing combination of image quality, field of view, and light sensitivity ever achieved.

From this southern hemisphere location, the Giant Magellan Telescope will use seven of the world’s largest mirrors to uncover the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy, investigate the origins of chemical elements, and search for signs of life on distant exoplanets.

When complete in the 2030s, the Giant Magellan Telescope will be one of the largest public-private funded science projects in history. It is the work of the GMTO Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and international research consortium, founded by 16 universities and research institutions from the United States, Chile, Australia, Brazil, Israel, South Korea, and Taiwan.

Our culture is impactful, inclusive, and fearlessly innovative. We tackle the most complex engineering challenges and scientific questions alongside talented individuals who share a passion for advancing humanity’s understanding of the Universe.

We invite you to join our team and leave your mark on the future of astronomy and beyond.

Wavefront Sensing and Control

Wavefront Sensing and Control Manager

The GMT project is seeking an experienced Opto-Mechanical Engineer to design, analyze, integrate, and test opto-mechanical components of the GMT active and adaptive optics systems. These include wavefront sensors, laser systems, metrology systems, optical calibration sources, mounting structures for small and large optics (up to 1.8 m diameter), and atmospheric characterization equipment. The Opto-Mechanical Engineer will assist in procurement of subsystems and parts through communication with external contractors and periodic visits to their facilities.

They will play a key role in the integration and testing of the delivered subsystems, both in the laboratory and at the telescope in Chile. They may be called upon to write technical reports and make presentations of designs at project review and conferences.

• Develop conceptual, preliminary, and final designs of wavefront sensors and metrology systems.
• Analyze the structural performance of opto-mechanical designs
• Develop assembly/disassembly, operation, maintenance, and trouble-shooting procedures
• Participate in the procurement process for engineering services and fabrication of these systems, including identification of potential vendors/suppliers, preparation of technical specifications, participation in the selection process, and monitoring of work
• Lead a small team to integrate, align, and test both small and large opto-mechanical subsystems
• Prepare and deliver presentations at technical reviews

• A minimum of an MS degree in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent technical discipline
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in the design of complex opto-mechanical systems
• Experience using structural analysis techniques to optimize opto-mechanical designs
• Demonstrated skill using Solid Works CAD software
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Be a cooperative team player who strives to make the team(s) successful

• Experience in the design of astronomical instruments or other large scientific optical systems
• Familiarity with precision metrology systems and optical alignment tools
• Knowledge of optics fabrication and testing methods
• Experience with optical system integration and testing

• Flexibility to occasionally work outside of core business hours and travel to vendor premises and the GMT site in Chile when necessary.
• Ability to work at an altitude of 8000 feet for extended periods

• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Disability insurance

$140,000- $170,000

The salary for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, and training.

If your skills and experience are a match for the position or if we need additional information, we will contact you. If we do not see a suitable match between your qualifications and the position, we will keep your information on file in the event future positions become available that are more suitable to your qualifications.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an…