Configuration Lead

Title:

Configuration Lead

Element:
Systems Engineering

Manager:
Lead Systems Engineer and Risk Manager

Type:
Full-Time

Location:

Pasadena, CA

Reporting to the Lead Systems Engineer and Risk Manager, the Configuration Lead will lead the development and execution of a comprehensive Configuration Management (CM) system used by management and technical project staff, as well as external collaborators and contractors, through all project phases from GMT Observatory development to operations. This role manages a team of Document Control specialists and CAD modelers responsible for maintaining system integrity, supporting users, and ensuring compliance with document and change control practices.

The Configuration Lead specifies, organizes, updates, and maintains the documentation archive systems and ensures compliance with documentation standards, policies, and procedures. They oversee the change process, coordinate Change Control Board activities, and work with the project staff to incorporate approved and validated changes into the Observatory baseline. The Configuration Lead is responsible for conducting configuration audits and for evaluating and improving configuration management processes and policies as well as working with GMTO IT staff to upgrade and develop Configuration Management tools.

The Configuration Lead may attend technical meeting/reviews when needed to be fully aware of GMT project requirements and assist with any issues that relate to the configuration management process. The Configuration Lead must also be able to work with GMT personnel and subcontractors (locally, remotely or internationally) to ensure compliance and secure the documentation into the CM system.

The Configuration Lead will implement and manage the individual and federated 3D CAD model for the mechanical apparatus, equipment, assemblies, mechanical components, and other parts for the complex structures of the telescope and its enclosure. They will also work closely and collaboratively with the EPDM administrator and the Configuration Management team to develop and improve CAD and EPDM processes, procedures, drawing templates, standards, workflows and other related processes.

This also includes developing training material on the use of CM Products and yearly training to the project team. The selected candidate will also check drawings and models from the subsystem designers and support the review and approval process.

The Configuration Lead will take end-to-end ownership of the CM processes, having the ability to be proactive, listen to stakeholders, ask probing questions, and collaborating with diverse teams of engineers and scientists. The technical expertise to grasp complex information and requirements will be key to the success of the Configuration Lead.

The Configuration Lead must also stay up to date with the priorities of the project to better focus the support of the CM team in times when surge support is required, particularly in the lead up to reviews. This includes having close collaboration with the Systems Engineering team and the Project Element or department under review.

Manage the activities of the Configuration Management group. This includes but is not limited to:

• Maintain integrity and traceability of the Observatory configuration throughout its life cycle
• Define project configuration items
• Develop, implement, and enforce project configuration management (including change control) by defining policies, plans, processes, procedures, and workflows
• Manage configuration item release, change control, and deviation processes, including cataloging, tracking, approving, and notifications
• Support development, implementation, and management of project documentation archiving, e.g., management plans, requirements, tech notes, designs, and models
• Support users with efficient and effective CM processes and tools
• Control, manage, upgrade and improve CM tools and assets (e.g., application software, production databases, hardcopy deliverables)
• Ensure user adherence to effective CM processes
• Conduct in-house and vendor CM verification audits
• Develop and collect CM metrics
• Report CM metrics and status to management

• Import, build, and manage large, integrated, layered 3D models including but not necessarily limited to Solid Works, NX, Revit, and Navis Works
• Capture the configuration of those models in supporting documentation provided to the PSE and AIVC Manager
• Incorporate advanced knowledge of 3D CAD modeling of design concepts using CAD software and other design tools
• Manage CAD modelers’ work output, priorities, and agreements with Project Element Managers (PEMs); design standard processes and workflows to enable a highly productive team
• Manage the high-level telescope and observatory models and make frequent updates as subsystems deliver their latest models to GMT, particularly at major gate reviews
• Identify and manage critical clearances…