Configuration Lead

Job Summary

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 meetings and 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. They 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 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, be proactive, listen to stakeholders, ask probing questions, and collaborate with diverse teams of engineers and scientists. 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.
• 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…