Metrology Chief Engineer, RFC Mirror Lab (Steward Observatory
Listed on 2026-08-03
-
Engineering
Quality Engineering, Systems Engineer, Research Scientist
Metrology Chief Engineer, RFC Mirror Lab (Steward Observatory)
Posting Number: req
26622
Department:
Steward Observatory
Department Website Link: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./
Location:
Tucson Campus
Address:
Tucson, AZ USA
The Steward Observatory within the University of Arizona College of Science invites you to apply to the role of Metrology Chief Engineer, RFCML (Richard
F. Caris Mirror Lab).
In this multifaceted role, you will serve as the subject matter expert in the methods used to evaluate the surface figures of the largest monolithic telescope mirrors in the world - measuring up to 8.4 meters (28 feet) in diameter. Leading a team of three optical engineers, you will advise principal investigators, college administrators, and potential sponsors on the capabilities of surface figure evaluation for mirrors valued at tens of millions of dollars.
Following implementation, you will serve as the authoritative expert responsible for verifying the accuracy and fidelity of these complementary evaluations for all stakeholders.
In addition, you will design and lead interdisciplinary teams of engineers in the development and implementation of complementary optical and infrared light tests that align with sponsors' requirements and the developmental stage of mirrors throughout the production process. You will calculate surface figure aberrations resulting from deviations from ideal force and temperature distributions, and investigate discrepancies in test results that fall outside their modeled error distributions.
Steward Observatory is both a century-old observatory on the University of Arizona campus and one of the University's oldest research units. Founded in 1918, the Observatory brings together students, staff, faculty, engineers, and technicians to explore the universe and share discoveries through world-class research, education, and outreach. With more than 180 professionals supporting advanced facilities, laboratories, and observatories, Steward Observatory offers a collaborative environment where technical expertise plays a critical role in advancing ground-and space-based astronomy.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!
Duties & Responsibilities Evaluation Strategy- Implements a surface figure evaluation strategy for mirrors during production and according to sponsors' requirements.
- For example, for one prescription of off‑axis 8.4 meter diameter mirrors, there are seven different tests depending on the state of production and to allow enough testing redundancy to provide confidence the mirrors' surface figure where deviations are within ~1/30th of a wavelength of green light, on average, of the required surface figure, and the process of designing and constructing the tests took several years.
- Implementation involves guiding the work of mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to design and install the equipment, and supervising the work of three optical/metrology engineers to perform the surface figure evaluations.
- Writes, or approves the writing of, procedures for evaluating the efficacy of the metrology systems for conducting the surface figure evaluations.
- As subject matter expert, writes reports describing the expected performance of systems under design, as well as the demonstrated capabilities of the metrology systems, their limitations, and the methods those limitations were calculated.
- Writes, or approves the writing of, complex data analysis code using MATLAB and Zemax to process the data gathered, and to display the results in a way that others can recognize and use for continued production.
- Writes, or approves the writing of, and implements MATLAB code to predict the surface figure effect of force array and temperature deviations from ideal.
- Writes, or approves the writing of, and implements MATLAB code to guide the automated control of…
(If this job is in fact in your jurisdiction, then you may be using a Proxy or VPN to access this site, and to progress further, you should change your connectivity to another mobile device or PC).