Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineer I

Final date to receive applications: 8 July 2026

Department: Mechanical Engineering

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: W.M. Keck Headquarters

Reporting To: Joel Payne

Compensation: $94,966 - $114,760 / year

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer I to join our world‑class engineering team supporting one of the most scientifically productive astronomical observatories on Earth. In this role, you will design, analyze, maintain, and improve complex mechanical systems that enable groundbreaking discoveries about our universe.

This position offers a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of advanced engineering and frontier science—contributing directly to the performance, reliability, and evolution of Keck’s iconic telescopes and technical infrastructure.

At Keck Observatory, our work is driven by a shared commitment to advancing scientific discovery while honoring our responsibility to people, place, and community.

• Stewardship – We care for our people, facilities, environment, and community with integrity and long‑term responsibility.
• Service – We prioritize collective impact, supporting one another, the global astronomy community, and our local Hawaiʻi community to achieve shared goals.
• Collaboration & Inclusion – We work across disciplines and perspectives to solve complex challenges and advance discovery together.
• Excellence & Safety – We deliver high-quality work while maintaining a strong commitment to operational excellence and safety in everything we do.

• Competitive starting annual compensation ranging from $94,966 to $114,760
  .
• Generous benefits package, including 4 weeks of annual paid vacation.
• Robust 403(b) retirement plan featuring an 8% employer contribution with a 4% mandatory employee contribution.
• Tuition assistance for dependent children grades K‑12 attending private school on Hawai’i Island.
• Comprehensive employer‑provided health insurance, with a variety of coverage options available to employees.
• Opportunity to be part of a dedicated team advancing the frontiers of astronomy.

• Provide mechanical engineering design, analysis, test, and integration support for the development of new observatory capabilities and upgrades to existing systems.
• Provide design and analysis of mechanical and opto‑mechanical systems and components using 3D computer aided design (CAD) and finite element analysis (FEA).

• Support Assembly, Test, Troubleshoot, and Repair of new and existing mechanical systems including structures, drives, mechanisms, opto‑mechanical assemblies, hydraulics, pneumatics, etc.

• Generate technical documentation to American Society Mechanical Engineering (ASME) Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and Drawing standards.

• Generate installation and operations procedures for new systems and modifications for operations staff.

• Ensure personnel and equipment safety through review of engineering designs and implementation plans.

• Work with multi‑disciplined teams to support systems engineering, requirements management, and project management.
• Organize and support summit installation of mechanical systems by coordinating with project management, engineers, summit supervisors, and technicians.
• Provide technical support for subcontracts encompassing design, analysis, fabrication, installation, and repair efforts.

• Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering or a related degree.

• Two (2) years of mechanical systems hardware development experience (pre‑graduation experience is acceptable).
• Familiarity with mechanical engineering principles, including mechanics of materials, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and mechanical design.
• Some experience building a machine that moves and requires power.
• Experience with testing and supporting field installation of mechanical systems.
• Experience participating in design reviews.

• Proficiency in using 3D CAD software. Solid Works preferred.
• Experience in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5.
• Experience in creating part and assembly drawings according to ASME Y14.
• Experience with Engineering Change (EC) control, engineering design review, and drawing release processes.
• Experience creating technical engineering documentation including reports and procedures.