Mechanical Engineer II

Mechanical Engineer II

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: $108,914 - $132,394 / year

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer II 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.

We are guided by core values rooted in:

• 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.

• Provide mechanical engineering design, analysis, test, and integration expertise 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).

• Lead 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, with rigor and accountability.

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

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

• Five (5) years of mechanical systems hardware development experience.
• Well versed in mechanical engineering principles, including mechanics of materials, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and mechanical design.
• Experience building a machine that moves and requires power.
• Experience with testing and field installation of mechanical systems.
• Experience generating and leading design reviews.

• Advanced proficiency in using 3D CAD software. Solid Works preferred.
• Experience using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to analyze parts and assemblies. Solid Works Simulation or ANSYS preferred.
• Proficiency with Product Data Management (PDM) systems and CAD data configuration management. Solid Works PDM preferred.
• Proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5.
• Proficiency in creating part and assembly drawings according to ASME Y14.100.
• Proficiency in Engineering Change (EC) control, engineering design review, and drawing release processes.
• Proficiency creating technical engineering documentation including reports and procedures.