Senior Mechanical Engineer

Please submit an application using the following link: Senior Mechanical Engineer

The Senior Mechanical (ME) Engineer will provide complex coordination support for a project or one or more related detail phases of a project or division of advanced mechanical systems by planning and performing technical activities or resolving complex technically related problems exercising broad discretion. This may entail supervising and directing supporting personnel, including subcontractors. 

Essential Functions: 

• Anticipates and creates opportunities for technical improvements in Observatory operations or equipment.
• Takes project based lead engineering roles that involve oversight of significant design and fabrication activities on major projects, when applicable.
• Initiates studies and investigates new technical approaches.
• Solves coordination problems of a technical nature directly or in conjunction with other members of a project team.
• Responsible for modifications to existing designs and manufacturing procedure if appropriate.
• Develops techniques, procedures, tooling, assembly, testing, installation and other operations for a project in compliance with technical requirements and approved time schedules.
• Determines and specifies improvements in equipment, tools, materials, methods and software that advance the technical capabilities of the Observatory.
• Coordinates activities for a project and interacts with other departments and vendors when required.
• Monitors and reports results of activities and notes unusual situations and suggests corrective action.
• Exercises broad discretion in the application of available resources for a project.
• Often performs technical analysis or design that is at a level above that expected of an engineer.
• Responsible for compliance and development of applicable safety standards and for safety of operations in areas of responsibility, and for correcting and/or reporting unsafe conditions and practices.
• Supervises and trains supporting employees to achieve effective and efficient performance.
• Foster a positive and productive work environment through effective team management.
• Implement strategies to enhance team collaboration and professional growth.
• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the team to ensure a respectful and inclusive workplace.
• All AURA employees are responsible for the proper management and control of all AURA property within their work area, whether assigned to them or someone else. This responsibility includes reporting any known missing, stolen, or non-working property in their work area to their supervisor or the AURA Property Officer.

 Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering.
• At least 8 years of progressively responsible experience in engineering, development, fabrication/integration, and analysis of technical apparatus.
• Ability to independently identify and resolve technical problems by application of a high level of engineering, scientific, or mathematical techniques.
• Able to speak and write effectively, including preparation of comprehensive technical reports.
• Able to effectively communicate and cooperate with others at all levels of the organization, as well as with key business contacts outside the company.
• A thorough working knowledge of MS Office applications
• Proficient with Solidworks, or equivalent 3-D modeling tools
• Experience with planning and conducting maintenance, familiarity with maintenance management systems, tools, and processes.
• Knowledge of technological developments and the ability to apply them to existing assignments.
• Willingness to actively participate in team safety meetings and adhere to (and advocate for) safety procedures and protocols.
• Sensitive to and respectful of cultural and environmental issues.

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

1. Master’s degree, and/or Professional Engineer credential
2. Proven project management experience including working knowledge of MS Project or other scheduling tools.
3. Experience of work in a research and development or astronomical facility and/or working with observing instruments.
4. Experience with process control, thermal control systems, HVAC.
5. Experience with FEA (e.g. Ansys Workbench) and CFD (e.g. Star-CMM)
6. Experience in the development of operations and maintenance documentation.
7. Experience in the planning and execution of maintenance for complex Mechanical systems.
8. Plays a leadership role in the activities of relevant technical associations or the astronomy community.

 Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl.
• The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors, and ability to adjust focus.
• Must possess - sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) reach upward, sideways, downward to work with paper files; b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, fax machines, copiers, and other office machines.
• Must possess – 1) ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform job; 2) sufficient visual capacity to perform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than eye contacts or eye glasses; 3) sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid; and 4) ability to impart information orally so that others understand and can respond appropriately
• Must possess sufficient mobility, strength or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) grasp, push, pull, turn or otherwise manipulate tools and mechanisms; b) push, shove, pull or otherwise safely and efficiently manipulate tools or mechanisms; c) lift, hold, maneuver, objects of 50 lbs or more; d) maintain balance while performing work; e) remove parts, systems, tools of 50 lbs or more
• There will be occasional working at height utilizing PPE
• Some travel may be necessary in or outside the contiguous United States.
• Ability to work at 10,000’ elevation, sometimes during inclement weather

Salary Range: $133,000.00-$160,000.00. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience.

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/benefits-by-location/ 

The position will remain open until it is filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by November 15, 2024.

• Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname Docname. 
• Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to employment@aura-astronomy.org. 
• Please enter 3 professional references in your application (references will only be contacted later in the recruitment process).