We have had a couple electrical engineers leave Keck this summer. As a result the few of us left are stretched a little thin. To help cover this, one of the engineers in our group has transferred to the TSD department to continue the telescope drive upgrade project. Unfortunately this moves some of his responsibilities to me.
The segment jack lifting a Keck primary mirror segment during segment exchangeTelescope drives, dome and shutter drives, primary mirror active support system, and more. I have simplified the description of my new responsibilities to one line… If it moves I get to fix it.
This also means I am spending a lot more time at the summit. Over the last weeks I have almost forgotten what my desk at HQ looks like, two weeks and only two days spent in Waimea. This is not going to change any time soon.
I have a few projects left to finish up. This month will see the shipment and installation of the TRICK camera and support gear. We started this process last week with the pedestal and focus stage. The dewar and detector will be here next week. A few more days of hands-on work remain to install everything.
There is also the installation of another TBAD system on Keck 1. I will have to get one of the techs to do that for me. All of the engineering is done, what remains is the fun part, installing the gear. I expect that will be the pattern, I get to do the paperwork while the techs have the fun.
The Observatory seeks a Student Assistant to support the Computer System Administrator on a variety of computer software/hardware oriented assignments.
Looking into the optics of the Keck 2 telescopeEssential Functions:
Hardware and software data entry.
Windows computer software/hardware configuration/troubleshooting
Tape organizing.
Shipping and Receiving support.
Network Table data entry.
Assist as primary help desk for Systems Administration group.
Work effectively with coworkers and others by sharing ideas in a constructive, positive manner; listening to and objectively considering ideas and suggestions from others; keeping commitments; keeping others informed of work progress and issues; addressing problems and issues constructively to find mutually acceptable and practical solutions; and respecting the diversity of the WMKO workforce in actions, words, and deeds.
Maintain commitment to a high standard of safety, comply with all safety laws and WMKO safety policies/rules, and report actual and potential safety violations to appropriate supervisory or management personnel to further WMKO’s core value of safety.
The Canada-France-Hawai’i Telescope greets the dawnI stumbled across a useful site. Well… perhaps useful to those who do not already have a job on the mountain. It used to be the case that to check for jobs at the observatories you had to check each observatory website separately. Now you can find all of the listings in one convenient website.
The site does not identify who is assembling the information, but it does seem to be accurate, the current Keck listings are there. I found the site through a prominent link on the MKSS website. It appears to be official, but oddly enough is privately hosted at GoDaddy, not a UH or observatory server, need to see who is putting this together.
The Keck 1 Telescope awaiting lights out and release for the nightW. M. Keck Observatory has an immediate opening for an Electronics Engineer to design and implement major upgrades to the various telescope control systems, add new capabilities and integrate state of the art instruments.
Responsibilities
Provide electronic engineering expertise to support upgrades and new development projects
Participate in system level specifications, develop hardware specifications, interface control documents, and lifecycle design documents
Write, analyze and document test plans, conduct design tests and evaluate results
Generate and maintain production documentation, including schematics, wire diagrams, assembly drawings, data sheets, manuals, and project notebooks
Support project managers by providing and maintaining accurate cost and labor estimates and Bills of Material. Help to maintain project plans through good communication
Coordinate the electronic interfacing of new instrumentation;
Direct the efforts of associate engineers and technicians, coordinate and schedule engineering activities
Assist in the investigation of chronic performance and reliability problems in existing systems and develop and implement solutions to resolve these problems.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or equivalent
Three or more years of applicable work experience, preferably in a team environment
Working knowledge of AC and DC electronics theory
Experience in analog and digital electronics, computer interface electronics, and real-time control systems
Understanding of grounding, shielding, and electrical safety
Experience with schematic capture, PCB design and layout
Experience in the design, debug, simulation and validation of electronic circuits and products
Skilled user of test and analysis equipment including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, bus analyzers, cable and fiber optic test equipment, power measuring equipment, and signal generators
Experience planning and implementing PLC based solutions including I/O selection, communication and programming (Rockwell/AB ControlLogix and RSLogix); experience with National Instruments RIO and LabVIEW FPGA; use of PADS, E3 Wireworks (Zuken), SolidWorks; and experience with programmable multiple axes motion controllers such as DeltaTau PMAC or Galil would be a plus
The W. M. Keck Observatory operates the largest, most scientifically productive telescopes on Earth. The two, 10-meter optical/infrared telescopes on the summit of Mauna Kea on the Island of Hawaii feature a suite of advanced instruments including imagers, multi-object spectrographs, high-resolution spectrographs, integral-field spectroscopy and a world-leading laser guide star adaptive optics system. The Observatory is a private 501(c) 3 non-profit organization and a scientific partnership of the California Institute of Technology, the University of California and NASA.
The W. M. Keck Observatory operates the world’s two largest optical/infrared telescopes located on the summit of Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii. Both telescopes are equipped with AO systems which are routinely used in both Natural and Laser Guide Star (LGS) AO modes. These systems have been extremely productive scientifically. New, more capable, systems are currently in design and development including the implementation of a new laser, new laser launch telescope, near-infrared tip-tilt sensor and a facility to provide simultaneous AO-corrected point spread function estimates to support science data reduction.
Working on the Keck 1 AO benchThe AO Specialist will be expected to play a lead role in all phases of the development of new AO capabilities from the concept phase through the design and development, commissioning and handover to operations; as well as in the characterization, optimization and improvement of the existing AO systems. The Specialist will also be expected to help guide the development of the Observatory’s high angular resolution capabilities.
The AO Scientist will also participate in improvements to the existing AO facilities including performance optimization and characterization.
Minimum requirements for this position include: Ph.D. level degree in adaptive optics or high angular resolution astronomy or equivalent experience; three years of relevant experience in the development and/or use of AO for astronomical research; two years of work experience in instrumentation development or operations; a broad understanding of the multiple engineering disciplines needed to develop AO systems; and experience in data visualization and analysis. Desirable qualifications include: a proven track record in the development or optimization of AO systems for astronomy; demonstrated leadership skills; optical, mechanical and controls design and engineering expertise; expertise in the development of the high level software needed to operate and optimize AO systems; and previous Observatory experience.
The following skills are required: Excellent written and oral English communication skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team, strong project and time management skills; ability to set priorities and meet deadlines with flexibility.
The W. M. Keck Observatory seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer to work under the direction of the TSD Senior Engineer to provide mechanical engineering and project management support, to develop new observatory capabilities and to upgrade existing observatory systems. This position is responsible for design, analysis, specification, and construction of high technology mechanical and opto-mechanical systems for precision telescope operations.
the segment crane being lowered into place to remove a segment from a primary mirrorQualifications for this position are:
B. S. Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
>8 years of Mechanical Engineering experience, some experience with opto-mechanical devices, 3 years of which are in project/subcontract management and reporting.
Track record of precision designs of small and large scale mechanical components.
Competence with 3D computer aided design, finite element analysis, design for assembly and maintainability, product life cycle management, and reliability engineering.
Engineering process and configuration management experience.
Experienced use of modern manufacturing techniques.
The W.M. Keck Observatory seeks a Project Manager/Engineer to work under the general supervision of the Deputy Director and in close collaboration with the Principal Engineer to manage activities for a major optics renewal program. Be part of a challenging, fast-paced, technical environment where ability, leadership, teamwork, communication and interpersonal skills are highly prized. This is a regular position with future assignments to other exciting optics development programs.
A Keck mirror segment after stripping and cleaning, ready to place in the chamber to receive a new reflective coatingThe Observatory operates two of the largest, most scientifically productive optical/infrared telescopes in the world. The twin 10-meter telescopes are located at one of the premier sites for astronomy, set amidst several other world class observatories at the 14,000 foot summit of Mauna Kea, on the spectacular Big Island of Hawaii. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to join a highly skilled, innovative and deeply committed team of professionals who excel at enabling the most exciting and important astronomical discoveries in the world.
The successful candidate will need to exhibit leadership ability, very strong communication and inter-personal skills and a strong personal commitment to the success of the program.
The principal activities of this position will be:
Project planning, tracking, reporting and proactive management of schedule, budget, risk and contingency
Responsibility for requests for proposal, vendor selection, contract negotiation and contract management
Obtaining staff resources for project
Managing the overall logistics to ensure smooth and effective workflow
Development of quality assurance plans
During the production phase: management and technical responsibility for the renewal program
Subsequent assignments may involve significant technical leadership along with project management activities.
Minimum qualifications for this position include:
Bachelor’s degree in Optics Engineering, or other engineering or physical sciences degree with experience of optics, materials science, physics, or mechanical engineering, and at least 5 years of optical systems design and implementation experience
At least 5 years of significant project management experience in managing projects of $5M or greater. Experience must include devising budgets, schedules and contingency, critical path analysis, risk identification and mitigation, and project tracking and reporting
5 years of experience in managing contracts, including generating and managing requests for proposal and statements of work, vendor selection, contract negotiation and contract management
Staff supervisory experience
Highly desirable qualifications include
An advanced degree: a master’s or doctorate in a relevant discipline
Experience dealing with optical component vendors
Experience in devising and running quality assurance programs
Familiarity with general mechanical engineering analysis techniques, ideally including experience in finite element analysis and fracture mechanics
Experience with Zemax
Experience in handling large optics (~2m diameter)
Experience in specifying, measuring and aligning optics
Experience in devising efficient information management systems for bulk technical data
This position requires you to submit your resume on-line at: http://keckobservatory.iapplicants.com with your cover letter that states why you are uniquely qualified for the position.
Additional information about WMKO and this position may be found on our website at www.keckobservatory.org EEO Employer
The W. M. Keck Observatory seeks a Senior Electronics Engineer to provide electronics engineering and project management support to develop new observatory capabilities and upgrades to our existing observatory infrastructure. Desired competencies include: sound electronics engineering and design skills, and demonstrated ability to plan and manage electronics and electro-mechanical systems projects. Ideal candidate should have excellent electronics engineering, design and project management skills, and should be a motivated self-starter who can manage multiple projects and priorities within a fast paced environment.
Working on the Keck 1 AO benchThe observatory operates two of the largest and most scientifically productive optical/infrared telescopes in the world. The twin 10-meter telescopes are located amidst several other world class observatories on the summit of Mauna Kea, at 13,796 feet above sea level on the Big Island of Hawaii, one of the premier sites for astronomy. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to join a skilled and deeply committed team of technical professionals who enable exciting and important astronomical discoveries.
Qualifications for this position include a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or equivalent and eight years of work experience performing design and documentation, analysis, fabrication, test, and troubleshooting of electronic and electromechanical systems.
The W.M. Keck Observatory operates two of the world’s largest and most scientifically productive optical/infrared telescopes located on the summit of Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii. A highly capable and motivated staff operates, maintains and develops the complex telescope systems and infrastructure on the summit. We seek an Infrastructure Technician-Electrician to join this high-caliber team.
Utilizing the Keck 1 Laser Guide Star during the nightThis position is primarily responsible for industrial electrical work including installation, modification, repairs and maintenance of electrical systems and equipment up to 480V to ensure they are in good operating condition, safe and conform to the applicable version of the National Electric Code. The work is primarily at the observatory facility on the summit of Mauna Kea with occasional work at the headquarters facility in Waimea. Minimum requirements are 10 years of experience as an industrial electrician and a valid Journey Worker Industrial Electrician License in the State of Hawaii.
Commitment to WMKO’s core values, working well with others, and the ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities within a fast paced environment are all essential. For a full listing of duties and qualifications for this position, please go to: www.keckobservatory.org/about/employment
The W.M. Keck Observatory operates two of the world’s largest and most scientifically productive optical/infrared telescopes located on the summit of Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii. A highly capable and motivated staff operates, maintains and develops the complex telescope systems and infrastructure on the summit. We seek a Senior Machinist-Infrastructure Technician to join this high-caliber team.
This position is responsible for conventional and CNC machining of mechanical parts; interpreting complex mechanical fabrication drawings; and performing mechanical fabrication, assembly, adjustment and troubleshooting of precision mechanisms. In addition, this position will participate in maintenance of the summit infrastructure, including repairs of mechanical systems and preventative maintenance.
Minimum requirements are: Knowledge of materials, their properties, and suitability in different mechanical applications; five years of experience in an industrial environment with proven capability for installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of mechanical systems; and eight years of experience as an industrial machinist building high precision parts.
Commitment to WMKO’s core values, working well with others, and the ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities within a fast paced environment are all essential. Additional information about WMKO and this position may be found on our website at www.keckobservatory.org/about/employment
