Tag: job

Mauna Kea Employment

CFHT at Dawn
The Canada-France-Hawai’i Telescope greets the dawn
I 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.

Mauna Kea Astronomy Jobs

Employment Opportunity at Keck – Electronics Engineer

W. M. Keck Observatory position announcement…

Fisheye Keck 1
The Keck 1 Telescope awaiting lights out and release for the night
W. 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.

To learn more about this position and to apply, go to: www.keckobservatory.iapplicants.com

Equal Opportunity Employer

Employment at Keck – Adaptive Optics Specialist

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.

AO Bench Work
Working on the Keck 1 AO bench
The 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.

This position requires you to submit your resume on-line at: http://keckobservatory.iapplicants.com/ViewJob-324991.html 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 web site at www.keckobservatory.org

Employment Opportunity at Keck – Senior Mechanical Engineer

W. M. Keck Position Announcement…

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.

Segment Crane
the segment crane being lowered into place to remove a segment from a primary mirror
Qualifications 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.

To learn more and to apply please go to: http://keckobservatory.iapplicants.com/ViewJob-359943.html

Employment at Keck – Engineering Project Manager

W. M. Keck Observatory position announcement…

Project Manager/Engineer

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.

Segment
A Keck mirror segment after stripping and cleaning, ready to place in the chamber to receive a new reflective coating
The 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:

  1. Project planning, tracking, reporting and proactive management of schedule, budget, risk and contingency
  2. Responsibility for requests for proposal, vendor selection, contract negotiation and contract management
  3. Obtaining staff resources for project
  4. Managing the overall logistics to ensure smooth and effective workflow
  5. Development of quality assurance plans
  6. 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:

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. Staff supervisory experience

Highly desirable qualifications include

  1. An advanced degree: a master’s or doctorate in a relevant discipline
  2. Experience dealing with optical component vendors
  3. Experience in devising and running quality assurance programs
  4. Familiarity with general mechanical engineering analysis techniques, ideally including experience in finite element analysis and fracture mechanics
  5. Experience with Zemax
  6. Experience in handling large optics (~2m diameter)
  7. Experience in specifying, measuring and aligning optics
  8. 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

Employment Opportunity at Keck – Temporary Electrical Engineer

W. M. Keck Observatory Position Announcement…

Temporary Electrical Engineer

This temporary position provides electronics and electrical engineering support to develop new observatory capabilities and for upgrades to our existing observatory infrastructure. This is a challenging fast-paced technical environment where teamwork and good interpersonal communication skills are essential.

Keck 1 Laser
Utilizing the Keck 1 Laser Guide Star during the night
The 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.

Desired competencies include, but are not limited to: understanding of analog and digital electronics, data communications and computer interface electronics, industrial control systems experience including specific PLC competencies. The ideal candidate should be a motivated self-starter who can manage multiple projects and priorities within a fast paced environment.

Qualifications for this position include a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or equivalent; two years of work experience performing design and documentation, analysis, fabrication, test, and troubleshooting of electronics and electromechanical systems; engineering process and configuration management experience.

This position requires you to submit your resume on-line at: http://keckobservatory.iapplicants.com/ViewJob-282805.html 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

Employment Opportunity at Keck – Human Resources Generalist

W. M. Keck Observatory Position Announcement…

Human Resources Generalist

Under the general supervision of the Human Resources & Administration Manager, the Human Resources Generalist (HRG) provides a wide variety of both complex and routine administrative services. The HRG position is dedicated to providing assistance to departments and employees in the review and processing of transactions related to recruitment, benefits, compensation, absences and resignations. Also assists with various aspects of the HRIS integration and maintenance project as well as other HR related projects.

The 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. Our headquarters is located in Waimea, at 2,500 feet above sea level.

Required: Bachelor’s degree and five years of hands-on HR experience in personnel related processes in functional areas including; benefits, classification/compensation, employment and personnel records management. Must possess strong communication skills. Preferred degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration or Industrial Relations.

This position requires you to submit your resume on-line at: http://keckobservatory.iapplicants.com/ViewJob-279721.html 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

Employment Opportunity at Keck – Adaptive Optics Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Adaptive Optics Opto-Mechanical Engineer

W.M. Keck Observatory seeks a qualified Opto-Mechanical Engineer at its facilities in Hawaii to join a team that develops optimizes and maintains the Observatory’s Adaptive Optics (AO) systems.

Keck Observatory operates two of the largest and most scientifically productive optical/infrared telescopes in the world. Both telescopes are equipped with operational Laser Guide Star (LGS) AO systems whose capabilities continue to be developed to maintain their scientific competitiveness. The twin 10-meter telescopes are located on the summit of Mauna Kea, at almost 14,000 feet above sea level on the Big Island of Hawaii, one of the premier sites for astronomy.

Responsibilities

  • Opto-mechanical design including analysis, tolerancing and error budgets.
  • Implementation and optimization of opto-mechanical systems including installation and alignment.
  • Maintenance of the AO system opto-mechanics including preventative maintenance,
  • Performance monitoring and troubleshooting.
  • Prepare and review written documentation and drawings for new systems and modifications to existing systems.

Qualifications

  • B. S. in Opto-Mechanical, Optics or Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
  • Experience with Adaptive Optics or instrument development.
  • Track record of precision designs of opto-mechanical components/systems.
  • Competence with Zemax, SolidWorks or equivalent.
  • Engineering process and documentation experience.

Applications/Resumes are received online only via the website:
www.keckobservatory.iapplicants.com