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Deputy Instrument Design Lead
  • Job Number: 24083
  • Functional Area: Research - Scientific
  • Department: Kavli Inst for Astrophysics & Space Rsrch
  • School Area: Science
  • Employment Type: Full-Time
  • Employment Category: Exempt
  • Visa Sponsorship Available: No
  • Schedule:


Job Description

DEPUTY INSTRUMENT DESIGN LEAD, Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research (MKI)-Optical and Infrared Instrumentation Group, to develop and deploy a cryogenic, medium resolution, long-slit IR echelle spectrograph for the 25m Giant Magellan Telescope or other design and build projects for the next-generation Extremely Large Telescope.  Will work on challenging technical problems while co-leading a team of engineers/researchers with established principal research scientist; and provide project continuity and coordination, bridging between project science, systems engineering, project management, and relevant engineering and technical fields.  

Full description available here.

Job Requirements

REQUIRED:  master’s degree in STEM field; at least two years’ relevant experience in instrument design, development, integration, and testing (preferably ground- or space-based astronomical instrumentation); experience working on small, mixed-skill technical teams; design and simulation software experience (e.g., Zemax/CodeV, SolidWorks or other CAD, COMSOL, Ansys tool suite, etc.); basic knowledge of project management and systems engineering methods, practices, and software (e.g., MBSE, Atlassian, MS Project, etc.); ability to develop and execute technical procedures; experience troubleshooting and/or performing root cause analysis, trade studies, and risk analysis; strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills; efficient technical writing and fluency with documentation/presentation tools (e.g., MS Office 365, Google Suite, LaTeX/Overleaf, etc.); basic coding skills (Python) and OS knowledge (Linux, OS X, Shell); and ability to work independently.  PREFERRED: Ph.D.; proficiency programming in Python and using code management resources (GitHub/Lab); documented record of design and analysis (e.g., relevant thesis, project participation, publications, patents, etc.); experience leading technical teams, planning and executing test events (e.g., ground/flight tests, systems integration tests), identifying resources and dependencies required to support test events (staffing, test assets, configuration), and interfacing with customers/organizational partners; and eligibility to read and manage ITAR- and/or EAR-sensitive work materials.  Job #24083

Application material should include a cover letter, CV and list of publications, three references, and a portfolio (max 10 pages in PDF form, showcasing prior work and experience) in a single PDF in the resume section of the application.

Established work eligibility within the U.S. required.


5/28/24