Opto Mechanical Engineer

The Opto-Mechanical Engineer I plays a key role in turning the ngGONG project’s scientific goals into reliable, high-precision hardware. By supporting the design and implementation of opto-mechanical components and assemblies, this position helps ensure that telescope and instrumentation systems achieve the alignment, stability, and performance required for high-quality solar observations. Working closely with senior engineers, technicians, and cross-disciplinary teams, the Opto-Mechanical Engineer I contributes to designs that are not only precise, but also practical to build, operate, and maintain over the long term.

This role directly supports the success of ngGONG by strengthening the foundation of engineering excellence that enables groundbreaking solar science.

The ngGONG project is currently funded for a three-year design phase, with the potential for additional funding contingent upon selection to advance into construction.

This position is based in Boulder, Colorado, on the University of Colorado campus.

• Participate as a member of the engineering design team to support opto‑mechanical subsystems, ranging from large optics to complex mechanical components, and to contribute to overall optical system alignment activities.
• Design, develop, and analyze opto‑mechanical subsystems in the telescope and instrumentation under the guidance of senior engineers.
• Develop optical component and mechanical assembly designs, including tools and fixtures for optical alignment and test. Assist in creating alignment, assembly, and test procedures, including sensitivity matrices and measurement plans, and in analyzing position and wavefront error of designed components.
• Assist in creating and maintaining optical and mechanical models using the relevant software tools (e.g., Solid Works, Zemax, Spatial Analyzer), ensuring they are current and consistent with design changes.
• Contribute to the analysis of scientific and engineering requirements and help interpret these requirements in technical terms for opto‑mechanical design.
• Participate in theoretical and practical investigations in the areas of optics, metrology, and ancillary systems, under the direction of senior engineers.
• Contribute to the solution of scientific or engineering problems where only general objectives are stated, seeking guidance from senior engineers as needed.
• Be responsible for compliance with applicable safety standards and for safe operations in areas under purview, including promptly reporting unsafe conditions and practices.
• Cooperate and coordinate closely with other personnel involved with assigned design and development tasks, including engineers, technicians, and project staff.
• May provide guidance to project‑assigned support personnel (e.g., technicians) for specific tasks, under the direction of senior engineers.
• Recommend changes in scope of work as design progresses and new knowledge is obtained, escalating such recommendations through appropriate channels.
• Comply with technical requirements of assigned work and approved schedules; report results of activities, document findings, and flag unusual situations or issues for senior review.
• Other duties as assigned.

Why NSO?

At the National Solar Observatory, you’ll join a mission-driven community working at the frontier of solar science. Our teams are dedicated to understanding the Sun in ways that protect technology, enhance scientific discovery, and inspire global audiences. NSO offers a collaborative, forward-thinking environment where curiosity is encouraged, varied perspectives are valued, and employees can make a tangible impact on science and society.

Here, you will have the opportunity to grow your career, lead innovative outreach programs, and help shape the national conversation around solar physics and space weather.

Required

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in physics, mathematics, engineering, or a closely related field, or at least five years of equivalent experience in a relevant technical role.
• Approximately five years of experience in the design, integration, alignment, manufacturing, and/or maintenance of precision opto‑mechanical systems (or a…