Mechanical Engineer III

The Mechanical Engineer III is a critical contributor to the success of the Next-Generation Global Observing Network Group (ngGONG) design project, bridging detailed mechanical engineering with system-level observatory performance. By leading the design of key mechanical subsystems, this role ensures that telescope and instrumentation hardware meets demanding requirements for precision, stability, and long-term reliability. Working in close partnership with the Principal Mechanical Engineer and cross-disciplinary teams, the ME3 helps translate complex scientific and system requirements into practical, manufacturable designs.

The quality and rigor of this work directly influence the performance, serviceability, and longevity of ngGONG’s observatory systems—making this role essential to delivering a world-class solar observing capability.

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.

• Perform mechanical engineering design and analysis for telescope, opto‑mechanical, and instrumentation subsystems, using 3‑D CAD tools to produce models, assemblies, and detailed drawings that comply with project standards.
• Independently solve moderately complex mechanical design problems for assigned subsystems, including selection of materials, fasteners, and fabrication methods suitable for precision observatory environments and remote sites.
• Translate system and science requirements into mechanical requirements and design concepts for components and subassemblies, under the guidance of the Principal Mechanical Engineer and Systems Engineer.
• Perform or support mechanical analyses (for example, basic structural, thermal, vibration, and tolerance assessments) and use analysis results to refine and validate designs.
• Prepare engineering documentation for new parts and modifications, including drawings, bills of material, specification sheets, and integration procedures that meet configuration control and quality requirements.
• Collaborate with the Principal Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, and other team members to develop techniques, procedures, tooling, assembly sequences, and test setups for mechanical subsystems.
• Support sourcing and technical evaluation of parts and assemblies; work with vendors and fabricators to resolve manufacturability, tolerancing, and quality issues, and to ensure designs can be built as intended.
• Participate in mechanical design reviews for assigned subsystems; present design concepts, analyses, and trade studies; address review comments and implement agreed changes.
• Support prototype fabrication, integration, alignment, and testing activities; provide hands‑on support as needed during build and test campaigns at the lab or on site.
• Coordinate technical problem‑solving directly or in conjunction with other members of the project team, escalating issues to the Principal Mechanical Engineer when appropriate.
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of design standards, checklists, and best practices for mechanical design and documentation within the ngGONG project.
• Arrange and coordinate activities related to assigned subsystems and interact with other departments and vendors when required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

• Technical Mastery – Expertise in mechanical system design, analysis, and development for high‑precision telescope and instrumentation applications.
• Systems Thinking – Ability to balance performance, manufacturability, cost, and schedule at the subsystem and system levels, and to understand how assigned subsystems fit into the overall ngGONG architecture.
• Technical Ownership – Takes ownership of assigned mechanical subsystems; leads design tasks and subsystem reviews; fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing within the engineering team.
• Innovation & Problem Solving – Anticipates design challenges and develops creative, technically sound solutions using appropriate analysis and trade studies.
• Cross‑
  Disciplinary Collaboration –…