Mechanical Engineer; Opto-Design

OVERVIEW

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard‑Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best‑known astrophysics center in the world-section is the best‑known. Its programs range from ground‑based astronomy and astrophysics research to space‑based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground‑based facilities, and research designed to improve science education.

The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support. Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non‑Federal contracts and grants.

SUMMARY

This is the position of Opto‑Mechanical Design Engineer, Central Engineering Department (CE), Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO). The purpose of the position is to support the Observatory’s scientific investigations by providing mechanical, structural, and potentially project engineering expertise to the development of advanced ground‑based instrumentation for astronomical/astrophysical data collection and related telescope systems. The incumbent will collaborate with scientists to identify pioneering technologies to be applied to the development of innovative instruments that support the advance of Observatory scientific research objectives and will ensure the translation of these concepts into functional hardware.

The incumbent will be required to support multiple complex projects simultaneously.

Project Leadership

Leads mechanical subsystem development with significant complexity. Oversees design, construction, and maintenance of complex rtc. Incumbent provides technical consultation, guidance, and task leadership. Advises senior leadership, program officials, and colleagues on engineering analysis, recommendations, and study conclusions (e.g., advising director on region‑wide implementation plans for new or updated standards).

Planning, Design, and Development

Leads, plans, develops, and prepares procedures, policies, and/or protocols for mechanical engineering studies and special projects that require advanced engineering analysis that extends or modifies theories, concepts, and assumptions or resolves unique or novel problems, conditions, or issues. Plans and coordinates programs游戏 or projects which are innovative and original. Develops methods and procedures which become the established precedent. Engineering analysis may result in significant alteration of standard practices, processes, devices, equipment, and known techniques.

Studies and projects include technical planning activities; data collection; modeling and data analyses; analyses of site location and/or conditions; risk estimation and analyses; and analyses of instrumentation data. Engineering analysis advances engineering methods, practices, and procedures; conclusions, recommendations and/or decisions are based on this high‑level analysis.

Technical Consultation

Provide expert advice to senior colleagues, agency officials, and stakeholders. Provides technical organizational representation and collaboration on teams external to the organization, including external stakeholders and partners. Remains current with agency and national standards in the mechanical engineering industry (e.g., American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)). Provides technical reviews, peer reviews, and checking of designs, drawings, engineering analysis, technical documents, specifications, cost estimates, and contract correspondence, ensuring documents are accurate and quality assurance processes were followed.

Reviews may be outside of the organization or designed by others. Signs documents for technical approval in accordance…