Engineer IV Optical Engineer - Boulder, United States - University Corporation for Atmospheric Research

Description

Job Description Summary:

Perform optical engineering functions to develop, fabricate, assemble and test a broad range of instruments to support research within the solar-terrestrial geospace environment.

As part of a small team of scientists and engineers, design, build, test, deliver and support instruments for ground-based and balloon-based observation of earth's upper atmospheric and solar phenomena. Instruments include but are not limited to birefringent optical filters, spectro-polarimeters, coronagraphs, polarimeters, Fabry-Perot Interferometers, telescopes, spectrographs, and range in aperture size from 0.2 to 1.5m.

The instruments are typically used for the measurement of magnetic fields in the solar corona, measurement of the polarized brightness of the solar white light corona, measurement of emission lines from the solar chromosphere and prominences, magnetospheric and thermospheric measurements.

Position Details:

Visa Sponsored Job:

No

Relocation Assistance Eligible:

No

Job Location:

Boulder, Colorado

Position Type & Term:

Full time, Term - 6 months or more (Fixed Term)

Compensation Range:

Salary Range $123,001 - $153,750

*Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, and skills relevant to the role.*

Application Notes

Job Location: Boulder, CO

Job Type: Hybrid (Mainly at the office with a few days remote when possible)

Position Type & Term: Full-time, 1-year Term

Visa sponsorship: NOT available for this position

Relocation Assistance: NOT available for this position

Application Deadline: 5/15/2024

Required application materials:

• Resume
• Cover Letter - Please address how your skills and experience meet the needs of this position (for more information, please refer to the Key Responsibilities and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities sections of this job posting).

Background Checks: Conducted for candidates selected for hire. Learn more.

Work Location: Regardless of flexible work arrangements, UCAR requires ALL positions to be
performed within the U.S., excluding U.S. Territories.

What You Will Do

Here is a brief summary of what one would expect to be generally responsible for in this role.

Optical Design

• Design optical systems integrating schmidt-cassegrain telescopes, telecentric focal reducers, birefringent optical (Lyot) filters and camera imaging systems
• Familiarity with component level designs and specifications, including but not limited to lenses, filters, waveplates, polarizers, windows, gratings, Fabry-Perot cavities, coatings, and focal planes.
• Create system level optical designs and specifications for complete telescopes including considerations for opto-mechanical mounting, analyses for stray and scattered light.
• Create designs which can be verified with appropriate instrument alignment methodology, and developing alignment fixturing & tooling as needed

Optical Systems Fabrication, Assembly and Integration

• Work with engineers and technicians directly and participate in hands-on instrumentation fabrication, assembly, test, deployment, operations and maintenance
• Work with vendors to develop achievable and cost effective optical fabrication tolerances, and update optical models as needed to document as-built configurations
• Support efforts to procure and produce hardware via drawings, interfacing with purchasing, interfacing with Design and Fabrication Services and HAO technicians

Optical Systems Test Engineering

• Develop and document detailed test plans and procedures based on engineering specifications and requirements verification and validation matrices
• Develop specific test methods for instrument testing
• Conduct and oversee testing efforts, and participate with hands on as necessary
• Write test reports to document instrument performance

Systems Engineering

• Work closely with scientists, engineers, project managers, customers, vendors, end users and other stakeholders to identify, develop, and translate science goals and requirements into system requirements and specifications.
• Work with scientists and other stakeholders to perform cost-benefit analysis between science goals and program cost
• Verifies the integrity of analyses performed by other engineers
• Propose, define, and conduct design reviews
• Uses advanced statistical techniques to define and understand telescope and instrumental performance

Who We'd Love To Join Our Team

Successful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria:
Education and Experience (Required/Desired):

REQUIRED

• A bachelor's degree in engineering and at least nine years of engineering experience OR
• A Master's degree in Engineering and at least seven years of experience OR
• A Ph.D. degree and at least five years of experience
  • Experience should be extensive, progressive engineering experience, conceiving, planning, and leading development projects.
  • Demonstrated field experience using astronomical telescopes including performing polar alignments, adapting post-focal instrumentation, and optimizing image focus
  • Extensive practical hands-on laboratory experience using and working with optical tools and systems
  • Extensive experience developing tests to verify optical performance at both the component and system levels
  • Experience with spectro-polarimetry
  • Experience with optical fabrication techniques and the polishing of optics
  • Experience and proven ability in writing scientific instrumentation proposals, and in successfully publishing engineering results

Education & Experience Desired but Not required:

• 15 years of experience using both ZEMAX and FRED optical engineering tools for astronomical optical systems and telescopes
• 15 years of experience designing coronagraphs (candidate should demonstrate a high level of sophistication regarding both externally and internally occulted Lyot coronagraphs

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities REQUIRED:

• Strong technical ability to articulate problems and formulate alternative solutions to engineering problems.
• Broad optical engineering background, with significant experience in geometrical and physical optics, radiometry, polarimetry, stray light, and scattering analysis using Zemax and FRED
• Demonstrated expertise in the designing, constructing, and testing of birefringent optical filters
• Demonstrated ability to work as an effective member of a team of scientists and engineers, and an advanced capability to conduct engineering instrumentation design working in an independent manner as necessary.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a proven ability to communicate effectively with PI's, scientific staff and fellow engineers.
• Advanced ability to anticipate and define long-term impacts of design decisions, and the knowledge and skills to mitigate such impacts.
• Superior ability to apply advanced mathematics to the solution of engineering problems.
• Advanced knowledge of design and testing for complex new systems that integrate into larger systems.
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability and willingness to travel

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Desired but Not required:

• Application of additional broad science and engineering skills, including opto-mechanical design

Benefits Overview

UCAR affirms its commitment to employees through competitive benefits. In addition to medical, dental, vision, retirement, and life insurance, UCAR offers a variety of programs focused on work-life balance and professional, and personal development. These include:

• Tuition Assistance, time off allowance to attend classes, and other professional development opportunities
• UCAR contributes 10% of your eligible pay into your retirement account; 100% fully vested on day one
• Starting minimum accrual of 20 days of personal time off each year (prorated for less than full-time positions)
• 10 paid holidays
• 10 days of sick leave each year
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• Short-term medical leave paid at 100% of your regular salary
• EcoPass for local Colorado residents to use the Denver and Boulder-area transit system at no cost

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Our organization is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment and fostering a culture where everyone feels welcome and supported. To learn more about these efforts, visit the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategic Plan and our Diversity & Inclusion: A Welcoming Workplace site.

Research shows that women and people of color are less likely to apply for a position if they do not meet almost 100% of the desired skills and experience. Please note this is not necessary If you meet the minimum requirements and have a passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. We can provide on-the-job training for the rest

Some Final Considerations

At UCAR|NCAR|UCP, you will work alongside a dedicated team of professionals conducting critical research and community outreach to solve complex Earth system science problems including climate change, air pollution, extreme weather, floods, drought, wildfires, and space weather, all with the goal of improving human life and reducing economic loss. Each of us, from scientists to the professionals who support their work, serves the public and a collaborative community of scientists in our mission to understand the complex processes that make up the Earth system, from the ocean floor to the Sun's core.

Flexible Work

At UCAR, we are committed to supporting our mission by giving staff the flexibility to find the schedule and location that works best to maintain their own work-life circumstances and reach their full potential as professionals. Many positions within our organization are eligible for fully on-site, hybrid, fully-remote and/or flexible work schedules.

Equal Opportunity Employer

UCAR is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy.Whatever your intersection of identities, you are welcome at UCAR.

Export Control

All positions are required to comply with U.S. export compliance regulations work location requirements regarding access to facilities and research systems.

Visa Wait Times

Please consider the length of visa procurement when applying for this posting, understanding that you will not be able to begin employment until you are able to get a visa and enter the U.S.