Position Information
Principal Mechanical Engineer  
34892  
0463-Large Binocular Telescope Obs  
College of Science  
DOE  
Appointed: Professional  
04-25-2006  
Open Until Filled
05-30-2006  
Yes  
Full Time  
Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm  
40  
No  
Letter of Interest
Resume  
 
 
The Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) Observatory at the University of Arizona is looking for an innovative, creative engineer to fill the position of Principal Mechanical Engineer. The primary responsibility is mechanical engineering on the LBT which is about to begin operation on Mount Graham, Safford, Az. The successful candidate will become part of the LBT Engineering Group reporting to the LBT systems engineer. The ideal candidate will have experience in large telescope projects, a solid theoretical engineering background, and must also be available for practical problem solving and extensive commissioning activities at the telescope site.

The LBT will be the largest, most powerful optical/infrared telescope in the world. LBT adaptive optics systems provide diffraction-limited imaging capability with the resolution of a 22.8-meter telescope. Its unique binocular design and state-of-the-art optics technology provide opportunities for innovative engineers to expand their experience beyond typical applications. Candidates must be strongly team oriented with a desire to tackle new and unique problems. While most work will occur at the LBT Observatory headquarters in Tucson, significant amounts of work will occur at the LBT site on Mt. Graham at an elevation of 10,470 feet.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and retirement plans, life insurance, disability programs and investment plans, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; tuition reduction for employee and qualified family members and access to UA recreation and cultural activities.  
- Responsible for both independent design and implementation work and for contractor oversight on mechanical engineering projects for the telescope, enclosure and related subsystems.
- Develops procedures for testing, installation, commissioning and startup of the telescope and instruments.
- Develops requirements for operation, maintenance and inspection procedures.
- Performs finite element, structural and thermal analysis of existing and new telescope systems.
- Participates in design reviews, risk assessments, vendor bid evaluations and project readiness reviews.
- Develops standards, conventions and documentation, and directs technical personnel in implementing designs for telescope and related systems, mirror support and image processing systems.  
Not applicable for this position.  
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
- Demonstrated Mechanical design experience in major telescope projects, or other comparable large projects; minimum is 5 years.
- Extensive experience with AutoDesk Inventor, Ansys and Ansys Workbench
- Good verbal and written communications skills (English language) and the ability to work as part of a team.
-Valid Arizona driver's license  
- Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
- Demonstrated Mechanical design experience in major telescope projects, or other comparable large projects; minimum is 10 years.
- Experience with opto-mechanical design in the context of large telescopes.
- Comprehensive knowledge of mechanical design standards and codes.
- Experience with AutoDesk Vault archiving system
- Expectation is for a rapid comprehension of the LBT project.  
The University of Arizona conducts pre-employment screening for all positions, which includes verification of academic credentials, licenses, certifications, and work history.  
None  
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