The Large
Binocular Telescope (LBT) Observatory at the University of Arizona
is looking for an Optical Engineer/Optical Scientist. The successful
candidate will become part of the LBT Engineering Group. The primary
responsibility of this position is for optical engineering on the
LBT which is now about to begin operation on the mountain top. The
LBT represents a major advance in astronomical research
capabilities. It will be the largest, most powerful optical/infrared
telescope in the world with two 8.4m F/1.14 primary mirrors on a
common mount. LBT adaptive optics systems provide
diffraction-limited imaging capability with 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, and must possess the
potential to develop successful integrative strategies for
commissioning and operating this groundbreaking telescope and its
instruments. The selected candidate is expected to participate in
telescope commissioning activities and actively contribute to
problem analysis and solving, as well as telescope optical alignment
and performance optimization. Project activities in which
participation may be expected include optical alignment, design
reviews, risk assessments, vendor bid evaluations, and project
readiness reviews. Previous experiences with detectors, wavefront
sensors, adaptive optics, active optics, optical and/or infrared
astronomical instrumentation are valuable assets. Experience
applying and maintaining coatings on large optics is also valuable.
While the position is at the LBT Observatory headquarters in Tucson,
the selected candidate must be available for practical problem
solving and extensive commissioning activities on telescope site at
altitude of approximately 10,500 feet on Mt Graham, Safford, AZ. The
position reports to the LBT systems engineer.
The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes
health, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement and
pre-tax savings plans, auto and home insurance, child care programs,
and tuition reduction for employee and qualified family.
* Perform module
or subsystem design from concept design through manufacturing,
including detailed optical design, optical component layout, and ray
tracing for new or improved optical subsystems.
* Interface with astronomers and other engineers regarding the
performance of complex electro-optical systems.
* Make precise measurements of surface accuracy and dimensions of
optical systems.
* Perform tolerancing analysis on new or existing optical designs.
* Perform precise alignment of optical systems.
* Process and analyze optical test data and telescope performance
data.
* Interface with technicians in the assembly, alignment and use of
optical systems.
* Develop test plans for new components and estimate costs and
schedules.
* Assist with recoating the telescope optics.
Not applicable
for this title.
Bachelor of
Science in Optics, Physics, Astronomy, or related Engineering
discipline.
Demonstrated design experience in telescope projects, or other
comparable large projects; minimum is 4 years.
Experience using Optical Design Software (Oslo, Zemax, Code 5,
etc.).
Experience and skill building optical instruments.
Experience with electronic and optical systems and test equipment,
optical measurement principles and techniques.
* Master of
Science in Optics, Physics, Astronomy or related Engineering
discipline.
* Demonstrated design experience in telescope projects, or other
comparable large projects; minimum is 10 years.
* Experience with opto-mechanical design in the context of large
telescopes.
* Experience with wavefront sensors, adaptive optics, active optics,
optical and/or infrared astronomical instrumentation.
* Experience with optics manufacturing techniques and processes.
* Good verbal and written communications skills (English language)
and the ability to work as part of a team.
None
Administrative
and Professional
Computer, Engineering and Technical