Mechanical Engineer

Description:

Duties

1. Designs and develops mechanical aspects of cutting edge scientific instruments for ground based astronomical/astrophysical data collection or laboratory experiments that will include highly complex, precise, large-scale assemblies with multiple components, their support structures, and associated mechanisms and test equipment. Carries designs from initial concept through fabrication, integration, test, debugging, and final assembly to instrument delivery, working cooperatively with engineers from other disciplines such as electrical, structural, and software. Assignments will include the development of precision mechanisms and mechanical packaging for large wide-field optical instruments.

2. Serves as the project Mechanical Group Leader. Organizes and oversees mechanical aspects of assigned hardware from conception through fabrication, assembly, test, and integration. Maintains a technical overview of the task in process and is responsible for the design and test integrity of the resulting hardware. Prepares labor and materials cost estimates, schedules, plans, and technical status reports. Coordinates the work of other engineers, designers, and technicians assigned to detail design and integration activities; and maintains associated engineering budgets and schedules.

3. Conducts engineering analyses, including trade-off analyses, in support of the development of the mechanical aspects of assigned instrumentation to achieve the best compromise between cost, schedule, and performance.

4. Investigates, selects, justifies, and procures critical mechanical, servo-mechanical, and electro-optical components required for instrument development. Conducts vendor surveys and prepares procurement specifications for selected components. Both independently and in cooperation with SAO Product and/or Quality Assurance, reviews hardware and components received to assure compliance with specifications and monitors subsequent assembly and/or installation.

5. Extensively documents work in technical memoranda, reports, test plans, and procedures. Maintains cognizance of, and observes, all CE/SAO Configuration Management policies and procedures that are applicable to the assigned project. Makes both oral and written presentations to CfA scientific and technical personnel, and the staff of cooperating and contracting agencies and organizations. Participates in project design reviews.

6. Provides technical direction to, and both technical and schedule coordination with, other project team members such as machinists, technicians, other ME’s, and engineers in other disciplines; and with technical vendors and/or sub-contractors.

7. Directs mechanical fabrication, assembly, and test activities, both in SAO laboratories and at telescope sites.

8. Performs other related duties as assigned and travels as required to support project activities.