Optical Alignment Engineer, Steward Observatory (Multiple Positions)

This Optical Alignment Engineer, Steward Observatory (Multiple Positions) position is with University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ. Instrument Alignment, Integration, and Testing: Using the Optical and Mechanical design, directs, and is involved in aligning, integrating, and testing of high-precision instruments being built in a cleanroom. The incumbent must be able to use optical measurement techniques such as interferometers, Faro arms, and other CMMs, alignment lasers, and techniques to ensure that the instrument is precisely built to spec. Optical Design: Develops optical designs using ZEMAX and other optical software that meet the scientific specifications for astronomical observations, applying extensive knowledge of optical design and how optical inputs directly influence the design, construction, and implementation of astronomical instrumentation. This work will require technical reports and lead to publications on the performance of the instrument. Opto-Mechanical Design: Works with mechanical engineers to test, modify, and implement the optical design using extensive knowledge of opto-mechanical engineering to be able to provide direction on how to implement the design. Optics Ordering: Translates the optical design to requirements that will be used to send out to potential vendors for procurement of parts and optics. Translates optical design to real world requirements that will make the item buildable while keeping cost and schedule down. Works directly with vendors and acts as the liaison between the UA procurement and vendors for defining any technical items related to the parts being ordered. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to communicate with vendors and technicians and engineers in other disciplines. Ability to communicate with department administration and telescope project representatives (customers), including preparation of formal and informal reports and slide presentations. Expert in use of ZEMAX. Expert in use of Solidworks. Extensive knowledge of Adaptive Optics and how that pertains to ground and space based telescopes. Extensive knowledge of optical design and how it will affect the real world outcome with the ability to take a design from the beginning to the end.