Senior Engineer, Optical Fabrication | Steward Observatory

Our mission is to enable cutting-edge discoveries in astronomy and astrophysics by developing, designing, and manufacturing the highest-performance mirrors for use in ground and space telescopes. Our giant, lightweight, honeycomb mirrors are used in leading observatories including the Vera Rubin Observatory, the MMT, and the Large Binocular Telescopes. We’re currently working to enable future capabilities by producing 8.4 m diameter primary mirror segments for the Giant Magellan Telescope and other programs.

In this role, you will:

• Provide technical leadership for grinding and polishing of telescope mirrors up to 8.4 m in diameter
• Be responsible for development of mirror fabrication processes and equipment
• Evaluate test data to demonstrate that each mirror satisfies its requirements, and present results to Steward Observatory leadership and customers
• Serve as the Mirror Lab authority for verifying the fidelity of surface evaluations for all stakeholders

You’ll need:

• A master's degree in engineering or science relevant to optical engineering, plus 10 years of experience in optical fabrication; or equivalent combination of education and work experience

You’ll want to have:

• Experience that includes significant research and development as well as production

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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• Define processes for grinding and polishing telescope mirrors to an accuracy of 10-20 nm RMS surface. Processes include diamond generating cast mirror blanks to final dimensions and shape accuracy of 20 microns RMS; fine grinding to remove subsurface damage and achieve 1 micron RMS accuracy; and polishing and figuring to meet demanding requirements over a wide range of spatial scales. Decision-making includes comprehensive definition of processes to be carried out  repeatedly over a timescale of months, design of individual grinding and polishing runs, and strategic use of measurements.
• Evaluate measurement data in order to guide the fabrication process and to optimize the process. Recognize the limitations of measurements that are at the edge of what is possible, and determine which information is valuable and reliable.  Carry out tests and experiments to optimize fabrication processes. Analyze mirror performance in multiple ways, including image quality, deflection due to mechanical and thermal loads, and active optics.
• Write reports on diverse subjects, including demonstrating that mirrors satisfy requirements at multiple stages of fabrication; and analysis of mirror performance. Present results to Steward Observatory leadership and customers.
• Supervise assigned engineers by providing direction on work tasks and guidance on skills and career growth.
• Evaluate proposed mirror requirements. Work with the metrology team to determine a comprehensive set of tests and their accuracy requirements.

• Master's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.

• PhD in engineering or a science relevant to optical engineering.
• 15 years experience in optical fabrication.
• Experience should include significant research and development, as well as production.