University of Arizona · 3 months ago
Senior Engineer, Optical Fabrication
Tucson, AZ
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$139K/yr - $181K/yr
10+ years expThe University of Arizona is dedicated to enabling cutting-edge discoveries in astronomy and astrophysics through the development of high-performance mirrors for telescopes. In this role, you will provide technical leadership in the grinding and polishing of telescope mirrors and be responsible for the development of fabrication processes and equipment.
EducationHigher EducationNon ProfitUniversities
Responsibilities
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
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
Qualification
Required
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
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
Preferred
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
Benefits
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
More!
Company
University of Arizona
University of Arizona is a public research university that offers bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional degree courses.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
University of Arizona has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (138)
2024 (119)
2023 (146)
2022 (135)
2021 (146)
2020 (93)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$88.9MKey Investors
US Department of EnergyGoogle.orgNational Science Foundation
2024-12-10Grant· $0.61M
2024-06-04Grant· $1M
2023-09-07Grant· $30M
Leadership Team
Chad Herzog
Associate Vice President, Arizona Arts
Recent News
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