University of Arizona · 1 month ago
R&D Engineering Manager III, Steward Observatory (Updated)
Tucson, AZ
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$118K/yr - $153K/yr
7+ years expThe University of Arizona is seeking an R&D Engineering Manager III for the Steward Observatory to support the Arizona Radio Observatory and Mountain Operations groups. The role involves managing engineering projects for the development and maintenance of optical and radio telescopes, supervising a team of engineers, and ensuring compliance with operational plans.
EducationHigher EducationNon ProfitUniversities
Responsibilities
Manages technical projects to scope, schedule, budget, and risk on behalf of Principal Investigator (PI). Prepares proposals, statements of work, and other documents in conjunction with PIs, the Business Office, and U of A Administration
Accountable for the strategic and operational direction of a large and complex technical organization within the department, with significant impact on short and mid-term plans
Develops, implements, and maintains operational plans, programs, systems, and technical aspects of projects requiring a high degree of innovation, creativity, and integration
Coordinates, monitors, and/or supervises the activities of designated technical groups to ensure optimum efficiency of effort, conservation of funds, and compliance with appropriate policies, procedures, and specifications
Develops and schedules work plans in accordance with specifications and funding limitations
Supervises team of engineers, including providing training and direction to staff and evaluating performance
Additional duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent discipline
Minimum of 7 years of related work experience, including 3 years of managerial experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience
Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy
Technical literacy with the ability to plan and manage engineering projects
Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and supervisory skills, with the ability to mentor and manage engineers, foster cooperation, and encourage a collaborative working environment
Ability to manage multiple complex projects concurrently with minimal supervision
Ability to identify project risks, develop mitigation strategies, and drive risk resolution
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with attention to clarity and detail
Outstanding organizational, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities
Ability to work with a wide range of people at all levels of the organization and with a variety of external stakeholders
Ability to work nights and weekends, including occasional overnight stays at telescope sites
Proficiency using Windows and Microsoft Office and familiarity with Linux
Ability to lift/transport up to 50 lbs. and routinely climb stairs and ladders at altitude
Ability to work for extended periods of time at remote sites at elevations up to 11,000 feet
Ability to work in extreme mountain weather conditions
Preferred
Engineering experience with optics, RF systems, telescopes, electronics, and custom machines
Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in a technical field
Experience with optical or radio telescopes in operations or construction
Experience with monitoring and control systems, industrial motion control, and thermal control systems
Experience with motor control systems, AC and DC power systems, and servos
Experience with astronomical instrumentation
Experience using project management tools such as MS Project, Smartsheet, or equivalent software
Ten or more years of related work experience
Benefits
Health, dental, and vision insurance plans
Life insurance and disability programs
Paid vacation
Sick leave
Holidays
U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members
Retirement plans
Access to U of A recreation and cultural activities
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
Lanita Collette
Acting CIO, Deputy CIO
Recent News
Arizona Daily Star
2025-12-14
Arizona Daily Star
2025-12-09
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2025-12-09
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