Configuration Manager

The Giant Magellan Telescope is the most powerful ground-based telescope ever engineered. It was designed to push the boundaries of human knowledge and discover the unknown. With unmatched image quality, seven of the world’s largest mirrors will launch our view into the universe to uncover the cosmic mysteries of dark matter, investigate the origins of chemical elements, and search for signs of life on distant exoplanets for the first time.

The 30-meter class telescope is under construction at Las Campanas Observatory in Chile’s Atacama Desert, one of the best locations on Earth to view the heavens. From this unrivaled vantage into the southern sky, the Giant Magellan Telescope will produce the sharpest and most detailed images ever taken of our universe.

When complete in the early 2030s, the Giant Magellan Telescope will be the largest public-private funded science project in history. The endeavor was founded by an international consortium of 15 research institutions representing Australia, Brazil, Chile, Israel, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United States, and is managed by the GMTO Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Pasadena, California. Our culture is impactful, inclusive, and fearlessly innovative. We solve the most difficult engineering challenges and scientific questions with talented individuals who share a passion for revolutionizing humanity’s knowledge of the universe.

We invite you to join our team and leave your mark on astronomy’s future and beyond.

The Universe Awaits™

Systems Engineering

Project Systems Engineer

Reporting to the Project Systems Engineer (PSE), the Configuration Manager will lead the development and execution of a comprehensive Configuration Management (CM) system used by management and technical project staff, as well as external collaborators and contractors, through all project phases from GMT Observatory development to operations. This role manages a team of Document Control specialists and CAD modelers responsible for maintaining system integrity, supporting users, and ensuring compliance with document and change control practices.

The Configuration Manager specifies, organizes, updates, and maintains the documentation archive systems and ensures compliance with documentation standards, policies, and procedures. They oversee the change process, coordinate Change Control Board activities, and work with the project staff to incorporate approved and validated changes into the Observatory baseline. The Configuration Manager is responsible for conducting configuration audits and for evaluating and improving configuration management processes and policies as well as working with GMTO IT staff to upgrade and develop Configuration Management tools.

The Configuration Manager may attend technical meeting/reviews when needed to be fully aware of GMT project requirements and assist with any issues that relate to the configuration management process. The Configuration Manager must also be able to work with GMT personnel and subcontractors (locally, remotely or internationally) to ensure compliance and secure the documentation into the CM system.

The Configuration Manager will implement and manage the individual and federated 3D CAD model for the mechanical apparatus, equipment, assemblies, mechanical components, and other parts for the complex structures of the telescope and its enclosure. They will also work closely and collaboratively with the EPDM administrator and the Configuration Management team to develop and improve CAD and EPDM processes, procedures, drawing templates, standards, workflows and other related processes.  This also includes developing training material on the use of CM Products and yearly training to the project team. The selected candidate will also check drawings and models from the subsystem designers and support the review and approval process.

The Configuration Manager will take end-to-end ownership of the CM processes, having the ability to be proactive, listen to stakeholders, ask probing questions, and collaborating with diverse teams of engineers and scientists. The technical expertise to grasp complex information and requirements will be key to the success of the Configuration Manager.

The Configuration Manager must also stay up to date with the priorities of the project to better focus the support of the CM team in times when surge support is required, particularly in the lead up to reviews. This includes having close collaboration with the Systems Engineering team and the Project Element or department under review.

Manage the activities of the Configuration Management group.  This includes but is not limited to:

Configuration Management (CM) Standards and Processes

• Maintain integrity and traceability of the Observatory configuration throughout its life cycle
• Define project configuration items
• Develop, implement, and enforce project configuration management (including change control) by defining policies, plans, processes, procedures, and workflows
• Manage configuration item release, change control, and deviation processes, including cataloging, tracking, approving, and notifications
• Support development, implementation, and management of project documentation archiving, e.g., management plans, requirements, tech notes, designs, and models
• Support users with efficient and effective CM processes and tools
• Control, manage, upgrade and improve CM tools and assets (e.g., application software, production databases, hardcopy deliverables)
• Ensure user adherence to effective CM processes
• Conduct in-house and vendor CM verification audits
• Develop and collect CM metrics
• Report CM metrics and status to management

Training and User Support

• Develop and deliver CM process training (both in-person and virtual)
• Develop and provide user-accessible focused “How Tos”
• Develop and implement staff training plans on CM processes and tools

3D Modeling and CAD Management

• Import, build, and manage large, integrated, layered 3D models including but not necessarily limited to SolidWorks, NX, Revit, and NavisWorks
• Capture the configuration of those models in supporting documentation provided to the PSE and AIVC Manager
• Incorporate advanced knowledge of 3D CAD modeling of design concepts using CAD software and other design tools
• Manage CAD modelers’ work output, priorities, and agreements with Project Element Managers (PEMs); design standard processes and workflows to enable a highly productive team
• Manage the high-level telescope and observatory models and make frequent updates as subsystems deliver their latest models to GMT, particularly at major gate reviews
• Identify and manage critical clearances between subsystems where possible clashes exist or may occur during installation or maintenance of hardware Supply and oversee drafting support for subsystem drawings, e.g., ICDs
• Work cooperatively with the PDM administrator and the Configuration Management team to develop processes and procedures for configuration control of drawings and models (includes GMTO and contractor-generated models, CAD files, Interface Control Drawings and Documents, and other design-related materials)
• Develop and perform the process to check the design and drafting work of others to ensure compliance with GMTO CAD standards; support approval and release process for completed drawings and models for adherence to layouts, specifications, and engineering drafting standards
• Work with Systems Engineering and the AIVC Manager to develop a high-level drawing tree that includes installation and assembly models and drawings

Team Leadership

• Develop cost and schedule plans as well as track and report status within an EVMS.
• Develop employee performance goals. Assess, communicate and document progress towards goals
• Set and assign employee task priorities

• Minimum of a B.S. degree and/or AA degree in Mechanical Design or related Engineering field
• Minimum of 10 years of experience managing CM systems, PDM tools, data management practices and processes applied to a large complex technical project
• Minimum of 5 years of experience leading a configuration management team
• Extensive working knowledge of SolidWorks/NX/Revit, PDM, or BIM software, and handling of 2D drawings and 3D models of complex large assemblies
• Advanced working knowledge of and practical application of the ASME Y14.5M Dimensioning and Tolerancing standards
• Experience with machine shop processes and fabrication techniques
• Experience developing and managing document and data configuration-control processes; including change-control procedures, metrics, and proper authority review and disposition of changes
• Experience in reviewing and verifying the accuracy and approving work performed by peers and other engineering disciplines as needed
• Proficiency with MS Outlook, Word, Excel, and MS PowerPoint to accomplish assignments, correspondence, graphs, charts and presentations
• Experience working with a large and dispersed team of engineers, scientists, and designers
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a group setting, and with external and international teams
• Strong ability to communicate across engineering disciplines and manage cross-functional collaboration.

• Previous experience working with a team to build and commission a large complex system
• Experience with requirements management tools, as well as other similar systems/CM tools
• Previous experience working on telescope hardware systems or optical hardware systems
• Previous experience with EVMS reporting
• A certification in Configuration Management or Management Information Systems from an accredited institution or organization or equivalent experience is desirable

Normal working conditions

No special requirements

• Document Control Specialists (2)
• CAD Modelers (2)

• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance

$145,000- $205,000

The salary for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, and training.

To apply send your resume or CV and a cover letter to careers@gmto.org.

If your skills and experience are a match for the position or if we need additional information, we will contact you. If we do not see a suitable match between your qualifications and the position, we will keep your information on file in the event future positions become available that are more suitable to your qualifications.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Giant Magellan Telescope Corporation Human Resources Representative.