Opto-Mechanical Engineer

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™

Wavefront Sensing and Control

Wavefront Sensing and Control Manager

The GMT project is seeking an experienced Opto-Mechanical Engineer to design, analyze, integrate, and test opto-mechanical components of the GMT active and adaptive optics systems.  These include wavefront sensors, laser systems, metrology systems, optical calibration sources, mounting structures for small and large optics (up to 1.8 m diameter), and atmospheric characterization equipment.  The Opto-Mechanical Engineer will assist in procurement of subsystems and parts through communication with external contractors and periodic visits to their facilities. They will play a key role in the integration and testing of the delivered subsystems, both in the laboratory and at the telescope in Chile.  They may be called upon to write technical reports and make presentations of designs at project review and conferences.

• Develop conceptual, preliminary, and final designs of wavefront sensors and metrology systems.
• Analyze the structural performance of opto-mechanical designs
• Develop assembly/disassembly, operation, maintenance, and trouble-shooting procedures
• Participate in the procurement process for engineering services and fabrication of these systems, including identification of potential vendors/suppliers, preparation of technical specifications, participation in the selection process, and monitoring of work
• Lead a small team to integrate, align, and test both small and large opto-mechanical subsystems
• Prepare and deliver presentations at technical reviews

• A minimum of an MS degree in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent technical discipline
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in the design of complex opto-mechanical systems
• Experience using structural analysis techniques to optimize opto-mechanical designs
• Demonstrated skill using SolidWorks CAD software
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Be a cooperative team player who strives to make the team(s) successful

• Experience in the design of astronomical instruments or other large scientific optical systems
• Familiarity with precision metrology systems and optical alignment tools
• Knowledge of optics fabrication and testing methods
• Experience with optical system integration and testing

• Flexibility to occasionally work outside of core business hours and travel to vendor premises and the GMT site in Chile when necessary.
• Ability to work at an altitude of 8000 feet for extended periods

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

$140,000- $170,000

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.