technician

Optics Technician full_time

NSF’s NOIRLab is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. NOIRLab is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) which operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs: Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Chile and Hawai’i. The mission of NOIRLab is to enable breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing and operating state-of-the-art ground-based observatories and providing data products and services for a diverse and inclusive community.

The Optics Technician is part of the Optical Engineering (OE) group, within the Engineering Services (ES) division, a distributed team of optical and opto-mechanical experts providing excellence in optical and opto-mechanical design and analysis, maintenance and handling, and coating of telescope optics.

The Optics Technician participates in the areas of cleaning, handling, characterizing and supporting optical and opto-mechanical work at Gemini South Observatory in Chile. The Optics Technician works closely with the members of the Optical Engineering group and other members of the ES technical community to support the functionality of the telescopes, optical systems, instruments, and coating equipment, as well as provides technical support to projects that involve removal, installation, testing and alignment of optical components and instruments. A proactive approach to safety issues in the area of optics and mechanics is essential.

The position provides a unique opportunity to work in an international collaborative environment and to participate in a wide variety of projects for large and mid-scale observatories. Within the Optical Engineering group, and in addition to primary responsibilities at the GS Observatory, the Optics Technician may be involved in activities at other NOIRLab programs and laboratories in Chile, Arizona and Hawaii. Travel to the US, to other NOIRLab facilities, may be required for short periods of time.

Essential Functions:

  • Plans and coordinates routine optical and optics maintenance support of telescopes and instruments with the Telescope Site Manager and Optical Engineer.
  • Coordinates, performs and supervises opto-mechanical routine tasks (Reflectivity measurements, CO2 or N2 cleanings, in-situ washes, other optical cleanings as needed, opto-mechanical systems or instrumentation maintenance, instrument filter changes)
  • Maintain stock and usability of cleanrooms, optics lab spaces, and coating facilities.
  • Evaluates quality of optical surfaces and coatings and recommends maintenance schedules to the Optical Engineering supervisor and facility managers
  • Frequently handles and moves small to large optics, at times using cranes or other lifting equipment
  • Supports testing, maintenance, operation, and upgrades of coating plants, 
  • Identifies and proposes improvements to procedures and equipment and implements them with approval from Optical Engineer and ES Management.
  • Participates in instrument optical maintenance and telescope maintenance shutdowns
  • Acts as Glass Safety Officer during maintenance tasks that require this role
  • Supports opto-mechanical systems development in the La Serena Optics Laboratory as needed by the Optical Engineer or operations teams

Other Functions:

  • Other duties as assigned.

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

  • Technical degree in optics, opto-mechanics, instrumentation, or a related field.  Practical or relevant work experience can be substituted.
  • Minimum 3 years of experience in a similar position.
  • Mechanical aptitude, fine motor skills, attention to detail, and spatial awareness when working on a range of equipment from fine, delicate optics to large-scale opto-mechanical systems.
  • Knowledge of optical handling conventions and surface cleaning methods.
  • Knowledge of optical measurement devices (reflectometers, spectrophotometers, interferometers, etc).
  • Good command of English.
  • Willingness to learn Spanish.
  • Ability to understand and follow written technical instructions, manuals and procedures, and interpret basic engineering information such as drawings or specification.
  • Ability to work at height.
  • Ability to work in an interdisciplinary and international environment.
  • Willing to collaborate and work within a team
  • Must have a valid Driver’s License; clean driving record; ability to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle.

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

  • Knowledge of optical coating processes and equipment.
  • Knowledge of vacuum and cryogenic technologies and related equipment.
  • Experience with handling of CO2, N2, and other hazardous chemicals.
  • Sufficient Spanish skills to communicate with Spanish speaking personnel.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear.
  • The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl.
  • The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
  • Must possess – sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) reach upward, sideways, downward to work with paper files; b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, fax machines, copiers, and other office machines.
  • Must possess – 1) ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform job; 2) sufficient visual capacity to perform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than eye contacts or eye glasses; 3) sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid; and 4) ability to impart information orally so that others understand and can respond appropriately.
  • Given the international nature of NOIRLab, occasional work at high elevation summit sites may be required (summit elevations range from 6,800 feet to 14,000 feet). 
  • For summit positions, include 1) Cerro Tololo: Able to climb stairs and work at 2,200 mts altitude; 2) Cerro Pachon: Ability to work at 2,700 meters altitude, sometimes during inclement weather.
  • Required to pass medical examination (post offer and potentially at specified intervals while employed if medically necessary).

Salaries for positions hired in Chile meet Chile national market rates and internal scales for AURA.

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/employee-benefits-guide/ 

The position will remain open until it is filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by June 26, 2024. Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you would like to apply for this opportunity:

  • Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume in English, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname Docname. 
  • Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to employment@aura-astronomy.org. 
  • Please enter 3 professional references in your application (references will only be contacted later in the recruitment process). 

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org 

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 49 US institutions and 3 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories for the National Science Foundation and NASA. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. In addition, AURA is deeply committed to public and educational outreach, and to diversity throughout the astronomical and scientific workforce. AURA carries out its role through its astronomical facilities. 

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential. 

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