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.**General Summary Description of Position**:The NOIRLab Optical Engineer position is part of the Optical Engineering (OE) group, within the NOIRLab Engineering Services (ES), a distributed team of optical experts providing excellence in optical and opto-mechanical design, analysis, maintenance and handling, and coating of telescope optics.Within the OE group, this position participates in a wide variety of projects for large and mid-scale observatories. This position is primarily assigned to the Gemini South Observatory, supporting the design, integration, installation and start-up of multiple instrument projects, with additional responsibilities for design of new instrumentation for the SOAR Telescope and operational support of the Blanco Telescope, all located in Chile.Given the nature of the work, this is an on-site position that can be located at any of NOIRLab major operations centers in Arizona, Chile or Hawaii. The working time is divided between the telescope site and the sea level base facilities. This position will require occasional international travel to the different NOIRLab locations. If based in Chile, the position holds a 5-day work week predominantly on-site, at the Cerro Pachon and Cerro Tololo facilities; and it will also be expected to work at the AURA Recinto facilities in La Serena, as needed.**Essential Functions**:- Designs optical or optomechanical systems for astronomical instruments, both new as well as upgrades to existing ones.- Provides project support (planning, scheduling, coordination, integration, installation, start-up, troubleshooting) to astronomical instruments projects.- Participates in planning and execution of telescope and instrument shutdowns.- Is responsible for optical integration and testing of delicate and complex astronomical instruments.- Troubleshoots malfunctioning optical equipment.- Analyzes data to characterize optical systems and identify causes.- Writes technical reports.- Identifies technical performance gaps.- Works in cross-functional project teams with colleagues in other branches of engineering (mechanics, electronics, software) and other NOIRLab programs.- Makes sure safety regulations are met- Keeps up to date, with developments in technologies.**Other Functions**:- Other duties as assigned by supervisor.- All AURA employees are responsible for the proper management and control of all AURA property within their work area, whether assigned to them or someone else. This responsibility includes reporting any known missing, stolen, or non-working property in their work area to their supervisor or the AURA Property Officer.- Responsible for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position or subordinates of this position as defined in the Vela Award Management system.**Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities**:- Bachelor's degree in Optical or Optomechanical Engineering, Photonics or Applied Physics.- 3 years of relevant experience in design or support of optical systems.- Good command of English: oral, reading and writing- Ability to manipulate fragile components, dexterity.- Understanding of Telescope optics and astronomical instruments.- Knowledge with Optical engineering software (Zemax OpticStudio).- Some practical experience with alignment tools.- Ability to work in an interdisciplinary and international environment.- Team spirit and self-learning.- Must have a valid driver's license, clean driving record, and ability to drive 4-wheel vehicles.**Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities**:- Master's degree in Optical or Optomechanical Engineering, Photonics or Applied Physics.- 5 or more years of relevant experience.- Knowledge of adaptive optics.- Knowledge of laser systems.- Hands-on laboratory experience, or some observatory experience.- Familiarity with data analysis software (OriginLab, Matlab, Excel, Python).- Ability to present work in conferences.- Knowledge of Opto-mechanics and mechanical software (SolidWorks).- Knowledge of mirror coating process.- Professional certification in Optical system design with Zemax Optics Studio.**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. Reaso
