University of Arizona
Senior Engineer, Optical Fabrication
University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States, 85718
Overview
Join to apply for the
Senior Engineer, Optical Fabrication
role at
University of Arizona . Position highlights and role context are included below. This role focuses on leading the grinding and polishing of telescope mirrors up to 8.4 m in diameter and developing fabrication processes for high-performance mirrors used in major observatories. You’ll Need
A master’s degree in engineering or science relevant to optical engineering, plus 10 years of experience in optical fabrication; or an equivalent combination of education and work experience You’ll Want To Have
Experience that includes significant research and development as well as production Duties & Responsibilities
Define processes for grinding and polishing telescope mirrors to an accuracy of 10-20 nm RMS surface. Processes include diamond generating cast mirror blanks to final dimensions and shape accuracy of 20 microns RMS; fine grinding to remove subsurface damage and achieve 1 micron RMS accuracy; and polishing and figuring to meet demanding requirements over a wide range of spatial scales. Decision-making includes comprehensive definition of processes to be carried out repeatedly over a timescale of months, design of individual grinding and polishing runs, and strategic use of measurements. Evaluate measurement data to guide the fabrication process and to optimize the process. Recognize the limitations of measurements that are at the edge of what is possible, and determine which information is valuable and reliable. Carry out tests and experiments to optimize fabrication processes. Analyze mirror performance in multiple ways, including image quality, deflection due to mechanical and thermal loads, and active optics. Write reports on diverse subjects, including demonstrating that mirrors satisfy requirements at multiple stages of fabrication; and analysis of mirror performance. Present results to Steward Observatory leadership and customers. Supervise assigned engineers by providing direction on work tasks and guidance on skills and career growth. Evaluate proposed mirror requirements. Work with the metrology team to determine a comprehensive set of tests and their accuracy requirements. Minimum Qualifications
Master's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required. Minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience. Preferred Qualifications
PhD in engineering or a science relevant to optical engineering. 15 years experience in optical fabrication. Experience should include significant research and development, as well as production. Additional Information
FLSA: Exempt Full Time/Part Time: Full Time Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40 Job FTE: 1 Work Calendar: Fiscal Job Category: Research Benefits Eligible: Yes - Full Benefits Rate of Pay: $139,102 - $180,833 Compensation Type: salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE) Grade: 14 Career Stream and Level: PC5 Job Family: Research Engineering Job Function: Research Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive) Number of Vacancies: 1 Target Hire Date: 1/5/2026 Open Date: 9/18/2025 Open Until Filled: Yes Contact Information for Candidates: Hubert "Buddy" Martin Documents Needed to Apply: Resume and Cover Letter Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report: In compliance with the Clery Act, the University releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each campus. Paper copies available by emailing cleryact@arizona.edu.
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Join to apply for the
Senior Engineer, Optical Fabrication
role at
University of Arizona . Position highlights and role context are included below. This role focuses on leading the grinding and polishing of telescope mirrors up to 8.4 m in diameter and developing fabrication processes for high-performance mirrors used in major observatories. You’ll Need
A master’s degree in engineering or science relevant to optical engineering, plus 10 years of experience in optical fabrication; or an equivalent combination of education and work experience You’ll Want To Have
Experience that includes significant research and development as well as production Duties & Responsibilities
Define processes for grinding and polishing telescope mirrors to an accuracy of 10-20 nm RMS surface. Processes include diamond generating cast mirror blanks to final dimensions and shape accuracy of 20 microns RMS; fine grinding to remove subsurface damage and achieve 1 micron RMS accuracy; and polishing and figuring to meet demanding requirements over a wide range of spatial scales. Decision-making includes comprehensive definition of processes to be carried out repeatedly over a timescale of months, design of individual grinding and polishing runs, and strategic use of measurements. Evaluate measurement data to guide the fabrication process and to optimize the process. Recognize the limitations of measurements that are at the edge of what is possible, and determine which information is valuable and reliable. Carry out tests and experiments to optimize fabrication processes. Analyze mirror performance in multiple ways, including image quality, deflection due to mechanical and thermal loads, and active optics. Write reports on diverse subjects, including demonstrating that mirrors satisfy requirements at multiple stages of fabrication; and analysis of mirror performance. Present results to Steward Observatory leadership and customers. Supervise assigned engineers by providing direction on work tasks and guidance on skills and career growth. Evaluate proposed mirror requirements. Work with the metrology team to determine a comprehensive set of tests and their accuracy requirements. Minimum Qualifications
Master's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required. Minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience. Preferred Qualifications
PhD in engineering or a science relevant to optical engineering. 15 years experience in optical fabrication. Experience should include significant research and development, as well as production. Additional Information
FLSA: Exempt Full Time/Part Time: Full Time Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40 Job FTE: 1 Work Calendar: Fiscal Job Category: Research Benefits Eligible: Yes - Full Benefits Rate of Pay: $139,102 - $180,833 Compensation Type: salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE) Grade: 14 Career Stream and Level: PC5 Job Family: Research Engineering Job Function: Research Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive) Number of Vacancies: 1 Target Hire Date: 1/5/2026 Open Date: 9/18/2025 Open Until Filled: Yes Contact Information for Candidates: Hubert "Buddy" Martin Documents Needed to Apply: Resume and Cover Letter Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report: In compliance with the Clery Act, the University releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each campus. Paper copies available by emailing cleryact@arizona.edu.
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