The University of Texas at Austin
GMTNIRS Systems Engineer, McDonald Observatory
The University of Texas at Austin, Campus, Illinois, us, 60920
GMTNIRS Systems Engineer, McDonald Observatory
Hiring Department:
McDonald Observatory
Position Open To:
All Applicants
Weekly Scheduled Hours:
40
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Earliest Start Date:
Immediately
Position Duration:
Expected to Continue Until Dec 31, 2025
Location:
UT MAIN CAMPUS
Job Overview The University of Texas (UT) McDonald Observatory, a major astronomical research observatory, seeks highly qualified and strongly motivated applicants for the position of an Instrumentation Systems Engineer to complement an active group working on the Giant Magellan Telescope Near-Infrared Spectrograph (GMTNIRS). GMTNIRS is a high-resolution infrared spectrograph designed as a first-light instrument on the Giant Magellan Telescope behind the Adaptive Optics system. The primary science goals for GMTNIRS are the characterization of exoplanet atmospheres and stellar astrophysics at all evolutionary stages. The applicant would join the project in the final design phase, with a Final Design Review planned for Spring 2027. GMTNIRS is a collaboration between the University of Texas at Austin, Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, Carnegie Institute for Science, and the Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics.
This position is initially available for a fixed term of one year. Extension beyond one year will depend on funding, performance, and project needs. Must be able to work in the US without employer sponsorship. Occasional travel to collaborator institutions may be required.
Purpose As the GMTNIRS system engineer, you will work with Instrument Scientist Dr. Greg Mace to develop and refine the overall instrument-level assembly, integration, and verification plans.
Responsibilities
Develop and refine overall instrumentation-level assembly, integration, and verification plans in collaboration with instrument scientist.
Enable systems engineering best practice in the document and requirements management systems, including mass and electrical budgets, interface control documentation, risk mitigation, and hazards analysis.
Collaborate with technical staff to complete design trade studies and provide documentation structure and effort.
Document subsystem requirements and support the GMTNIRS Project Manager with cost estimation, schedules, and work/product breakdown documentation.
Perform other duties as required related to the team project.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Astronomy, or Engineering and/or four years industry experience with systems engineering.
Experience developing engineering budgets (mass, electrical, effort) and strong documentation skills.
Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Excellent organizational skills.
Ability to be adaptable, work independently, and work collaboratively.
Eager to work as an integral project team member.
Demonstrable good judgment.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's Degree or higher in Physics, Astronomy, or Engineering.
Extensive experience in systems engineer documentation.
Salary $55,000 + depending on qualifications and experience.
Working Conditions
Work at a computer with repetitive keyboard use.
May work in all weather conditions and may require manual dexterity, climbing stairs/ladders, and lifting and moving.
McDonald Observatory is located approximately 6800 feet above sea level. Environmental conditions can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from -10°F to +95°F. Inclement winter weather may require driving in wintry conditions on mountain grades.
Work Shift
Generally, M-F, 8 am – 5 pm.
May require extended hours.
Occasional travel required to collaborative institutions.
Required Materials
Cover Letter
Resume/CV
Three work references with contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
Equal Opportunity Employer The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
Pay Transparency The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
Employment Eligibility Verification If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I‑9 form and provide acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States within three days of employment.
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McDonald Observatory
Position Open To:
All Applicants
Weekly Scheduled Hours:
40
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Earliest Start Date:
Immediately
Position Duration:
Expected to Continue Until Dec 31, 2025
Location:
UT MAIN CAMPUS
Job Overview The University of Texas (UT) McDonald Observatory, a major astronomical research observatory, seeks highly qualified and strongly motivated applicants for the position of an Instrumentation Systems Engineer to complement an active group working on the Giant Magellan Telescope Near-Infrared Spectrograph (GMTNIRS). GMTNIRS is a high-resolution infrared spectrograph designed as a first-light instrument on the Giant Magellan Telescope behind the Adaptive Optics system. The primary science goals for GMTNIRS are the characterization of exoplanet atmospheres and stellar astrophysics at all evolutionary stages. The applicant would join the project in the final design phase, with a Final Design Review planned for Spring 2027. GMTNIRS is a collaboration between the University of Texas at Austin, Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, Carnegie Institute for Science, and the Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics.
This position is initially available for a fixed term of one year. Extension beyond one year will depend on funding, performance, and project needs. Must be able to work in the US without employer sponsorship. Occasional travel to collaborator institutions may be required.
Purpose As the GMTNIRS system engineer, you will work with Instrument Scientist Dr. Greg Mace to develop and refine the overall instrument-level assembly, integration, and verification plans.
Responsibilities
Develop and refine overall instrumentation-level assembly, integration, and verification plans in collaboration with instrument scientist.
Enable systems engineering best practice in the document and requirements management systems, including mass and electrical budgets, interface control documentation, risk mitigation, and hazards analysis.
Collaborate with technical staff to complete design trade studies and provide documentation structure and effort.
Document subsystem requirements and support the GMTNIRS Project Manager with cost estimation, schedules, and work/product breakdown documentation.
Perform other duties as required related to the team project.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Astronomy, or Engineering and/or four years industry experience with systems engineering.
Experience developing engineering budgets (mass, electrical, effort) and strong documentation skills.
Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Excellent organizational skills.
Ability to be adaptable, work independently, and work collaboratively.
Eager to work as an integral project team member.
Demonstrable good judgment.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's Degree or higher in Physics, Astronomy, or Engineering.
Extensive experience in systems engineer documentation.
Salary $55,000 + depending on qualifications and experience.
Working Conditions
Work at a computer with repetitive keyboard use.
May work in all weather conditions and may require manual dexterity, climbing stairs/ladders, and lifting and moving.
McDonald Observatory is located approximately 6800 feet above sea level. Environmental conditions can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from -10°F to +95°F. Inclement winter weather may require driving in wintry conditions on mountain grades.
Work Shift
Generally, M-F, 8 am – 5 pm.
May require extended hours.
Occasional travel required to collaborative institutions.
Required Materials
Cover Letter
Resume/CV
Three work references with contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
Equal Opportunity Employer The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
Pay Transparency The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
Employment Eligibility Verification If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I‑9 form and provide acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States within three days of employment.
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