The University of Texas at Austin
GMTNIRS Systems Engineer, McDonald Observatory
The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, us, 78716
GMTNIRS Systems Engineer, McDonald Observatory
We are seeking a highly qualified and motivated instrumentation systems engineer to join the active group working on the Giant Magellan Telescope Near‑Infrared Spectrograph (GMTNIRS). The instrument is a high‑resolution infrared spectrograph designed as a first‑light instrument on the Giant Magellan Telescope behind the Adaptive Optics system.
Core responsibilities include
Develop and refine overall instrumentation‑level assembly, integration, and verification plans in collaboration with the instrument scientist.
Enable systems engineering best practice in the document and requirements management systems. Examples include mass and electrical budgets, trade studies, subsystem requirements and compliance tracking, interface control documents, risk mitigation and hazard analysis.
Collaborate with technical staff to complete design trade studies and provide documentation structure and effort.
Document subsystem information and support the GMTNIRS Project Manager on cost estimation, schedules, and work/product breakdown documentation.
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 work independently, collaboratively, and adapt to evolving challenges.
Demonstrable good judgment.
Knowledge of astronomy research and observatory operational best practices is not required.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Preferred qualifications
Master's Degree or higher in Physics, Astronomy, or Engineering.
Extensive experience as a systems engineer documenting instruments.
Salary
$55,000 + depending on qualifications and experience.
Working conditions
Working at a computer, including repetitive keyboard use at a workstation.
May work in all weather conditions.
Use of manual dexterity.
May include climbing of stairs and ladders, and lifting and moving.
McDonald Observatory is located approximately 6,800 feet above sea level. Environmental conditions can be unpredictable, and temperatures can range 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.
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Core responsibilities include
Develop and refine overall instrumentation‑level assembly, integration, and verification plans in collaboration with the instrument scientist.
Enable systems engineering best practice in the document and requirements management systems. Examples include mass and electrical budgets, trade studies, subsystem requirements and compliance tracking, interface control documents, risk mitigation and hazard analysis.
Collaborate with technical staff to complete design trade studies and provide documentation structure and effort.
Document subsystem information and support the GMTNIRS Project Manager on cost estimation, schedules, and work/product breakdown documentation.
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 work independently, collaboratively, and adapt to evolving challenges.
Demonstrable good judgment.
Knowledge of astronomy research and observatory operational best practices is not required.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Preferred qualifications
Master's Degree or higher in Physics, Astronomy, or Engineering.
Extensive experience as a systems engineer documenting instruments.
Salary
$55,000 + depending on qualifications and experience.
Working conditions
Working at a computer, including repetitive keyboard use at a workstation.
May work in all weather conditions.
Use of manual dexterity.
May include climbing of stairs and ladders, and lifting and moving.
McDonald Observatory is located approximately 6,800 feet above sea level. Environmental conditions can be unpredictable, and temperatures can range 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.
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