Senior Systems Engineer

The Senior Systems Engineer for ngGONG plays a critical role in shaping the future of ground-based solar observations. This position supports the National Solar Observatorys Next-Generation Global Oscillation Network Group (ngGONG) a major international initiative currently in the design phase. ngGONG will modernize NSOs global network of solar observatories enabling continuous high-quality observations that advance solar physics research and improve our understanding of space weather.

As the lead technical authority for the ngGONG design effort the Senior Systems Engineer ensures that scientific goals are translated into a cohesive integrated and compliant system design. During this formative stage strong systems leadership is essential to align diverse technical disciplines manage complexity and position the project for a successful transition from design into construction and operations. The ngGONG project is currently funded for a three-year design phase with the potential for additional funding contingent upon selection to advance into construction.

This position is based in Boulder Colorado on the University of Colorado campus.

What Youll Do

System Architecture and Design:

• Define develop and document overall system architecture.
• Create and maintain Observatory Architecture and Configuration Documents.
• Serve as Lead Engineer and technical authority for the ngGONG design project.
• Define and manage system and subsystem interfaces.
• Ensure all designs comply with NSF and federal requirements (e.g. Research Infrastructure Guide Build America / Buy America Act).

Requirements Development and Management

• Translate high-level science requirements into traceable systems-level and subsystem-level technical requirements.
• Review and approve subsystem Design Requirements Documents (DRDs) for completeness traceability and alignment with systems architecture.
• Apply appropriate international engineering standards (ISO ASTM ANSI IEEE IEC) to system-level specifications.

Analysis and Performance Modeling

• Conduct system-level analyses trade studies and performance modeling to inform design decisions.
• Lead feasibility analyses and alternative design evaluations for system-level decisions.
• Develop and maintain system-level error budgets for optical thermal and mechanical performance.

Integration Verification and Validation Planning

• Define and document comprehensive verification and validation strategies and plans for all systems and subsystems.
• Create and manage compliance matrices for verification and validation.
• Develop plans for subsystem integration activities and system-level integration sequences.

Project and Process Management:

• Develop and implement the Systems Engineering Management Plan (SEMP).
• Serve as Control Account Manager for Systems Engineering including ownership of the Systems group budgets schedules and risks.
• Support project design reviews including Conceptual Design Review (CoDR) and Preliminary Design Review (PDR).
• Contribute to Design Completion and Construction Proposal documentation.
• Support project risk management and oversee change management processes.
• Maintain technical documentation repositories and ensure version and configuration control.

Core Competencies

• Systems engineering and complex system design
• Requirements development flowdown traceability and management
• Cross-disciplinary technical leadership
• Risk configuration and change management
• Analytical analysis and performance modeling
• Compliance with NSF federal and applicable engineering standards (ISO ASTM ANSI IEEE IEC)
• Strategic collaborative problem solving

Why NSO

At the National Solar Observatory youll join a mission-driven community working at the frontier of solar science. Our teams are dedicated to understanding the Sun in ways that protect technology enhance scientific discovery and inspire global audiences. NSO offers a collaborative forward-thinking environment where curiosity is encouraged varied perspectives are valued and employees can make a tangible impact on science and society. Here you will have the opportunity to grow your career lead innovative outreach programs and help shape the national conversation around solar physics and space weather.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelors degree in Systems Engineering Electrical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Physics or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ten (10) or more years of relevant engineering experience including at least five (5) years in a systems engineering or technical leadership role on large-scale projects.
• Demonstrated experience defining and managing complex system architectures.
• Proven ability to lead interdisciplinary teams through design integration and verification phases.
• Strong analytical modeling and technical documentation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with engineering management tools requirements databases and configuration management systems.

Preferred

• Advanced degree (MS PhD) or certifications (PE PMP) are an asset.
• Experience working on National Science Foundation (NSF) or federally funded research or infrastructure projects.

Physical Requirements

Thephysicaldemands 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.

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.
• Occasional need to move about inside the office environment to access files office tools attendance in a meeting room etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity tools that require fine motor skills such as a calculator copy machine computer printer etc.
• May occasionally need to position self to maintain computer and related tools.
• Seldomly needed to move objects up to 10 pounds.
• Constant communication with other individuals. Must be able to discern and exchange information as appropriate to the situation.
• Constant need to distinguish discern and identify a variety of objects and fine details with accuracy.
• Occasional work at high elevation summit sites may berequired(summit elevations range from 6800 feet to 14000 feet)

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties responsibilities and skillsrequiredby personnel so classified. This Institute promotes Equal Employment Opportunity workplace that includes reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified disabled applicants and employees.

Salary and Benefits

Salary range: $133456 $150625. The final salary will depend on skills qualifications and experience.

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 NSO and AURA

The National Solar Observatory is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) a consortium of leading universities and research institutions committed to advancing astronomical discovery. AURA manages world-class observatories for the National Science Foundation providing scientific leadership operational excellence and a collaborative environment that supports groundbreaking research. As part of AURA NSO benefits from shared resources and a community dedicated to innovation transparency and public service ensuring its work has broad and lasting impact.

How to Apply:

If youre interested in providing high-level administrative support for a mission-driven scientific program at one of the worlds premier observatories we encourage you to apply. Applications received by February 11 2026 will receive priority consideration. This position will remain open until filled.

Submit your CV and cover letter (PDF format preferred) via our application system. Please name your files in the format: .

Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance at

Required Experience:

Senior IC