Senior Optical Engineer

The Senior Optical Engineer for ngGONG plays a central role in shaping the optical performance of the National Solar Observatorys Next-Generation Global Oscillation Network Group (ngGONG). This international initiative is currently in the design phase and will modernize NSOs global network of ground-based solar observatories enabling continuous high-quality observations that advance solar physics and space weather research.

As ngGONG moves through critical design milestones strong optical leadership is essential. The Senior Optical Engineer leads the design analysis and integration of telescope and instrument optical systems ensuring they meet demanding scientific requirements while remaining manufacturable alignable and cost-effective. This role directly influences the scientific capability reliability and long-term success of the observatory as it transitions from design into construction and commissioning. 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

Requirements Development and Documentation

• Write optical Design Requirements Documents (DRDs) for telescope and instrument assemblies subsystems in collaboration with the engineering team.
• Develop optical interface requirements for telescope and instrument systems.
• Maintain optical specifications and drawings for components in accordance with ISO 10110 standards.
• Identify and manage technical risks related to optical systems.
• Assist in translating science requirements into technical optical specifications.
• Work closely with Mechanical Engineering to develop mounts alignment tolerancing and calibration strategies.

Optical System Layout Design Specifications and Analysis

• Layout design model and analyze complete optical systems for telescope and instrument assemblies and subsystems.
• Conduct wavefront error budgeting and stray light analysis to optimize system performance.
• Create detailed tolerancing studies and alignment procedures.

Vendor and Contractor Assessment

• Serve as the technical point of contact for optical component vendors.
• Develop optical system alignment commissioning and verification & validation test plans.
• Prepare specifications and statements of work for optical fabrication and coating contracts.
• Evaluate vendor capabilities and ROM quotes.

Design Reviews and Presentations

• Lead optical system sections of Conceptual Design Review (CoDR) and Preliminary Design Review (PDR).
• Prepare technical presentations and documentation for project meetings and reviews.
• Support planning and cost estimation for optical design completion and construction of optical systems and subsystems.

Core Competencies

• Optical System Design and Analysis
• Wavefront Error Budgeting and Stray Light Analysis
• Tolerancing and Alignment Procedures
• Technical Project Management
• Requirements Development and Documentation
• Vendor and Contractor Technical Oversight
• Design Reviews Planning and Presentation Skills
• Risk Assessment and Mitigation

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 Optical Engineering Physics Astronomy or a related field required.
• Minimum of 710 years of relevant experience in optical system design analysis and engineering project management.
• Proven experience designing complex optical systems for telescopes or scientific instruments.
• Strong analytical skills including wavefront error budgeting and stray light analysis.
• Experience with optical tolerancing alignment procedures and verification/validation planning.
• Excellent communication skills for collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams vendors and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in optical modeling and design software such as SolidWorks and Zemax.

Preferred

• An advanced degree in Optical Engineering or a relevant field is an asset.

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: $134000 $169000. 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 12 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