Mechanical Engineer III

The Mechanical Engineer III is a critical contributor to the success of the Next-Generation Global Observing Network Group (ngGONG) design project bridging detailed mechanical engineering with system-level observatory performance. By leading the design of key mechanical subsystems this role ensures that telescope and instrumentation hardware meets demanding requirements for precision stability and long-term reliability. Working in close partnership with the Principal Mechanical Engineer and cross-disciplinary teams the ME3 helps translate complex scientific and system requirements into practical manufacturable designs. The quality and rigor of this work directly influence the performance serviceability and longevity of ngGONGs observatory systemsmaking this role essential to delivering a world-class solar observing capability.

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

• Perform mechanical engineering design and analysis for telescope optoâmechanical and instrumentation subsystems using 3âD CAD tools to produce models assemblies and detailed drawings that comply with project standards.
• Independently solve moderately complex mechanical design problems for assigned subsystems including selection of materials fasteners and fabrication methods suitable for precision observatory environments and remote sites.
• Translate system and science requirements into mechanical requirements and design concepts for components and subassemblies under the guidance of the Principal Mechanical Engineer and Systems Engineer.
• Perform or support mechanical analyses (for example basic structural thermal vibration and tolerance assessments) and use analysis results to refine and validate designs.
• Prepare engineering documentation for new parts and modifications including drawings bills of material specification sheets and integration procedures that meet configuration control and quality requirements.
• Collaborate with the Principal Mechanical Engineer Electrical Engineer and other team members to develop techniques procedures tooling assembly sequences and test setups for mechanical subsystems.
• Support sourcing and technical evaluation of parts and assemblies; work with vendors and fabricators to resolve manufacturability tolerancing and quality issues and to ensure designs can be built as intended.
• Participate in mechanical design reviews for assigned subsystems; present design concepts analyses and trade studies; address review comments and implement agreed changes.
• Support prototype fabrication integration alignment and testing activities; provide handsâon support as needed during build and test campaigns at the lab or on site.
• Coordinate technical problemâsolving directly or in conjunction with other members of the project team escalating issues to the Principal Mechanical Engineer when appropriate.
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of design standards checklists and best practices for mechanical design and documentation within the ngGONG project.
• Arrange and coordinate activities related to assigned subsystems and interact with other departments and vendors when required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

• Technical Mastery Expertise in mechanical system design analysis and development for highâprecision telescope and instrumentation applications.
• Systems Thinking Ability to balance performance manufacturability cost and schedule at the subsystem and system levels and to understand how assigned subsystems fit into the overall ngGONG architecture.
• Technical Ownership Takes ownership of assigned mechanical subsystems; leads design tasks and subsystem reviews; fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing within the engineering team.
• Innovation & Problem Solving Anticipates design challenges and develops creative technically sound solutions using appropriate analysis and trade studies.
• CrossâDisciplinary Collaboration Coordinates effectively with optical electrical/electronics controls systems and civil engineers to ensure coherent interfaces and integrated designs.
• Project Execution Supports planning estimation and risk management for mechanical design efforts on assigned subsystems; delivers work to agreed scope schedule and quality.
• Quality & Accountability Maintains design integrity adheres to engineering standards follows configuration management practices and ensures thorough documentation.

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 Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• 5 years of experience in mechanical engineering including design analysis and documentation of complex mechanical subsystems.
• Ability to resolve technical problems by applying engineering and physics principles relevant to mechanical design including use of 3âD CAD tools and sound design practices.
• Proficiency with a 3âD CAD package (such as SolidWorks) for part and assembly modeling and drawing creation including basic GD&T.
• Experience performing basic mechanical analyses (e.g. hand calculations simple FEA or tolerance analysis) to support and justify design decisions.
• Ability to develop conceptual ideas based on requirements and specifications and help transform these concepts into functional manufacturable hardware.
• Ability to speak and write effectively including preparation and presentation of technical reports and design documentation.
• Ability to cooperate with and obtain the support of others working effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Knowledge of technological developments in relevant mechanical engineering fields and the ability to apply them to existing and new assignments.

Preferred

• Experience with largeâscale scientific instrumentation aerospace or observatory systems particularly optoâmechanical or precision motion systems.
• Working knowledge of materials fabrication methods (e.g. machining welding brazing) and thermal/mechanical behavior for precision applications.
• Handsâon experience with prototyping integration alignment and testing of mechanical subsystems.
• Familiarity with configuration management version control and project documentation systems.
• Experience using FEA tools and/or basic CFD tools to support mechanical design work.
• Experience supporting alignment of optoâmechanical systems or precision mechanisms including use of relevant metrology tools.
• Demonstrated growth in technical responsibility and ability to contribute to technical excellence within engineering teams.

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: $110000-$130000. 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 Benefits by Location - Aura Human Resources

About 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 engineering support for a mission-driven scientific program at one of the worlds premier observatories we encourage you to apply. Applications received by February 232026 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 here

Required Experience:

IC