Mechanical Engineer

The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) is the worlds most advanced solar observatory. We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer to play a vital role in maintaining supporting and enhancing the complex facilities and telescope mechanical systems that ensure the reliability of mission-critical systems and help drive discoveries that deepen our understanding of the Sun.

The position is available at two levels (Mechanical Engineer II or Mechanical Engineer III) depending on the successful candidates experience education and demonstrated ability. All DKIST employees work in a collaborative team-based environment supporting observatory operations and maintenance.

The position is based at our spectacular HaleakalÄ Observatory site in Maui Hawaii.

Job Level Summary

Mechanical Engineer III

• The Mechanical Engineer III leads engineering projects of moderate complexity and provides coordination support across one or more project phases or divisions of advanced mechanical systems. Plans and executes technical activities resolves complex engineering problems and exercises broad discretion with minimal supervision.

Mechanical Engineer II

• The Mechanical Engineer II performs moderately complex mechanical design and development tasks with moderate supervision. Leads and coordinates minor engineering projects to completion resolves routine technical issues and contributes to project planning and execution.

Essential Functions

All Levels Specific

• Perform engineering design and analysis using CAD modeling simulation and other computational tools.
• Support project execution by overseeing quality assurance fabrication and inspection activities for assigned systems and components.
• Develop execute and document test procedures to verify system and component performance.
• Assist in the development and execution of preventive maintenance activities for new and existing mechanical systems.
• Troubleshoot mechanical systems and components identify root causes of failures and implement corrective actions to restore functionality.
• Coordinate technical activities and resolve engineering issues in collaboration with multidisciplinary project teams.
• Prepare clear and comprehensive technical documentation and reports covering design analysis testing and investigations.
• Engage in continuous professional development to support observatory objectives and evolving engineering requirements.

All Levels General

• Document and maintain accurate records of activities mechanical upgrades and system performance
• Work in accordance with applicable safety standards. Ensure safety of operations in areas under purview. Report any unsafe conditions and practices and actively participate in team safety meetings and adhere to safety procedures and protocols.
• Sensitive to and respectful of cultural community and environmental issues.
• Contribute to a collaborative respectful and productive workplace by maintaining open communication supporting team efforts and fostering a sense of belonging within the team.
• Expected to take initiative in their professional development by seeking feedback improving skills and identifying areas for personal growth. This includes participating in training opportunities and development programs provided by the organization.
• All AURA employees are responsible for the proper management and control of all AURA property within their work area whether assigned to them or someone else. This responsibility includes reporting any known missing stolen or non-working property in their work area to their supervisor or the AURA Property Officer.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position or subordinates of this position as defined in the Vela Award Management system to vendor sites trainings and conferences as required
• Perform other Duties as assigned

*Full list of essential functions per Job Level is in the Job Description

Qualifications & Requirements

Education Certification and Experience

Mechanical Engineer III

• Bachelors Degree (BS) in Mechanical Engineering and Engineer-In-Training (EIT) (FE) License required.
• 5 years of General Workforce Experience in the Field of Mechanical Engineering with progressively increasing responsibilities in design analysis project management and implementation of mechanical systems.
• Professional Engineer (PE) License preferred. Experience working in a research and development or astronomical facility and working with observing instruments is also preferred.

Mechanical Engineer II

• Bachelors Degree (BS) in Mechanical Engineering required.
• 1 years of General Workforce Experience in the Field of Mechanical Engineering with progressively increasing responsibilities in design analysis project management and implementation of mechanical systems.
• Engineer-In-Training (EIT) (FE) License preferred.

Required Skills & Abilities

Preferred:

• Experience with maintenance management systems tools software and process development
• Knowledge of GD&T Concepts and Methodology.
• Experience using Finite Element Analysis (ANSYS Prefered) and Computational Fluid Dynamics software tools
• Experience with process control thermal control HVAC and compressed air systems and equipment including pumps piping valves transmitters air handling units chillers and compressors.
• Familiarity with advanced manufacturing operations including CNC machining and programing
• Experienced with high precision alignment and analysis tools laser trackers CMM Arms Theodolite
• Familiarity with vibration principles mitigation strategies and measurement and analysis tools.
• Familiarity with optics opto-mechanical design concepts clean-room protocols vacuum and cryogenic systems

Mechanical Engineer II

Required:

• Efficient in the use of general computer applications including MS Office Suite Google Drive & Apps E-Mail Slack Adobe etc.
• Proficient with Solidworks or equivalent 3D modeling software.
• Experience with mechanical machine components including drive transmission elements structures actuators and mechanisms hardware bearings gearing and lubrication.
• Knowledge of material properties and selection.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of general fabrication techniques.
• Proficient in project workflow and document tracking software such as JIRA and Confluence.
• Experience with maintenance management systems tools software and process development
• Knowledge of GD&T Concepts and Methodology.
• Experience with process control thermal control HVAC and compressed air systems and equipment including pumps piping valves transmitters air handling units chillers and compressors.
• Familiarity with advanced manufacturing operations including CNC machining and programing

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.
• Frequent 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.
• Frequent need to position self to maintain computer and related tools.
• Frequently moves technology equipment weighing up to 20 pounds throughout office locations.
• 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.
• Some travel may be necessary to and from our locations based in Boulder and Maui
• Occasional work at high elevation summit sites may be required (summit elevations range from 6800 feet to 14000 feet)

Salary Range:

• Mechanical Engineer III $113000 - $137500
• Mechanical Engineer II - $96000 - $115500

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 to Apply

Apply by April 20 2026for priority consideration. This position will remain open until it is filled. Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname Docname.

Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance here

Required Experience:

IC