Jobs & Volunteering

HET Optomechanical Engineer - McDonald Observatory

Job Description: Responsible for maintaining all optics on the Hobby-Eberly Telescope and managing activities in the HET optic lab including maintaining the reflectivity of the primary mirror segments, operating and maintaining the mirror coating facility and serving as the supervisor for the HET optics team. This position works closely with colleagues at the HET and in Austin to design, build and maintain optomechanical tools and instrumentation as needed for the efficient operation of the HET.

This position is located at McDonald Observatory, 16 miles from Fort Davis, Texas (440 miles away from the UT Austin campus). The Hobby-Eberly Telescope (HET) is a 24/7 operation and you may be expected to work at all hours of the day or night, weekends, or holidays (when needed and within limits) to serve the scientifically needs of the Observatory and specifically the HET. Residence in the Observatory's residential community may be available and may be required. Position may be subject to “call-back” as an essential employee for emergency or critical response. Must be eligible to work in the US on a full-time basis for any employer without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

Operates and maintains the 15kW, 10,000V, E-Beam mirror coating system to coat 1-meter hexagonal mirror segments with aluminum, Including all vacuum equipment, ion assisted vapor deposition system, and optical coating metrology instrumentation. Operates and maintains the class 10,000 clean room housing the mirror coating facility and the Strip and Wash (SAW) room where the 1-meter segments have old coating removed and are prepped for the new coating.
Maintains all optics and optomechanical subsystems on the HET with emphasis on the reflectivity of the HET primary mirror segments, the overall optical throughput of the telescope, the performance of the primary mirror Segment Control System (SCS), the primary mirror Segment Alignment Measurement System (SAMS) and the Center of Curvature Alignment System (CCAS).
Leads or participates in projects to improve the performance of the telescope from a mechanical and/or optomechanical perspective. Such projects may include both optical and mechanical design from first principles to an operational instrument, tool, or fixture.
Investigates and solves telescope failures or performance deficiencies related to optomechanical and electro-optical subsystems on the telescope.
Supervise the HET Optics Team to define and schedule all team activities in cooperation with the team members and HET Operations Management. Participates or leads weekly, or as needed, meetings and/or work sessions.

For more information on this position, please see the full job posting here.

Utilities Crew Leader - McDonald Observatory

Job Description: To supervise and provide leadership to small crews responsible for the public water and wastewater systems, grounds keeping, and assisting with infrastructure maintenance and repair at McDonald Observatory, including fleet vehicles, heavy equipment, commercial and residential structures, and telescope dome structures and systems.

This position is at McDonald Observatory, located 16 miles from Fort Davis, Texas (440 miles away from the UT Austin campus). Residence in the Observatory's residential community may be available. Position is considered an essential employee for emergency or critical response.

Responsibilities

Supervision. Provide daily leadership and supervision of staff assigned to public water and wastewater systems, and grounds keeping, and other trade areas such as custodial.
Operations and Performance. Performs work in public water and wastewater systems, grounds keeping, and in other trades supervising. Provides training and oversight in proper maintenance procedures, including plumbing, electrical, HVAC and other craft work as needed. Inspects, maintains, and recommends purchases of equipment and tools.
Administration and Compliance. Composes, reviews, and processes shop paperwork, including TCEQ regulated documentation, letters, reports, time sheets, labor reports, and material and equipment requisitions. Organizes and maintains preventive maintenance plans and status.
Maintenance and Repair. Receives general specifications from upper management and reports progress on assigned projects. Plans, assigns, and inspects the maintenance, repair, construction, renovation, and/or operations work. Works effectively with crew leaders to accommodate special needs, or concerns requiring participation of other group members; works with other departments as necessary to reach common goal for facility development/repairs.

For more information on this position, please see the full job posting here.

Mechanic/Technician - McDonald Observatory

Job Description: Provide journey-level skills to perform work in a variety of technical trades in the maintenance, repair, fabrication, and operations of a remote research facility and to perform skilled work in an electrical, mechanical, and HVAC environment.

Responsibilities

HVAC and Electrical: Provide skilled work with HVAC and electrical systems in commercial and residential structures. Perform maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of residential, commercial, and telescope structures related to mechanical, electrical, HVAC, and hydraulic systems.
Maintenance and Repair: Assists with carpentry and general residential maintenance including (but not limited to) concrete work, structure repairs, drywall, painting, appliance servicing, and plumbing repairs. Perform preventive maintenance tasks as required on telescope domes and physical plant equipment.
Equipment and Machinery: Supports projects involving plumbing, electrical, and residential repairs and upgrades. Operate various types of equipment including tractor, backhoe, and forklift. Assist with welding, machining, and fabrication of aluminum metal parts and assemblies. Utilize metal lathe, milling machine, and drill press. Ability to interpret three-dimension assemblies from two-dimension drawings. Maintain logs and records on equipment. Informs supervisor of conditions.

For more information on this position, please see the full job posting here.

HET in the morning