Mechanical Engineer II

Full time Regular Employment at W. M. Keck Observatory

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Summary

W. M. Keck Observatory in Waimea, HI is looking to hire a full-time Mechanical Engineer II! Are you well-versed in aspects mechanical and opto-mechanical systems? Do you want to work with a mission-based organization that treats you well? Would you like to be part of a great team that values your talents and abilities? If so, please read on! The starting salary range for this full-time Mechanical Engineer II position is $98,924 to $120,250 + 4 weeks annual paid vacation + 8% 403(b) employer contribution (4% employee contribution) + 100%-paid employee health insurance + additional benefits. If this sounds like the right mechanical engineering opportunity for you, apply today! ABOUT W.M. KECK OBSERVATORY From Hawaii's Maunakea, astronomers from around the world have the privilege of observing the universe from a place that holds extreme importance to the indigenous Native Hawaiian people. Our twin telescopes are among the world's most powerful tools for unraveling the mysteries of the universe. We focus on service and stewardship to carry out our mission and do good for our community.

Each employee is a part of our mission. We provide meaningful jobs to pursue careers in a special place with a tight-knit community held together by a beautiful host culture. We are passionate about what we do. We're looking for more individuals to join us!

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A MECHANICAL ENGINEER As a Mechanical Engineer II, you will contribute to the development and enhancement of cutting-edge observatory capabilities. You will play a crucial role in supporting the design, troubleshooting, and maintenance of various mechanical and opto-mechanical systems, including precision mechanisms, optics, large structures, and servo actuation systems. The position involves working both on-site at the summit and at headquarters for design and planning tasks, with some flexibility in working schedules.

In this role, you will work closely with the Summit Engineering Lead and collaborate with the summit day crew to assemble, test, troubleshoot, and repair new and existing summit infrastructure equipment, encompassing various mechanical and infrastructure systems. You will use your mechanical engineering expertise to design, analyze, test, and integrate new observatory capabilities and system upgrades, employing 3D computer-aided design (CAD) and finite element analysis (FEA). The candidate will also be responsible for preparing technical documentation adhering to ASME GD&T and Drawing standards, developing installation and operations procedures, and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure efficient project execution. Additionally, the role involves providing technical and project management support for subcontracts, overseeing design, analysis, fabrication, installation, and repair efforts. The individual will lead the summit installation of mechanical systems, working closely with project management, engineers, summit supervisors, and the installation team while prioritizing the safety of personnel and equipment through rigorous engineering design and planning reviews and implementations.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Demonstrated experience supporting field installation and testing of mechanical systems. Minimum of five years of mechanical systems hardware development experience. Ten years of hands-on work experience. Proven ability in leading multidisciplinary teams while also being a strong individual technical contributor. Proficiency in Static and Modal Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Proficiency in using Solidworks CAD software. Familiarity with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GDT) per ASME Y14.5. Proficiency in Component and Assembly drawing generation to ASME Y14.100. Experience with CAD data configuration management, large assembly management, and Dwg Release life cycles. Experience in generating and leading design reviews.

About W. M. Keck Observatory

The W. M. Keck Observatory operates two 10-meter optical/infrared telescopes on the summit of Maunakea on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. The twin telescopes feature a suite of advanced instruments including imagers, multi-object spectrographs, high-resolution spectrographs, integral-field spectroscopy and a world-leading laser guide star adaptive optics system which cancels out much of the interference caused by Earth’s turbulent atmosphere. The Observatory is a private 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and a scientific partnership of the California Institute of Technology, the University of California and NASA.