R&D Engineering Manager III, Steward Observatory

The Department of Steward Observatory seeks to fill the position of an R&D Engineering Manager III to support the Arizona Radio Observatory (ARO) and Mountain Operations (Mtn Ops) groups of Steward Observatory. These groups support research activities and instrumentation development, in addition to the operation, maintenance, and upgrades of optical and radio telescopes located at Kitt Peak, Mt. Graham, and in the Santa Catalina Mountains.

Working closely with the Associate Director, the selected candidate will be responsible for managing projects that utilize engineering and technical support in the development, operation, and maintenance of optical and radio telescopes, astronomical instrumentation, and related facilities. Technical work for these projects includes optics fabrication, telescope control systems, mirror support structures, instrumentation development, electrical and electromechanical systems, and various supporting functions for subsystems of telescopes during development, fabrication, and operation.

This position requires broad knowledge and experience across multiple professional disciplines. The candidate will supervise a team of engineers and will be responsible for performance evaluations.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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• Manages technical projects to scope, schedule, budget, and risk on behalf of Principal Investigator (PI). Prepares proposals, statements of work, and other documents in conjunction with PIs, the Business Office, and U of A Administration.
• Accountable for the strategic and operational direction of a large and complex technical organization within the department, with significant impact on short and mid-term plans.
• Develops, implements, and maintains operational plans, programs, systems, and technical aspects of projects requiring a high degree of innovation, creativity, and integration.
• Coordinates, monitors, and/or supervises the activities of designated technical groups to ensure optimum efficiency of effort, conservation of funds, and compliance with appropriate policies, procedures, and specifications.
• Develops and schedules work plans in accordance with specifications and funding limitations.
• Supervises team of engineers, including providing training and direction to staff and evaluating performance.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Technical literacy with the ability to plan and manage engineering projects.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and supervisory skills, with the ability to mentor and manage engineers, foster cooperation, and encourage a collaborative working environment.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects concurrently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to identify project risks, develop mitigation strategies, and drive risk resolution.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with attention to clarity and detail.
• Outstanding organizational, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to work with a wide range of people at all levels of the organization and with a variety of external stakeholders.
• Ability to work nights and weekends, including occasional overnight stays at telescope sites.
• Proficiency using Windows and Microsoft Office and familiarity with Linux.
  
  

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of related work experience, including 3 years of managerial experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

• Engineering experience with optics, RF systems, telescopes, electronics, and custom machines.
  
• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in a technical field.
  
• Experience with optical or radio telescopes in operations or construction.
  
• Experience with monitoring and control systems, industrial motion control, and thermal control systems.
  
• Experience with motor control systems, AC and DC power systems, and servos.
  
• Experience with astronomical instrumentation.
  
• Experience using project management tools such as MS Project, Smartsheet, or equivalent software.
  
• Ten or more years of related work experience.