Job Description

Description Title: Mechanical Engineer Position Number: 0081515 & 0096644T Hiring Unit: Institute for Astronomy Location: Honolulu, HI Date Posted: August 14, 2025 Closing Date: August 29, 2025 Band: B Salary : salary schedules and placement information Full Time/Part Time: Part-time Month: 11-month Temporary/Permanent: Permanent Duties and Responsibilities

1. Plans, directs, and defines mechanical design and fabrication process of complex astronomical instrumentation.
2. Designs unique and complex mechanical assemblies, vacuum cryogenic systems, optical and infrared wavelength opto-mechanical and electro-mechanical systems utilizing the latest available technology.
3. Conducts finite-element thermal, deflection, eigenvalue, stress and mode shape analyses of structures.
4. Performs static/dynamic analysis of mechanical structures and kinematic analysis of mechanisms through the use of computer-aided engineering systems.
5. Reviews and analyzes functional, technical specifications and critical tolerance requirements of requested design; evaluates latest available technology and determines the methods/techniques and fabrication process that will be utilized in the design.
6. Selects required materials/supplies, mechanical components and subsystems, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) fabrication process and estimates the total Job Order System man hour design requirements and skill level.
7. Collaborates with scientific research and engineering personnel to determine design specifications and functional requirements of instrumentation, including the selection of materials.
8. Works with the Job Order System (JOS) to schedule and coordinate the assembly testing of observatory and scientific instruments/models, design modifications and ensure conformance with specific design and functional requirements.
9. Keeps abreast of the latest technology, methods, and materials used in the fabrication of scientific instrumentation.
10. Other duties as assigned.

* Denotes Essential Functions Minimum Qualifications

1. Possession of a baccalaureate degree in mechanical engineering or related field and 4 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for Mechanical Engineering or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.
2. Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of mechanical engineering as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving concepts, principles and methodologies.
3. Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with mechanical engineering.
4. Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of the problems and the resolution of the problems in an effective, innovative and timely manner.
5. Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
6. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.
7. Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer and apply word processing software, and Computer Aided Design (CAD) software.
8. If applicable, for supervisory work, demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.
9. Extensive knowledge of the methods and techniques used for mechanical systems analysis, synthesis, integration, and design.
10. Knowledge of CAD, drafting, and solid modeling.
11. Knowledge of optical design fundamentals and opto-mechanical principles for mounting, positioning, and moving optical elements.
12. Knowledge in the use of advanced finite elements analysis for determining micro deformations.
13. Knowledge in methods and practices of reductive and additive fabrication technologies.
14. Ability to conceptualize finished products through discussions with research scientists and engineers, pencil sketches and blueprints.
15. Ability to diagnose problems and make constructive recommendations.
16. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty members, engineers, research personnel and others contacted in the course of work.
17. Must be able to work at 14,000 foot elevation.
18. Must be able to travel to neighbor islands.
19. Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs independently and/or with assistance.
20. Ability to travel independently to various geographical locations in a timely manner. Requirement fulfilled by a valid Hawai`i Driver's License (class 3), comparable driver's license or use of means of transportation which meets position needs.

Desirable Qualifications

1. Master's degree in mechanical engineering.
2. Considerable experience with mechanical engineering or instrumentation for Maunakea or Haleakal a observatories.
3. Direct experience with the design of cryo-vacuum astronomical instruments in the optical and infrared wavelengths.
4. Direct experience with the opto-mechanical design of spectrographic integral field units.
5. Considerable knowledge of various materials strengths and stress tolerance factors and the ability to make mathematical computations.
6. Knowledge of SolidWorks CAD software.

To Apply: Click on the “Apply” button on the top right corner of the screen and attach the required documents. Applicants must submit (1) cover letter indicating how you satisfy the minimum and desirable qualifications, (2) resume, (3) names and contact information of 3 professional references and (4) official transcripts. Copies of transcripts are acceptable, but official transcripts will be required at the time of hire. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Note: If you have not applied for a position before using NeoGov, you will need to create an account. Inquiries: Haosheng Lin, haosheng@hawaii.edu EEO, Clery Act, ADA The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information, visit: Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks. In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: , or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office. In accordance with Article 10 of the unit 08 collective bargaining agreement, bargaining unit members receive priority consideration for APT job vacancies. As a result, external or non BU 08 applicants may not be considered for some APT vacancies. BU 08 members with re-employment rights or priority status are responsible for informing the hiring unit of their status. Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: #J-18808-Ljbffr University of Hawaii System

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Temporary work, Work experience placement, Work at office,

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