Director of Engineering

POSITION SUMMARY

As a managing engineer, directs and manages the technical group (operations, instrumentation and software) activities of the observatory.  Proposes and implements the overall planning and operations of the technical groups.  Coordinates technical operations and project development according to priorities established by the Executive Director.  Oversees budget and manpower commitments of all technical staff and technical projects.

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ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Supervises activities of the technical groups (operations, instrumentation and software).  Monitors and evaluates the performance of group managers.

2. Plans technical operations.  Establishes and coordinates activities among technical groups.  Defines overall responsibilities for technical projects, observatory upgrades and maintenance.  Defines collaborations and respective responsibilities among technical groups.  Resolves conflicts in the planning of different groups and/or technical projects. Develops and maintains the technical operations schedule.

3. Establishes project definitions and submits these for approval to the Executive Director.  Proposes, in consultation with the Director of Science Operations, priorities among engineering projects to the Executive Director.  Assigns project engineers.  Provides regular project reviews.  Checks and ensures timely project completions, including project documentation.

4. Prepares, with the assistance of the group managers and in collaboration with the Director of Finance and Administration, all budget proposals for technical groups.  Prepares, with the Executive Director, allocation of funds for technical activities.  Delegates to each group manager the authority to manage funds allocated to each group.  Authorizes all expenditures for technical activities.

5. Recommends appointments of group heads to the Executive Director.  Is responsible, in consultation with the Executive Director and the Director of Finance and Administration, for the selection and hiring of all technical staff.  Approves position descriptions for all technical positions.  Recommends modifications to the organization of technical staff to the Executive Director when appropriate.

6. Participates in the negotiation, and monitors the execution of contracts for major technical work.

7. Ensures and coordinates development of essential documentation for all technical systems.  Establishes written technical operating procedures for the observatory.

8. Assists the Director of Science Operations with the preparation of the observing schedule.  Proposes allocation of engineering time, including telescope shutdowns, to the Executive Director.  Plans use of allocated engineering time.  Directs, or delegates, response to emergency conditions at the observatory.

9. Works effectively with others by sharing ideas in a collaborative, positive manner; listening to and objectively considering ideas and suggestions from others; keeping commitments; keeping others informed of work progress and issues; addressing problems and issues constructively to find mutually acceptable and practical solutions; and respecting the diversity of the CFHT workforce.

10. Acts as the ITAR/EAR compliance officer on technical matters.  Ensure compliance with Federal, State and local codes.

11. Supports and facilitates career growth and training to ensure retention of essential technical staff.  Works to foster high levels of staff morale.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. May, in order to assist the Executive Director and with the consent of the Chairman, present reports and recommendations at the Scientific Advisory Council Meetings and at Board and committee meetings.

2. Represents CFHT at meetings at the request of the Executive Director.

3. Maintains relations with other observatories.

4. Performs other related duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

1. M.S. or equivalent degree in physical science or engineering, or equivalent knowledge and experience.

2. Significant experience managing groups of engineering professionals, with a demonstrated track record of successful project accomplishments.

3. Excellent knowledge and experience of engineering principles and practices in one or more of the following disciplines: mechanics, optics, electronics, computers and software, instrumentation.

4. Good knowledge of principles and practices of project management, including allocation and control of manpower and financial resources.

5. Ability to design and write clear and comprehensive standards, policies and procedures for technical operations.

6. Very good communication skills.  Ability to make clear oral and written presentation of plans, policies and procedures at the staff, management and Board levels.

7. Ability and willingness to work irregular and late hours, as occasionally required.  Ability and willingness to report for emergency work on short notice, at night, on weekends and on holidays. 

8. Ability, certified by a physician, to perform duties effectively and safely at the site of the CFH telescope, characterized by an altitude of 4200 meters, low temperature and low humidity.

9. Ability to drive a four-wheel-drive vehicle to the CFH telescope site, on a partly unpaved mountain road, during the day and at night.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

1. Experience with software development projects and basic computer programming.

2. Experience in computer-aided optical and mechanical analysis and design.

3. Experience in using computer-based management tools for project management, problem tracking, organization and budget control.

4. Experience with engineering activities and operations of an astronomical research observatory.

5. Knowledge of the French language.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.