Optical Technician

NSF’s National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory (NOIRLab) is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. NOIRLab is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) which operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs: Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Chile and Hawai’i. The mission of NOIRLab is to enable breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing and operating state-of-the-art ground-based observatories and providing data products and services for a diverse and inclusive community. 

This time, at NOIRLab, we are looking to fill one (1) Optical Technician position to be part of the Optical Engineering (OE) group, within the Engineering Services (ES) division, a distributed team of optical and opto-mechanical experts providing excellence in optical and opto-mechanical design and analysis, maintenance and handling, and coating of telescope optics.   The Optics Technician participates in the areas of cleaning, handling, characterizing and supporting optical and opto-mechanical work at NOIRLab programs in Chile. The Optics Technician works closely with the members of the Optical Engineering group and other members of the ES technical community to support the functionality of the telescopes, optical systems, instruments, and coating equipment, as well as provides technical support to projects that involve removal or installation of optical components and instruments. A proactive approach to safety issues in the area of optics and mechanics is essential.  

The position provides a unique opportunity to work in an international collaborative environment and to participate in a wide variety of projects for large and mid-scale observatories. Within the Optical Engineering group, the Optics Technician will be assigned to the Mid-Scale Observatory South (MSO-S) a Program of NOIRLab in Chile with regular collaboration with other programs (Gemini). MSO-S includes Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO), the Southern Astrophysical Research Telescope (SOAR) and the Small and Medium Astronomical Research Telescope System (SMARTS) on Cerro Tololo. Travel to the US, to other NOIRLab facilities, may be required for short periods of time.  

Essential Functions:

• Plans and coordinates routine optical and optics maintenance support of telescopes and instruments with the Telescope Site Manager and Optical Engineer.
• Coordinates, performs and supervises opto-mechanical routine tasks (Reflectivity measurements, CO2 or N2 cleanings, in-situ washes, other optical cleanings as needed, opto-mechanical systems or instrumentation maintenance, instrument filter changes, maintain stock and usability of cleanrooms and optics lab spaces, operates and supports optical coating chambers, and more.)
• Evaluates quality of optical surfaces and coatings and recommends maintenance schedules to the Optical Engineering supervisor and facility managers.
• Frequently handles and moves small to large optics, at times using cranes or other lifting equipment.
• Supports testing, maintenance, operation, and upgrades of coating plants, especially the 4m Blanco and 2m SMARTS physical vapor deposition coating chambers.
• Identifies and proposes improvements to procedures and equipment, and implements them with approval from Optical Engineer and ES Management.
• Participates in instrument optical maintenance and telescope maintenance shutdowns.
• Acts as Glass Safety Officer during maintenance tasks that require this role.
• Supports opto-mechanical system development in the CTIO laboratory as needed by the MSO-S Optical Engineer or operations teams.
• Coordinates and provides basic optical maintenance services to tenant telescopes at CTIO.

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities: 

• Technical degree in optics, opto-mechanics, instrumentation, or a related field; or equivalent practical and relevant work experience.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a similar position.
• Mechanical aptitude, fine motor skills, attention to detail, and spatial awareness when working on a range of equipment from fine, delicate optics to large-scale opto-mechanical systems.
• Knowledge of optical handling conventions and surface cleaning methods.
• Knowledge of optical measurement devices (reflectometers, spectrophotometers, interferometers, etc).
• Good command of Spanish.
• Sufficient English proficiency to understand technical manuals and procedures, and maintain basic written and verbal communication with English-speaking personnel.
• Ability to understand and follow written technical instructions, manuals and procedures, and interpret basic engineering information such as drawings or specification.
• Ability to work at height.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary and international environment.
• Willing to collaborate and work within a team
• Must have a valid Driver’s License; clean driving record; ability to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle.

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of optical coating processes and equipment.
• Knowledge of vacuum and cryogenic technologies and related equipment.
• Experience with handling of CO2, N2, and other hazardous chemicals.

Physical Requirements:

There are basic physical requirements that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position is required to pass medical examination post offer and potentially at specified intervals while employed, if medically necessary.

Also, work at high elevation summit sites is required. - Cerro Tololo: Able to climb stairs and work at 2,200 mts altitude - Cerro Pachon: Ability to work at 2,700 meters altitude, sometimes during inclement weather.

If you would like to apply for this opportunity, please upload your CV/resume along with a Cover Letter in English (PDF files). by August 16, 2023. Likewise, kindly provide the contact information of 3 professional references in your application, as references will be contacted later in the recruiting process. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname.Name.Documenttype. 

Applications that do not include professional references will not be considered.

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment.