Senior Engineer, Optical Fabrication

In this role, you will:

• Provide technical leadership for grinding and polishing of telescope mirrors up to 8.4 m in diameter
• Be responsible for development of mirror fabrication processes and equipment
• Evaluate test data to demonstrate that each mirror satisfies its requirements, and present results to Steward Observatory leadership and customers
• Serve as the Mirror Lab authority for verifying the fidelity of surface evaluations for all stakeholders

Duties & Responsibilities

• Define processes for grinding and polishing telescope mirrors to an accuracy of 10-20 nm RMS surface. Processes include diamond generating cast mirror blanks to final dimensions and shape accuracy of 20 microns RMS; fine grinding to remove subsurface damage and achieve 1 micron RMS accuracy; and polishing and figuring to meet demanding requirements over a wide range of spatial scales. Decision-making includes comprehensive definition of processes to be carried out  repeatedly over a timescale of months, design of individual grinding and polishing runs, and strategic use of measurements.
• Evaluate measurement data in order to guide the fabrication process and to optimize the process. Recognize the limitations of measurements that are at the edge of what is possible, and determine which information is valuable and reliable.  Carry out tests and experiments to optimize fabrication processes. Analyze mirror performance in multiple ways, including image quality, deflection due to mechanical and thermal loads, and active optics.
• Write reports on diverse subjects, including demonstrating that mirrors satisfy requirements at multiple stages of fabrication; and analysis of mirror performance. Present results to Steward Observatory leadership and customers.
• Supervise assigned engineers by providing direction on work tasks and guidance on skills and career growth.
• Evaluate proposed mirror requirements. Work with the metrology team to determine a comprehensive set of tests and their accuracy requirements.