Mechanical Engineer, McDonald Observatory

Job Posting Title: Mechanical Engineer, McDonald Observatory Hiring Department: McDonald Observatory Position Open To: All Applicants Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40 FLSA Status: Exempt from FLSA Earliest Start Date: Immediately Position Duration: Expected to Continue Location: UT MAIN CAMPUS Job Details General Notes The McDonald Observatory is a major astronomical research observatory located 16 miles from Fort Davis, Texas (440 miles from the UT Austin campus). This position is located on the UT Austin campus and will require occasional travel to the observatory. The engineering work from this position will be part of the application of a wide range of disciplines including, mechanical, optical, electronic, vacuum, cryogenic, and software engineering, used together to build state-of-the-art research instrumentation for astronomy. The research with those instruments includes the discovery and characterization of exoplanets, understanding how the elements and their various isotopes were formed, understanding how the successive generations of stars have changed the chemical composition of the universe, understanding the mechanisms that change the galaxies with time, and understanding the history of the expansion of the universe itself. The University of Texas at Austin provides an outstanding benefits package to staff, including: Competitive health benefits (Employee premiums covered at 100%; family premiums at 50%) Vision, dental, life, and disability insurance options Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays Teachers Retirement System of Texas (a defined benefit retirement plan) Additional voluntary retirement programs: tax-sheltered annuity 403(b) and a deferred compensation program 457(b) Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses For more details, please see and Purpose This position is part of the McDonald Observatory's instrumentation group and exercises broad independent judgment to design, analyze, build, test, and support optomechanical and electromechanical subsystems for the McDonald Observatory's instrument and telescope development projects. This position reports to the Chief Astronomer. Responsibilities Designs and develops scientific instrumentation and mechanical equipment, often iteratively, including detailed requirements, design, modeling, and analysis, with wide latitude for independent action and decision-making. Works with project leadership and staff to substantially contribute to the development of design concepts and requirements for new projects. Builds prototypes, conducts supporting analyses, and writes reports. Produces fabrication drawings. Procures, monitors, and supports the fabrication of designed parts in machine shops and other manufacturing resources. Directs, coordinates, and assists with the assembly, deployment, commissioning, and field support of developed instrumentation and mechanical equipment. Documents and submits technical reports and project results to management. Participates in design reviews and, as appropriate, in the publication of journal articles. Continues to develop the engineering skill set and identifies new technologies valuable to instrumentation. Performs other functions as required to support business needs. Required Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or field related to the work performed and at least six (6) years of related experience, or a master's degree in a field related to the work performed and at least four (4) years of related experience. Experience writing specifications to provide the technical basis for your work. Experience in designing mechanical parts and assemblies. Experience using CAD applications to design mechanical assemblies. Experience with FEA applications to validate the performance of mechanical structures and assemblies. Experience with the use of 3D printing techniques for the construction of prototypes and finished parts where appropriate. Experience specifying, tolerancing, and procuring custom-machined parts resulting from your work. Experience sourcing and procuring off-the-shelf parts and hardware required for your work. Experience in assembling, testing, and troubleshooting mechanical systems resulting from your work. Experience writing detailed specifications for outsourcing mechanical systems. Experience with the use of engineering and scientific equipment typically used in a technology development setting for mechanical, optical, and electronic assemblies used in research. Experience and knowledge of engineering and scientific methods for research, design, assembly, and commissioning of precision mechanical systems. Experience using or designing specialized equipment as required for technologically advanced projects. Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Experience writing and presenting reviews to coworkers and managers to explain the technological merits of your work. Effective organizational skills. Ability to be adaptable, work independently, and serve as an integral project team member. Demonstrated experience troubleshooting and recovering from unexpected results, mistakes, and failures in past projects and/or challenging work environments. Experience in diagnosing and recovering from mechanical failures. Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate. Preferred Qualifications Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering with six years’ work experience in a related field, or bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering with eight years of experience in a related field. Additional experience handling, assembling, and troubleshooting astronomical instrumentation or closely related work in a lab setting and at telescopes. Experience in precision measurements and in the use of tools and technologies for precision metrology. Demonstrated learning of new disciplines beyond those studied during formal education. Interests, hobbies, and passions outside your career that complement and enhance your job skills. Familiarity with the electronic systems used for mechanical motion control. Experience assembling and handling precision optical components. Experience with vacuum and cryogenic systems. Project management training and/or experience. Salary Range $85,000+ depending on qualifications and experience Working Conditions May work in all weather conditions Use of manual dexterity Climbing of stairs and ladders May include free climbing on/around heavy equipment May include working in/from man-lifts and scissor lifts Heavy lifting and moving (must be able to lift 35lbs) Working with hazardous chemicals, cryogenic liquids, and chemical fumes May work around electrical and mechanical hazards Sometimes requires working extended hours in inclement weather with hazardous equipment or materials Working at a computer, repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation Use of approved safety equipment is required. May be required to undergo respirator fit testing. Occasional work at the McDonald Observatory in West Texas for up to two weeks at a time, working days and/or nights in support of instrument deployment and maintenance McDonald Observatory is located approximately 6800 feet above sea level. Environmental conditions can be unpredictable, and temperatures can range from -10 F to +95 F. Inclement winter weather is expected, requiring comfortable driving on mountain grades in wintry conditions. Work Shift Generally, M-F, 8 am - 5 pm Occasional travel required to McDonald Observatory, 16 miles from Fort Davis, Texas (440 miles away from the UT Austin campus) Required Materials Letter of interest Resume/CV Three work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor Employment Eligibility Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval. Retirement Plan Eligibility The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. Background Checks A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position. Equal Opportunity Employer The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. Pay Transparency The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. Employment Eligibility Verification If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university. E-Verify The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following: E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF] Compliance Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and Title IX. If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031. The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701. Start Here, Change the World At The University of Texas at Austin, tradition meets innovation in the heart of a city that frequents lists of the best places to live and work. Named by Forbes as one of America's Best Large Employers for the sixth year in a row in 2025, UT offers both a dynamic work environment and a gateway to vibrant local culture. Whether you're at the forefront of the student experience, conducting world-changing research or supporting the engine that drives Texas’ flagship university, working at UT means making a lasting impact on our city, our state and our world. Our more than 20,000 faculty and staff empower 55,000+ students to challenge ideas, pursue passions and shape their futures. Joining UT, you’ll become part of a community dedicated to making a meaningful impact on campus and throughout the world. Comments and Inquiries Email comments to View email address on click.appcast.io. For questions or concerns regarding equal opportunity only, contact Equal Opportunity Services. Additional information for applicants can be found on the Human Resources web page: Applying for Employment. For more job information, call the Human Resource Service Center at View phone number on click.appcast.io, or toll-free at View phone number on click.appcast.io. UT Austin is a Tobacco-free Campus #J-18808-Ljbffr University of Texas