Senior Optical Engineer

The Senior Optical Engineer for ngGONG plays a central role in shaping the optical performance of the National Solar Observatory’s Next-Generation Global Oscillation Network Group (ngGONG). This international initiative is currently in the design phase and will modernize NSO’s global network of ground-based solar observatories, enabling continuous, high-quality observations that advance solar physics and space weather research.

Requirements

• Write optical Design Requirements Documents (DRDs) for telescope and instrument assemblies, subsystems, in collaboration with the engineering team.
• Develop optical interface requirements for telescope and instrument systems.
• Maintain optical specifications and drawings for components in accordance with ISO 10110 standards.
• Identify and manage technical risks related to optical systems.
• Assist in translating science requirements into technical optical specifications.
• Work closely with Mechanical Engineering to develop mounts, alignment, tolerancing, and calibration strategies.
• Layout, design, model, and analyze complete optical systems for telescope and instrument assemblies and subsystems.
• Conduct wavefront error budgeting and stray light analysis to optimize system performance.
• Create detailed tolerancing studies and alignment procedures.
• Serve as the technical point of contact for optical component vendors.
• Develop optical system alignment, commissioning, and verification & validation test plans.
• Prepare specifications and statements of work for optical fabrication and coating contracts.
• Evaluate vendor capabilities and ROM quotes.
• Lead optical system sections of Conceptual Design Review (CoDR) and Preliminary Design Review (PDR).
• Prepare technical presentations and documentation for project meetings and reviews.
• Support planning and cost estimation for optical design completion and construction of optical systems and subsystems.

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Retirement plan contributions