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Metrology Chief Engineer, RFC Mirror Lab (Steward Observatory)

Posting Number: req26622

Department: Steward Observatory

Department Website Link: https://astro.arizona.edu/

Location: Tucson Campus

Address: Tucson, AZ USA

The Steward Observatory within the University of Arizona College of Science invites you to apply to the role of Metrology Chief Engineer, RFCML (Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab).

In this multifaceted role, you will serve as the subject matter expert in the methods used to evaluate the surface figures of the largest monolithic telescope mirrors in the world - measuring up to 8.4 meters (28 feet) in diameter. Leading a team of three optical engineers, you will advise principal investigators, college administrators, and potential sponsors on the capabilities of surface figure evaluation for mirrors valued at tens of millions of dollars. Following implementation, you will serve as the authoritative expert responsible for verifying the accuracy and fidelity of these complementary evaluations for all stakeholders.

In addition, you will design and lead interdisciplinary teams of engineers in the development and implementation of complementary optical and infrared light tests that align with sponsors' requirements and the developmental stage of mirrors throughout the production process. You will calculate surface figure aberrations resulting from deviations from ideal force and temperature distributions, and investigate discrepancies in test results that fall outside their modeled error distributions.

Steward Observatory is both a century-old observatory on the University of Arizona campus and one of the University's oldest research units. Founded in 1918, the Observatory brings together students, staff, faculty, engineers, and technicians to explore the universe and share discoveries through world-class research, education, and outreach. With more than 180 professionals supporting advanced facilities, laboratories, and observatories, Steward Observatory offers a collaborative environment where technical expertise plays a critical role in advancing ground-and space-based astronomy.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

Duties & Responsibilities Evaluation Strategy

• Implements a surface figure evaluation strategy for mirrors during production and according to sponsors' requirements.
  • For example, for one prescription of off‑axis 8.4 meter diameter mirrors, there are seven different tests depending on the state of production and to allow enough testing redundancy to provide confidence the mirrors' surface figure where deviations are within ~1/30th of a wavelength of green light, on average, of the required surface figure, and the process of designing and constructing the tests took several years.
• Implementation involves guiding the work of mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to design and install the equipment, and supervising the work of three optical/metrology engineers to perform the surface figure evaluations.

Systems Development

• Writes, or approves the writing of, procedures for evaluating the efficacy of the metrology systems for conducting the surface figure evaluations.
• As subject matter expert, writes reports describing the expected performance of systems under design, as well as the demonstrated capabilities of the metrology systems, their limitations, and the methods those limitations were calculated.
• Writes, or approves the writing of, complex data analysis code using MATLAB and Zemax to process the data gathered, and to display the results in a way that others can recognize and use for continued production.
• Writes, or approves the writing of, and implements MATLAB code to predict the surface figure effect of force array and temperature deviations from ideal.
• Writes, or approves the writing of, and implements MATLAB code to guide the automated control of hexapods that precisely position the elements of the surface figure evaluations.

Evaluation Design

• Designs the surface figure evaluation strategy for mirrors during production and according to sponsors' requirements.
• Designs complementary surface figure evaluation tests according to the phase of mirror production and the tests' sensitivities.
• Models the Zemax light ray traces to ensure the light sources, lenses, test optic (mirror in fabrication), cameras, detectors and other metrology equipment are positioned within exacting tolerance.
• Performs error analyses in order to specify positioning requirements to the mechanical, electrical, and software engineers designing system components.
• Factors in environmental effects during tolerancing.
• Advises principal investigators, college administrators and sponsors on the limits of surface figure evaluations and develops novel, state‑of‑the‑art solutions when sponsor requirements make it necessary.

Team Leadership

• Supervises the three optical and metrology engineers who assist in design of tests and who perform the tests in the lab and across all areas of Steward Observatory.
• Provides technical expertise and advice when they encounter the novel situations typically encountered during the research activities that they support.
• Troubleshoots metrology system anomalies and leads cross‑functional teams to discover and implement solutions.

Technical Operations and Support

• Guides technicians in installing and testing the mirror support actuators in polishing cells that support the mirrors during fine grinding and polishing and the thermal sensing system used in the conduct of surface figure tests.
• Confirms the work of mechanical engineers performing the finite element analyses that identify the ideal force arrays for mirror support, then works with the technicians to ensure the force arrays provided by the installed actuators are within the tolerance necessary.
• Works with the technicians to ensure the temperature distributions are being measured accurately.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Expert in use of MATLAB and Zemax software.
• Expert in both visible light and infra-red light deflectometry systems.
• Expert in interferometry.
• Demonstrated communications and organizational abilities to work on interdisciplinary teams to design, build and employ complex metrology systems.
• Demonstrated ability to find novel solutions to unprecedented challenges.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• This position may involve working in high places, and in environments with noise exposure during glass generating and air cart operation.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Optical Sciences, or Physics with an Optics emphasis.

FLSA

Exempt

Full Time/Part Time

Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week

40

Job FTE

1.0

Work Calendar

Fiscal

Job Category

Research

Benefits Eligible

Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay

$139,102 - $180,833

Compensation Type

salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Grade

14

Compensation Guidance

The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

The Grade Range represents a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.

Career Stream and Level

PC5

Job Family

Research Engineering

Job Function

Research

Type of criminal background check required

Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies

1

Contact Information for Candidates

Contact Information for Candidates: Chip Ragan, Manager, RFC Mirror Lab, cragan@arizona.edu

Open Date

7/27/2026

Open Until Filled

Yes

Documents Needed to Apply

Resume and Cover Letter

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.