Mechanical Engineer Observatory Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research Program Administration Manager V, Steward Observatory (Multiple Positions)
Posting Number
req26146
Department
Steward Observatory
Department Website Link
https://astro.arizona.edu/
Location
Tucson Campus
Address
Tucson, AZ USA
Position Highlights
The University of Arizona's Steward Observatory invites you to apply for the role of Research Program Administration Manager V. This exciting opportunity allows the successful candidate to apply their knowledge and expertise in mechanical and aerospace engineering principles, instrumentation, and innovative technology to the project management, design, manufacturing, integration, and development of new and existing equipment for space-based telescope missions.
As Research Program Administration Manager, you will administer and oversee the development of a space-based telescope from concept to launch, utilizing best practices according to industry standards established for space projects. Technical work associated with these projects includes optics fabrication, telescope control systems, primary and secondary mirror support, instrumentation development, and various supporting functions for sub-systems of telescope development, fabrication, and operation. We invite you to join a team at the forefront of astronomical innovation and contribute to programs that shape the future of space exploration.
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.
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
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!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.
Duties & Responsibilities
In this role, you will:

• Oversee & direct the long-term strategic direction of a major research program, aligning scientific objectives, technical execution, organization priorities with College of Science & institutional goals.
• Have significant impact on long-term strategic plans without much precedent, including developing & overseeing financial planning, budgeting, grant compliance, resource allocation, and employee management, to ensure program sustainability & effectiveness.
• Drive innovative solutions to complex technical & strategic challenges, ensuring alignment with mission requirements & advancing capabilities in telescope & space-based research.
• Oversee finances and administrative activities, including assessing proposals for projects to determine if they are technically and financially feasible. Provide cost, schedule, and technical inputs to proposals.
• Provide leadership & oversight of a team of managers and subject matter experts who develop, implement, and maintain operational plans, programs, systems & technical aspects of contracts. These will require a high degree of innovation, creativity, and integration by the team this position will be responsible for leading.
• Lead technical & resource planning oversight, schedules, facilities, safety support, and cost inputs with respect to mechanical, integration, and test activities.
• Research and report on new technology implementations.
• Lead the mechanical design & development of scientific instruments, guiding a team of multi-disciplinary managers through Critical Design Review (CDR) & Instrument Integration to ensure technical performance & mission readiness. The team would include multiple levels of senior leaders.
• Set institutional expectations of performance, pay, hiring decisions, and day-to-day work as needed.
• Manage interfaces and represent the university with external partners subcontractors serving as a technical liaison to influence institutional level decisions.
• Cultivate strategic global research partnerships across multiple institutions to ensure that program goals are met.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Skill in both written and verbal communication.
• Skill organizing and directing project work to meet desired objectives.
• Broad spectrum of knowledge of the quality processes and techniques required.
• Advanced knowledge of the use and design of instrumentation and test activities.
• Ability to work well in a broad matrix organization with many projects in a team environment.

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

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 11 years of related work experience, including 7 years of managerial experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Experience leading a team, or multiple teams, projects, programs, or functions is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in a related field.
• Experience working in large complex institutions/organizations.
• Experience leading or significant participation in the quality program of ground and space-based telescope systems or instruments.
• Experience writing and editing technical standards.
• Experience in open source software or open source hardware development.
• Experience in astronomical data analysis or experience in public speaking or media relations.
• Experience in managing large programs in a national lab, research university or similar environment.

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
$164,141 - $213,383
Compensation Type
salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Grade
15
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
M5
Job Family
Research Program Admin
Job Function
Research
Type of criminal background check required:
Fingerprint criminal background check (security sensitive due to job duties)
Number of Vacancies
2
Target Hire Date
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates
Catherine Merrill
Director, Space Telescope Programs
cdmerrill@arizona.edu
Open Date
6/1/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Documents Needed to Apply
Resume and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant
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.