Principal Mechanical Engineer

AURA • Boulder, CO

4d • $154,000 - $172,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Principal Mechanical Engineer plays a pivotal role in enabling the next generation of ground-based solar observations through the ngGONG network. This position is central to translating ambitious scientific goals into reliable, high-precision mechanical systems that will operate across multiple observatory sites for decades. As the technical authority for mechanical and opto-mechanical design, the PME ensures that telescope structures, instruments, and interfaces perform as intended—safely, efficiently, and maintainable—under real-world conditions. Beyond technical excellence, this role shapes how the project is executed. The Principal Mechanical Engineer sets engineering standards, leads a multidisciplinary team, and integrates mechanical solutions with optical, electrical, controls, and civil systems. The decisions made in this role directly affect scientific data quality, long-term operability, and the success of a major national research asset. In short, this position ensures that the science can happen—today, and well into the future. The ngGONG project is currently funded for a three-year design phase, with the potential for additional funding contingent upon selection to advance into construction. This position is based in Boulder, Colorado, on the University of Colorado campus.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering plus recognition and achievement of technical, scientific, and leadership excellence in the field.
• At least 15 years of progressively responsible experience in engineering, development, fabrication/integration, and analysis of complex technical apparatus, preferably including opto‑mechanical, telescope, or instrumentation systems.
• Demonstrated experience serving as a lead mechanical engineer or equivalent technical lead, including responsibility for mentoring and supervising other engineers and coordinating multidisciplinary work.
• Ability to independently identify and resolve technical problems by application of advanced engineering, scientific, or mathematical techniques.
• Strong experience in the use of 3‑D CAD tools (SolidWorks or equivalent) for complex assemblies, including creation of detailed drawings, BOMs, and configuration‑controlled models.
• Experience performing or overseeing mechanical analyses (FEA, thermal, vibration, tolerance analysis) and using the results to guide design decisions.
• Experience designing for manufacturability, reliability, and maintainability, and supporting planning and execution of maintenance for complex mechanical systems.
• Able to speak and write effectively, including preparation of comprehensive technical reports, design documentation, and review materials.
• Able to effectively communicate and cooperate with others at all levels of the organization, as well as with key business contacts, vendors, and collaborators outside the organization.
• Knowledge of technological developments in relevant mechanical engineering fields and the ability to apply them to existing and new assignments.
• Willingness to actively participate in team safety meetings and adhere to (and advocate for) safety procedures and protocols.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field and/or Professional Engineer credentials.
• Significant experience as a lead mechanical engineer or line manager of multidisciplinary engineering teams on complex scientific, research, or technical projects.
• Proven project management experience, including working knowledge of spreadsheets and other scheduling tools.
• Experience working in a research and development or astronomical facility and with observing instruments or similar high‑precision opto‑mechanical systems.
• Experience with process control, thermal control systems, and/or HVAC as they relate to mechanical and opto‑mechanical system performance.
• Experience in the planning, documentation, and execution of maintenance for complex mechanical systems, and familiarity with maintenance management systems, tools, and processes.
• Experience with opto‑mechanical hardware installation and alignment, including high‑precision alignment and analysis tools (e.g., laser trackers, CMM arms) and associated software (such as Spatial Analyzer or equivalent).
• Experience with FEA modeling (e.g., ANSYS) and CFD (e.g., Star‑CCM or similar tools).
• Experience with common CAD and model‑integration packages (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Navisworks) in a multi‑discipline environment.
• Experience with high‑vacuum and cryogenic systems.
• Experience in the development of operations and maintenance documentation for complex mechanical or opto‑mechanical systems.
• Plays or has played a leadership role in relevant technical associations or the astronomy/engineering community.

Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptual and detailed design of mechanical and opto‑mechanical subsystems, including telescope structures, mounts, drives, enclosures, thermal control hardware, instruments, mechanical interfaces, and precision support mechanisms.
• Define and maintain mechanical architectures and interfaces between telescope assemblies, instruments, site/buildings/fit‑out, and support systems, working closely with the Systems Engineer and other discipline leads.
• Develop and review complex CAD models, assemblies, and detailed drawings; establish and enforce drawing practices, GD&T, materials/fastener standards, and mechanical design guidelines.
• Oversee and/or perform mechanical analyses such as structural (static and dynamic), thermal, vibration, and tolerance stack‑ups to inform design decisions and support design reviews.
• Translate high‑level science and system requirements into actionable, manufacturable mechanical designs, including tolerances, alignment schemes, adjustment ranges, and maintenance access provisions.
• Supervise and lead a small team of engineers (mechanical, electrical/electronics, and potentially optical and PLC/safety), including task assignment, priority setting, coaching, and day‑to‑day technical guidance.
• Create and manage team work plans and schedules; balance workload across engineers; ensure that commitments on scope, schedule, cost, and quality are met for mechanical work packages.
• Guide and mentor junior engineers and drafters; review their work to ensure technical accuracy, compliance with standards, and consistency with project requirements and interfaces.
• Support prototype development, integration, and testing of mechanical subsystems; provide hands‑on technical guidance and troubleshooting during assembly, alignment, and verification activities.
• Lead mechanical portions of design reviews (concept, preliminary, and detailed); plan and conduct trade studies and risk assessments; prepare and present mechanical documentation, analyses, and recommendations to project leadership and external reviewers.
• Collaborate with vendors, fabricators, and external partners to ensure quality, manufacturability, cost effectiveness, and alignment with project objectives and standards; participate in make‑versus‑buy decisions where appropriate.
• Identify mechanical and integration risks, develop mitigation strategies, and maintain system‑level mechanical documentation, including risk and issue tracking related to mechanical scope.
• Ensure that mechanical designs are compatible with planned installation, integration, maintenance, and replacement strategies at all ngGONG sites, including safe access, handling, and alignment approaches.
• Act as a subject‑matter expert for mechanical systems during design reviews, acceptance tests, integration demonstrations, and operations/maintenance planning.
• Coordinate with project management and systems engineering on planning, status reporting, change control, and configuration management for mechanical systems and associated documentation.
• Act as a key point of contact to the leadership team for mechanical engineering needs, upcoming schedule and activities, and in turn, advise of concerns and risks and request resources or support as needed.

Benefits

• AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment.
• Details on benefits can be found at Benefits by Location - Aura Human Resources

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal