NSF’s NOIRLab is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. NOIRLab is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) which operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs: Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Chile and Hawai’i. The mission of NOIRLab is to enable breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing and operating state-of-the-art ground-based observatories and providing data products and services for a diverse and inclusive community.

The international Gemini Observatory consists of twin 8.1-meter diameter optical/infrared telescopes located on two of the best observing sites on the planet (Hawai’i and Chile)

For the Gemini North observatory, based on the Big Island of Hawaii, we are inviting candidates to apply for the position of Head of Engineering Operations.

The Gemini North telescope is being upgraded to continue as a world leading facility by adding state of the art adaptive optics systems, including laser guide stars and a deformable secondary mirror in the years to come. The vacancy provides an excellent opportunity to lead a team of highly qualified and specialized professionals in the mechanical, optical, electrical domain and prepare the telescope for implementation of the new instrumentation. Keeping ahead of the equipment obsolescence is another challenge that we expect the Head of Engineering Operations to play a key role in.

Specific role at Gemini North observatory:

Oversees the Gemini Engineering Operations group (approximately 11 FTEs) and all Gemini North engineering activities. Ensures that it is responsive to scientific and operational priorities established by the Observatory and coordinated between the Operations and Development groups, and that this support is consistent with the overall scientific mission and budget of the Observatory.

This key leadership position at Gemini North is also a member of the NOIRLab Engineering Services leadership team. NOIRLab Engineering Services (ES) provides integrated, matrixed engineering capabilities for operations and projects to all NOIRLab science programs, like Gemini North.

Essential functions:

Manages all Gemini North Engineers and the Gemini North Site Manager; includes performance assessment, staff training and the development of engineering talent
Oversees near- and long-term telescope facilities, instrument maintenance and upgrades with the Associate Director of Development and aligned with NOIRLab ES standards
Leads troubleshooting and resolution of technical problems that affect telescope performance and reliability. Works together with the ES team to ensure appropriate engineering systems are in place to support telescope operations.
Supports Development group activities by providing engineering expertise & resources to instrument development projects.
Maintains excellent relations with internal and external customers
Financial management responsibility: Controls Gemini North Engineering budget and authorizes purchases.
Works closely with your peers at our other observatories and sites to ensure taking advantage of synergies and lessons learned across our sites.

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

Bachelor Degree in Engineering with seven (7) plus years experience working with multi-disciplinary teams and projects (relevant experience may substitute for Master’s Degree).
Demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams, to achieve challenging goals and resolve complex problems through effective leadership/coaching while maintaining accountability.
Strong foundational technical skills in any engineering discipline
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to clearly communicate at all levels within the organization.
Ability to reconcile competing demands and ensure that important issues are handled along with emergency or urgent issues. Requires excellent judgment and insight
Ability to develop and administer effective business and operations plans to meet the needs for Gemini & NOIRLab including budget responsibility.
Strong focus on process optimization, safe working principles and operational excellence.
Resilience and knowledge to support a robust health, safety and environmental culture between different teams.
Must have a valid Driver’s License; clean driving record; ability to drive a vehicle.

Preferred Education/ Experience/Skills/Abilities:

Master’s degree in engineering discipline
Professional Engineering (PE) certification in mechanical, electrical or civil engineering areas.
Understanding of system engineering & project management practices by formal training and/or certification or through appropriate experience in a similar role.
Ground based Observatory experience and/or experience in matrix organizations.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear.
The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl.
The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Must possess - sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) reach upward, sideways, downward to work with paper files; b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, fax machines, copiers, and other office machines.
Must possess – 1) ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform job; 2) sufficient visual capacity to perform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than eye contacts or eye glasses; 3) sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid; and 4) ability to impart information orally so that others understand and can respond appropriately.
Some travel may be necessary in or outside the contiguous United States as well as internationally.
Maunakea: Ability to work at 14,000’ in a cold environment for 10-hour shifts. Longer shifts and working during inclement weather are occasionally required. Required to pass High Altitude medical examination (post offer and potentially at specified intervals while employed if medically necessary).

The position will remain open until it is filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by September 28, 2023.

Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname Docname.
Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to employment@aura-astronomy.org.
Please enter 3 professional references in your application (references will only be contacted later in the recruitment process).

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 47 US institutions and 3 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories for the National Science Foundation and NASA. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. In addition, AURA is deeply committed to public and educational outreach, and to diversity throughout the astronomical and scientific workforce. AURA carries out its role through its astronomical facilities.

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 https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/employee-benefits-guide/

Consistent with the actions of the Biden Administration, as of 12 May 2023, AURA will no longer require COVID-19 vaccination of its employees in the U.S. AURA employees in the U.S. may be subject to COVID-19 vaccination requirements from other entities, such as host institutions or partner affiliations.

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.

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Head of Engineering Operations Gemini North

Job description