Optics Technician

NSF’s National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory (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.

This time, we are looking for an Optics Technician, to join the Optical Engineering (OE) group, within the Engineering Services (ES) division at NOIRLab. This position will be assigned to the Mid-Scale Observatory South (MSO-S), a NOIRLab program in Chile with regular collaboration with other programs (Gemini). MSO-S includes Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO), the Southern Astrophysical Research Telescope (SOAR) and the Small and Medium Astronomical Research Telescope System (SMARTS) on Cerro Tololo.

The Optics Technician performs work in the areas of cleaning, handling, maintenance and characterizing of telescope and instrument optics; and it also provides technical support to projects that involve removal or installation of optical components and instruments for different NOIRLab programs in Chile.

This position is based in Chile, with a 5-day work week predominantly on-site, at the Cerro Tololo and Cerro Pachon facilities; and it will also be expected to work at the AURA Recinto facilities in La Serena, as needed. Travel to the US, to other NOIRLab facilities, may be required for short periods of time.

Essential Functions:

• Plans and coordinates routine optical and optics maintenance support of telescopes and instruments with the Telescope Site Manager and MSO-S Optical and/or Coating Engineer.
• Coordinates, performs and supervises opto-mechanical routine tasks (Reflectivity measurements and database population, CO2 or N2 cleanings, in-situ washes, other optical cleanings as needed.)
• In charge of the opto-mechanical and instrumentation system maintenance, including instrument filter changes, camera or optical component alignment, and more.
• Maintains stock and usability of cleanrooms and optics laboratory spaces. Improves cleanroom and lab conditions in collaboration with the ES-Optics supervisor.
• Evaluates quality of optical surfaces and coatings, and recommends and performs maintenance schedules in collaboration with the MSO-S Optical and/or Coating Engineer.
• Frequently handles and moves small to large optics, at times using cranes or other lifting equipment.
• Works with the MSO-S Optical and/or Coating Engineer in testing, maintenance, operation, and upgrades of coating plants, especially the 4m Blanco and 2m SMARTS physical vapor deposition coating chambers.
• Identifies and proposes improvements to procedures and equipment and implements upgrades in collaboration with MSO-S teams and ES-Optics management.
• Participates in telescope maintenance shutdowns, especially supporting optical coating and instrument shutdowns.
• Acts as Glass Safety Officer during maintenance tasks and opto-mechanical work that is required by this role.
• Coordinates and provides basic optical maintenance services to tenant telescopes at CTIO, as requested.

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Technical degree in optics, opto-mechanics, instrumentation, or a related field. Practical or relevant work experience can be a substitute.
• Three or more years of work experience in a research, instrument, electronics, or optical laboratory, astronomical observatory, or similar facility that requires the skills here mentioned.
• Mechanical aptitude, fine motor skills, attention to detail, and spatial awareness when working on a range of equipment from fine, delicate optics to large-scale opto-mechanical systems.
• Demonstrated attention to safety, both for equipment and personnel.
• Good command of Spanish.
• Ability to understand and follow written technical instructions, manuals and procedures, and interpret basic engineering information.
• Ability to work at height.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary and international environment.
• Willing to collaborate and work within a team.

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Sufficient English proficiency to understand technical manuals and procedures and maintain basic written and verbal communication with English-speaking personnel.
• Experience with handling of CO2, N2, and other hazardous chemicals.
• Knowledge of optical handling conventions and surface cleaning methods.
• Knowledge of optical coating processes and equipment.
• Knowledge of optical measurement devices (reflectometers, spectrophotometers, interferometers, etc).
• Knowledge of vacuum and cryogenic technologies and related equipment.

Physical Requirements:

There are basic physical requirements that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This position is required to pass a medical examination post Offer and, if medically necessary, also at specified intervals while employed.

Work at high elevation summit sites is required (summit elevations range from 2,200 mts. to 2,715 mts.), sometimes during inclement weather.

• Cerro Tololo: Able to climb stairs and work at 2,225 mts. altitude.
• Cerro Pachon: Able to climb stairs and work at 2,713 mts. altitude.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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If you would like to apply for this opportunity, please submit your CV/resume along with a Cover Letter (PDF files) by Friday December 15, 2023. Also, kindly provide contact information of 3 professional references in your application, as references will be contacted later in the recruiting process. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname.Docname. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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

At NOIRLab we are committed to diversity and inclusion. Our managing Organization, AURA, as a leader in the astronomical community, develops and supports programs that advance our organizational commitment to diversity, broaden participation, and encourage the advancement of diversity throughout the astronomical scientific workforce. Learn more at: Diversity and Inclusion - AURA Astronomy (aura-astronomy.org) 

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.

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of over 40 US institutions and three international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. AURA is responsible for managing the operations of the NSF’s NOIRLab, the National Solar Observatory, and the construction of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory and the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope under cooperative agreements with the National Science Foundation and operations of the Space Telescope Science Institute under contracts with NASA.  

Consistent with the actions of the Biden Administration, as of May 12, 2023, AURA will no longer require COVID-19 vaccination of its employees in the U.S. Kindly note that 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.