Student Assistant – Mechanical Engineering (CAD Modeling)

NSF’s NOIRLab is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. 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. NOIRLab operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs: Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with approximately 400 employees at facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Hawai’i, and Chile.

The Student Assistant will provide SolidWorks modeling work for and with engineers to support Mayall telescope upgrade and maintenance projects. 

Transportation is provided from NOIRLab’s base facility, located on the University of Arizona campus if needed. Employees may drive or share an AURA vehicle from the base facility to Kitt Peak (driving an AURA vehicle requires a valid state driver’s license and an AURA issued GSA license).

Essential Functions:

• Creating SolidWorks models of parts and assemblies from existing drawings and field measurements
• Obtaining field measurements of existing hardware to serve as a basis for solid models and as-built changes to existing drawings
• Checking SolidWorks models against drawings
• Creating, naming, and storing various documents per department standards

Other Functions:

• Other duties as assigned

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering or related field; or currently pursuing an associates degree in computer aided design; or currently pursuing mechanical/electro-mechanical designer or SolidWorks designer certificate
• Experience with SolidWorks
• Have an interest in mechanical design
• Must be well organized and have effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to pay attention to details.
• Ability to work well in a team environment and to commit to achieving high quality results.
• Must demonstrate initiative to take on new duties.

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Experience with ASME Y14.5

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 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 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
• Must possess sufficient mobility, strength or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to maintain balance while performing work; may need to crawl, climb or use ladders to gain visual access
• Ability to work at 6,800’ and may be required to extend worktime and/or stay overnight at Kitt Peak based on emergency operational and/or safety needs.

Salary: $23.17/hr. 

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/ 

This position is expected to be temporary full time for 3 months over the summer. Due to the temporary nature of the position, only eligible for limited benefits. 

Preference will be given to qualified internal candidates and qualified Native Americans living on or near the Tohono O'odham reservation.

The position will remain open until it is filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by April 26, 2024.

• 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. 

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.