Construction Engineering Manager

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Argus Array project at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is hiring a Construction Engineering Manager to provide on-site engineering leadership and construction management as the observatory and its subsystems are built.

As the senior engineering manager at the construction site, you will make on-site decisions on integration and testing, and you will be accountable for schedule, budget, quality, risk and safety during construction.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, astronomy, engineering, or a related technical or scientific field is required.
• Experience leading the construction, integration, or commissioning of complex facilities or scientific instrumentation.
• Ability to work on-site at the construction location.

Responsibilities

• Provide on-site engineering leadership and construction management for the Argus Array.
• Make on-site decisions on integration and testing of telescope subsystems.
• Manage on-site schedule, budget, quality, risk and safety during construction.

Skills

Experience leading construction/integr

On-site work ability

Education

PhD in physics|astronomy|engineering

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related discipline with 5 years supervisory experience

Tools

Project-management tools

Job description

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks that include numerous retail and restaurant discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates for performing arts events.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill conducts internationally recognized research and instruction across physics and astrophysics. The department is building the Argus Array one of the most ambitious ground-based astronomy instruments now under construction. The Array synthesizes an 8-meter-class effective aperture from more than 1,200 individual optical telescopes feeding a 122-gigapixel camera, imaging the entire accessible northern sky at high cadence to deliver deep, high-frequency coverage of the changing sky. A part of the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Observatory System and co-funded by Alex Gerko, the Array is now in its construction phase, building toward first light and a multi-year science survey. Joining the project means helping to deliver a one-of-a-kind scientific facility from the ground up.

Position Summary

The Argus Array one of the most ambitious ground-based astronomy instruments now under construction is hiring a Construction Engineering Manager to provide on-site engineering leadership and construction management as the observatory and its subsystems are built. This full-time temporary appointment is an interim bridge that allows this critical construction leadership to begin immediately, while the permanent position is classified, approved, and recruited. As the senior engineering manager at the construction site, the position joins the team to make engineering decisions on the integration and testing of the telescope and its subsystems, including significant independent on-site decisions, and is accountable for on-site schedule, budget, quality, risk, and safety during the construction of the Argus Array.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related discipline and five years of related supervisory experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, engineering, or a related technical or scientific field (required because of the unique astronomical-research nature of this engineering position; no facility like this has been built before)
• Experience leading the construction, integration, or commissioning of complex technical facilities or scientific instrumentation, including the direction of contractors and staff.
• Ability to work on-site at the construction location.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Experience developing, constructing, commissioning, or operating astronomical observatories, telescopes, or scientific instrumentation.
• Prior senior on-site technical or facility leadership with contractor and capital-project oversight.
• Experience managing project schedule, budget, procurement, and risk, and serving as a technical representative on contracts.
• Familiarity with telescope, camera, detector, and control/data systems, and with project-management tools.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

Work is performed on an active construction site at a remote mountain observatory. Requires the ability to access construction areas, move up to 50 pounds, work outdoors in variable conditions using appropriate protective equipment, and travel to and periodically reside near the site. Duties to be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [phone]

Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Optional and Required Documents

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).