DKIST Instrumentation Lead - Upgrades & Programs

Aura Astronomy; Boulder (CO); Hybrid; USD 155,000 - 187,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Paid time off

Retirement plan contributions

Job summary

Aura Astronomy seeks a DKIST Instrumentation Manager to oversee major upgrades and new instrumentation developments for the DKIST project from the NSO in Boulder, CO. You will lead engineers and technicians, coordinate with the Program Scientist for Instrumentation, and ensure delivery within schedule and budget.

Responsibilities include developing instrument development plans, managing risks, procurement, vendor relations, and maintaining project documentation, while collaborating across DKIST

Qualifications

• Degree in engineering, physics, astronomy or related field.
• 10+ years leading complex science projects with budgets and schedules.
• Experience coordinating technical procurements of varying scale.
• Experience managing engineers and technicians.
• Strong written and verbal English communication.
• Familiarity with telescope/instrument systems and observatories.

Responsibilities

• Lead upgrades to DKIST instruments and collaborate on new concepts.
• Coordinate with the Program Scientist for Instrumentation and Operations Manager.
• Manage resources, plans, and risks for instrument projects.
• Ensure projects stay on schedule, scope, and budget using relevant tools.
• Maintain documentation and vendor contracts; track performance.
• Provide regular progress reports to DKIST management; communicate issues and solutions.
• Coordinate work with other DKIST teams and ensure safety compliance.

Skills

Project management

Team leadership

Engineering experience

English communication

Budget management

Procurement familiarity

CMMS familiarity

Confluence/JIRA

Education

Engineering/physics/astronomy degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Confluence

JIRA

CMMS

Job description

Aura Astronomy seeks a DKIST Instrumentation Manager to oversee major upgrades and new instrumentation developments for the DKIST project from the NSO in Boulder, CO. You will lead engineers and technicians, coordinate with the Program Scientist for Instrumentation, and ensure delivery within schedule and budget.

Responsibilities include developing instrument development plans, managing risks, procurement, vendor relations, and maintaining project documentation, while collaborating across DKIST