DKIST Instrumentation Leader: Upgrades & Strategy

Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 155,000 - 187,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Retirement plan contributions

Competitive salary

Very attractive work environment

Job summary

The NSF Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST), operated by NSO and managed by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), seeks an Instrumentation Manager in Boulder, CO.

The role leads upgrades to DKIST instruments, partners with the Program Scientist for Instrumentation, and guides a team of engineers and technicians. This position requires a PhD or engineering/physics/astronomy degree with 10+ years of program management experience, strong budgeting and risk skills,

Qualifications

• Degree in engineering, physics, astronomy or related field.
• 10+ years managing complex science projects with budgets and risk.
• Experience coordinating technical procurements of varying scale.
• Experience leading teams of engineers and technicians.
• Ability to apply project management practices and tools.
• Familiarity with CMMS and maintenance planning.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; English proficiency.
• Experience with telescope/instrument systems or similar complexity.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of engineers and technicians to upgrade DKIST instruments.
• Collaborate with the Program Scientist for Instrumentation on priorities.
• Coordinate with the Instrumentation Operations Manager on summit upgrades.
• Manage resources, delegate tasks, and develop project plans.
• Oversee instrument development projects with stakeholders.
• Manage projects with schedule, scope and budget using Confluence/JIRA.
• Maintain documentation, vendor contracts, and risk management.
• Provide status updates to DKIST management on progress and budget.
• Coordinate across DKIST operations teams and ensure safety compliance.

Skills

Team leadership

Project management

Communication

Budget management

English proficiency

Organizational skills

Technical understanding

Education

Engineering/Physics/Astronomy degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Confluence

JIRA

CMMS

Job description

The NSF Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST), operated by NSO and managed by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), seeks an Instrumentation Manager in Boulder, CO.

The role leads upgrades to DKIST instruments, partners with the Program Scientist for Instrumentation, and guides a team of engineers and technicians. This position requires a PhD or engineering/physics/astronomy degree with 10+ years of program management experience, strong budgeting and risk skills,