Engineer/Architectural Manager

Inside Higher Ed; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 76,300 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Professional training opportunities

Discounts and savings on local services

Job summary

A leading education institution seeks an Engineer/Architectural Manager based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. This role involves designing and developing components for the Argus Array, the world's first large optical telescope. Ideal candidates should hold a relevant degree and have experience in CAD software, mechanical engineering, and hardware prototyping. You will collaborate with astronomers and data scientists, contributing to groundbreaking astronomical research. The position offers a salary range of $76,300 – $138,000 with full-time benefits.

Qualifications

• Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree is required.
• For a bachelor's degree plus 3 years of experience may be accepted.
• Terminal degree and licensure may be needed.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and integrate components for the Argus Array.
• Work closely with astronomers and data scientists.
• Engage in hands-on engineering and vendor management.

Skills

Proficiency with CAD software

Strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles

Experience with hardware prototyping and testing

Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Mechanical Engineering, or related field

PhD in engineering or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

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About the University

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world‑class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

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 including discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events.

UNC‑Chapel Hill offers full‑time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Department: Physics and Astronomy – 319000

Career Area: Research Professionals

Posting Open Date: 11/24/2025

Application Deadline: 12/08/2025

Open Until Filled: No

Position Type: Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Working Title: Engineer/Architectural Manager

Appointment Type: EHRA Non‑Faculty

Position Number: 20073840

Vacancy ID: NF0009412

Full Time/Part Time: Full‑Time Permanent

FTE: 1

Hours Per Week: 40

Position Location: North Carolina, US

Hiring Range: $76,300 – $138,000

Proposed Start Date: 12/15/2025

Primary Purpose Of Organizational Unit: Our primary mission is providing instruction of the highest quality in physics and astronomy to undergraduate and graduate students at UNC‑CH. Training in physics is fundamental among the natural sciences because it provides understanding of the forces governing the structure of matter, from subatomic particles to the large‑scale structure of the universe.

Our departmental instructional mission spans all segments of the student community. Training is essential for undergraduate liberal arts majors, undergraduates seeking a degree in another natural science, and physics majors who receive broad and rigorous training. Graduate education and research advance frontiers of knowledge at the extremes of space and time, from particle physics to astronomy, requiring well‑equipped laboratories and extensive computing capabilities while being supported by comprehensive library collections.

Position Summary

The Argus Array will be the first very large optical telescope array and will have a field of view encompassing the entire sky at once. As an Engineer for the Argus Array project, you will be responsible for the design, development, and integration of critical components that enable the array’s unique capabilities. The position’s responsibilities include designing, refining, integrating, and managing the construction of Argus systems—including the overall building systems, the cupola window, and associated electromechanical systems—as well as other components of the telescope.

You will work closely with our team of astronomers, telescope‑instrumentalists, and data scientists to implement and optimize these systems for the world’s largest optical telescope array and the largest digital camera ever built. There are also potential mentorship roles for graduate and undergraduate student teams. This position involves both hands‑on engineering and working with external vendors, including responsibility for on‑site decision making during key parts of the construction process. Our project management philosophy emphasizes a small and local team, a flat management structure, and a highly collaborative working environment. We routinely produce prototypes and complex hardware in‑house, and we expect significant hands‑on engineering for Argus subsystems. The position includes spending time at the telescope construction site with responsibility for on‑site decision making as needed. The expected timescale for this position is two years, with possibility of extension to further projects.

Learn more about the project here: http://www.argusscience.org

Minimum Education And Experience Requirements

Relevant post‑Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent). For candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity, a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) plus 3 or more years of relevant experience may be accepted. May require terminal degree and licensure.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Mechanical Engineering, or related field or PhD in engineering or related field
• Proficiency with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar)
• Strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles
• Experience with hardware prototyping and testing
• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross‑functional team environment

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

• Licensed engineer or ability to become licensed within states in the US Southwest
• Familiarity with rapid prototyping of complete systems at a range of scales
• Familiarity with working with students to develop hardware systems
• Familiarity with field deployments of scientific instruments
• Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies and challenges
• Enthusiasm for contributing to groundbreaking astronomical research

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

Travel to the Argus Array construction and deployment sites may be required. Some work will involve operation and testing of systems in indoor and outdoor environments.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology

Industries

Online Audio and Video Media

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