Mechanical Engineer

National Solar Observatory; Hawaii; On-site; USD 96,000 - 137,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Retirement plan contributions

Attractive work environment

Job summary

A leading solar research institution in Hawaii seeks a Mechanical Engineer to support and enhance complex facilities and mechanical systems. The position caters to two levels: Mechanical Engineer II and III, demanding education in Mechanical Engineering and varied experience. Key responsibilities include design, project management, troubleshooting, and quality assurance. The roles promote collaboration in a pioneering environment focused on solar discoveries and maintenance. Apply by April 20, 2026.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience for Mechanical Engineer III.
• 1+ years of experience for Mechanical Engineer II.
• Experience in research or astronomical facility preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform engineering design and analysis using CAD modeling.
• Oversee quality assurance during project execution.
• Troubleshoot mechanical systems and implement corrective actions.

Skills

Efficient in general computer applications

Proficient with Solidworks or equivalent

Knowledge of mechanical machine components

Knowledge of material properties

Knowledge of fabrication techniques

Education

Bachelor’s Degree (BS) in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Solidworks

JIRA

Confluence

Job description

The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) is the world’s most advanced solar observatory. We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer to play a vital role in maintaining, supporting, and enhancing the complex facilities and telescope mechanical systems that ensure the reliability of mission‑critical systems and help drive discoveries that deepen our understanding of the Sun.

The position is available at two levels (Mechanical Engineer II or Mechanical Engineer III), depending on the successful candidates’ experience, education, and demonstrated ability. All DKIST employees work in a collaborative, team‑based environment supporting observatory operations and maintenance.

The position is based at our spectacular Haleakalā Observatory site in Maui, Hawai‘i.

Job Level Summary

Mechanical Engineer III

• The Mechanical Engineer III leads engineering projects of moderate complexity and provides coordination support across one or more project phases or divisions of advanced mechanical systems. Plans and executes technical activities, resolves complex engineering problems, and exercises broad discretion with minimal supervision.

Mechanical Engineer II

• The Mechanical Engineer II performs moderately complex mechanical design and development tasks with moderate supervision. Leads and coordinates minor engineering projects to completion, resolves routine technical issues, and contributes to project planning and execution.

Essential Functions

All Levels – Specific

• Perform engineering design and analysis using CAD modeling, simulation, and other computational tools.
• Support project execution by overseeing quality assurance, fabrication, and inspection activities for assigned systems and components.
• Develop, execute, and document test procedures to verify system and component performance.
• Assist in the development and execution of preventive maintenance activities for new and existing mechanical systems.
• Troubleshoot mechanical systems and components, identify root causes of failures, and implement corrective actions to restore functionality.
• Coordinate technical activities and resolve engineering issues in collaboration with multidisciplinary project teams.
• Prepare clear and comprehensive technical documentation and reports covering design, analysis, testing, and investigations.
• Engage in continuous professional development to support observatory objectives and evolving engineering requirements.

All Levels – General

• Document and maintain accurate records of activities, mechanical upgrades, and system performance.
• Work in accordance with applicable safety standards. Ensure safety of operations in areas under purview. Report any unsafe conditions and practices and actively participate in team safety meetings and adhere to safety procedures and protocols.
• Sensitive to and respectful of cultural, community, and environmental issues.
• Contribute to a collaborative, respectful, and productive workplace by maintaining open communication, supporting team efforts, and fostering a sense of belonging within the team.
• Expected to take initiative in their professional development by seeking feedback, improving skills, and identifying areas for personal growth. This includes participating in training opportunities and development programs provided by the organization.
• All AURA employees are responsible for the proper management and control of all AURA property within their work area, whether assigned to them or someone else. This responsibility includes reporting any known missing, stolen, or non‑working property in their work area to their supervisor or the AURA Property Officer.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position or subordinates of this position as defined in the Vela Award Management system, https://cas.aura-astronomy.org/Awards.
• Travel to vendor sites, trainings, and conferences as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education, Certification, and Experience

Mechanical Engineer III

• Bachelor’s Degree (BS) in Mechanical Engineering and Engineer‑In‑Training (EIT) (FE) License, required.
• 5+ years of General Workforce Experience in the Field of Mechanical Engineering with progressively increasing responsibilities in design, analysis, project management, and implementation of mechanical systems.
• Professional Engineer (PE) License preferred. Experience working in a research and development or astronomical facility and working with observing instruments is also preferred.

Mechanical Engineer II

• Bachelor’s Degree (BS) in Mechanical Engineering, required.
• 1+ years of General Workforce Experience in the Field of Mechanical Engineering with progressively increasing responsibilities in design, analysis, project management, and implementation of mechanical systems.

Required Skills & Abilities

Mechanical Engineer III

Required:

• Efficient in the use of general computer applications including MS Office Suite, Google Drive & Apps, E‑Mail, Slack, Adobe, etc.
• Proficient with Solidworks or equivalent 3D modeling software.
• Experience with mechanical machine components including drive transmission elements, structures, actuators and mechanisms, hardware, bearings, gearing, and lubrication.
• Knowledge of material properties and selection.
• Knowledge of general fabrication techniques.
• Proficient in project, workflow, and document tracking software such as JIRA and Confluence.

Preferred:

• Experience with maintenance management systems, tools, software, and process development.
• Knowledge of GD&T Concepts and Methodology.
• Experience using Finite Element Analysis (ANSYS Preferred) and Computational Fluid Dynamics software tools.
• Experience with process control, thermal control, HVAC, and compressed air systems and equipment including pumps, piping, valves, transmitters, air handling units, chillers, and compressors.
• Familiarity with advanced manufacturing operations including CNC machining and programming.
• Experienced with high precision alignment and analysis tools, laser trackers, CMM Arms, Theodolite.
• Familiarity with vibration principles, mitigation strategies, and measurement and analysis tools.
• Familiarity with optics, opto‑mechanical design concepts, clean‑room protocols, vacuum and cryogenic systems.

Mechanical Engineer II

Required:

• Efficient in the use of general computer applications including MS Office Suite, Google Drive & Apps, E‑Mail, Slack, Adobe, etc.
• Proficient with Solidworks or equivalent 3D modeling software.
• Experience with mechanical machine components including drive transmission elements, structures, actuators and mechanisms, hardware, bearings, gearing, and lubrication.
• Knowledge of material properties and selection.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of general fabrication techniques.
• Proficient in project, workflow, and document tracking software such as JIRA and Confluence.
• Experience with maintenance management systems, tools, software, and process development.
• Knowledge of GD&T Concepts and Methodology.
• Experience with process control, thermal control, HVAC, and compressed air systems and equipment including pumps, piping, valves, transmitters, air handling units, chillers, and compressors.
• Familiarity with advanced manufacturing operations including CNC machining and programming.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.
• Frequent need to move about inside the office environment to access files, office tools, attend in a meeting room, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity tools that require fine motor skills, such as a calculator, copy machine, computer printer, etc.
• Frequent need to position self to maintain computer and related tools.
• Frequently moves technology equipment weighing up to 20 pounds throughout office locations.
• Constant communication with other individuals. Must be able to discern and exchange information as appropriate to the situation.
• Constant need to distinguish, discern, and identify a variety of objects and fine details with accuracy.
• Some travel may be necessary to and from our locations based in Boulder and Maui.
• Occasional work at high elevation summit sites may be required (summit elevations range from 6,800 feet to 14,000 feet).

Salary Range:

• Mechanical Engineer III – $113,000 – $137,500
• Mechanical Engineer II – $96,000 – $115,500

The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience.

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/benefits-by-location/

How to Apply

Apply by April 20, 2026 for priority consideration. This position will remain open until it is filled. Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname Docname.

Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance here.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.