Mechanical Engineer II

keck; Waimea/Kamuela (HI); On-site; USD 109,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

4 weeks vacation

Employer 8% 403(b)

Tuition assistance (K-12)

Health insurance

Job summary

Keck Observatory seeks a Mechanical Engineer II to join our engineering team supporting one of the world’s most productive astronomical observatories. You will design, analyze, maintain, and improve complex mechanical systems that enable groundbreaking discoveries about our universe.

This role offers a rare chance to work at the intersection of advanced engineering and frontier science, contributing to the performance, reliability, and evolution of Keck’s iconic telescopes and infrastructure.

Qualifications

• Design, analyze, maintain, and improve complex mechanical systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, maintain, and improve complex mechanical systems to enable discoveries.

Job description

Looking for your next adventure?

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer II to join our world-class engineering team supporting one of the most scientifically productive astronomical observatories on Earth. In this role, you will design, analyze, maintain, and improve complex mechanical systems that enable groundbreaking discoveries about our universe.

This position offers a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of advanced engineering and frontier science—contributing directly to the performance, reliability, and evolution of Keck’s iconic telescopes and technical infrastructure.

Our Mission & Values

At Keck Observatory, our work is driven by a shared commitment to advancing scientific discovery while honoring our responsibility to people, place, and community.

We are guided by core values rooted in:

• Stewardship – We care for our people, facilities, environment, and community with integrity and long-term responsibility.
• Service – We prioritize collective impact, supporting one another, the global astronomy community, and our local Hawaiʻi community to achieve shared goals.
• Collaboration & Inclusion – We work across disciplines and perspectives to solve complex challenges and advance discovery together.
• Excellence & Safety – We deliver high-quality work while maintaining a strong commitment to operational excellence and safety in everything we do.

Why Choose W. M. Keck Observatory:

• Competitive starting annual compensation ranging from $108,914 to $132,397.
• Generous benefits package, including 4 weeks of annual paid vacation.
• Robust 403(b) retirement plan featuring an 8% employer contribution with a 4% mandatory employee contribution.
• Tuition assistance for dependent children grades K-12 attending private school on Hawai’i Island.
• Comprehensive employer-provided health insurance, with a variety of coverage options available to employees.
• Opportunity to be part of a dedicated team advancing the frontiers of astronomy