Optical Alignment Engineer, Steward Observatory (Multiple Positions)

University of Arizona; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 87,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

The Center for Astronomical Adaptive Optics (CAAO) at Steward Observatory, University of Arizona, invites applications for an Optical Alignment Engineer. You will build, align, test, and integrate high-precision instruments for AO systems on major ground-based telescopes and space projects.

Candidates must hold a Bachelor's in Opto-Mechanical or Optical Engineering, with at least five years in optical alignment and design, and be proficient in ZEMAX and SolidWorks, plus cleanroom and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Opto-Mechanical or Optical Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years experience in optical alignment, testing, and design.
• Thorough knowledge of optical design and AO concepts.

Responsibilities

• Instrument Alignment, Integration, and Testing: align and test high-precision instruments in a cleanroom using interferometers, Faro arms, and other CMMs.
• Optical Design: create designs with ZEMAX meeting scientific specs for astronomical observations and document results.
• Opto-Mechanical Design: collaborate with mechanical engineers to implement optical designs.
• Optics Ordering: translate designs to procurement requirements and liaise with vendors.

Skills

Optical alignment experience

Hands-on testing

Interdisciplinary communication

Cleanroom protocols

Education

Bachelor's degree in Opto-Mechanical or Optical Engineering

Tools

ZEMAX

SolidWorks

Job description

Optical Alignment Engineer, Steward Observatory (Multiple Positions)

Job Details

Posting Number: req27566

Department: Steward Observatory

Department Website Link: https://astro.arizona.edu/

Location: Tucson Campus

Address: Tucson, AZ USA

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40

Job FTE: 1.0

Work Calendar: Fiscal

Job Category: Research

Benefits Eligible: Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay: $86,870 - $112,932

Compensation Type: salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Grade: 11

FLSA: Exempt

Number of Vacancies: 2

Open Date: 11/5/2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

Documents Needed to Apply: Resume and Cover Letter

Contact Information for Candidates: Manny Montoya

Technical Manager, Center for Astronomical Adaptive Optics

[e-mail]

Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Career Stream and Level: PC3

Job Family: Research Engineering

Job Function: Research

Position Highlights

The Center for Astronomical Adaptive Optics (CAAO) at Steward Observatory is developing and operating several world class adaptive optics (AO) systems on large ground-based telescopes, specifically the LBTI, MMT, and GMT, as well as on space-based projects including the Lazuli Space Observatory. The Optical Alignment Engineer (R&D Optical Engineer III) will be involved in the build, alignment, testing, and integration of flight and ground-based instruments. The successful candidate for this position must have thorough knowledge of optical design, basic AO concepts, high-precision alignment, and cleanroom lab protocols, including knowledge of cryogenic and vacuum instruments.

The University of Arizona Steward Observatory is both a century-old observatory on the University of Arizona campus and one of the University's oldest research units. The Observatory brings together students, staff, faculty, engineers, and technicians to explore the universe and share discoveries through world-class research, education, and outreach. With more than 180 professionals supporting advanced facilities, laboratories, and observatories, Steward Observatory offers a collaborative environment where technical expertise plays a critical role in advancing ground- and space-based astronomy.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

Duties & Responsibilities

Instrument Alignment, Integration, and Testing

• Using the Optical and Mechanical design, directs, and is involved in aligning, integrating, and testing of high-precision instruments being built in a cleanroom. The incumbent must be able to use optical measurement techniques such as interferometers, Faro arms, and other CMMs, alignment lasers, and techniques to ensure that the instrument is precisely built to spec.

Optical Design

• Develops optical designs using ZEMAX and other optical software that meet the scientific specifications for astronomical observations, applying extensive knowledge of optical design and how optical inputs directly influence the design, construction, and implementation of astronomical instrumentation. This work will require technical reports and lead to publications on the performance of the instrument.

Opto-Mechanical Design

• Works with mechanical engineers to test, modify, and implement the optical design using extensive knowledge of opto-mechanical engineering to be able to provide direction on how to implement the design.

Optics Ordering

• Translates the optical design to requirements that will be used to send out to potential vendors for procurement of parts and optics.
• Translates optical design to real world requirements that will make the item buildable while keeping cost and schedule down.
• Works directly with vendors and acts as the liaison between the UA procurement and vendors for defining any technical items related to the parts being ordered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to communicate with vendors and technicians and engineers in other disciplines.
• Ability to communicate with department administration and telescope project representatives (customers), including preparation of formal and informal reports and slide presentations.
• Expert in use of ZEMAX.
• Expert in use of Solidworks.
• Extensive knowledge of Adaptive Optics and how that pertains to ground and space based telescopes.
• Extensive knowledge of optical design and how it will affect the real world outcome with the ability to take a design from the beginning to the end.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Opto-Mechanical or Optical Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years experience in optical alignment, testing, and design, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Compensation Guidance

The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

The Grade Range represents a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University of Arizona campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at [e-mail].