R&D Systems Engineer II (Steward Observatory) (Updated)

Phase2 Technology; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 75,540 - 98,201; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full Benefits

Job summary

The University of Arizona's Steward Observatory seeks an R&D Systems Engineer II to support the replacement of a large telescope primary mirror. This role covers requirements management, interface definition, system integration, verification, and risk management through fabrication and commissioning.

The position requires U.S. citizenship due to federal contract; visa sponsorship is not available. 40 hours per week, 1.0 FTE, full benefits; located on Tucson Campus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field.
• 3 years of systems engineering, quality engineering, or similar.
• U.S. citizenship is required for federal contract work.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and verify system, subsystem, and interface requirements.
• Assist with system integration, test planning, and commissioning activities.
• Maintain MBSE models, ICDs, and verification records.
• Support quality assurance plans, inspections, and CAPA activities.
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to manage risks and ensure compliance.

Skills

Systems engineering

MBSE

Requirements management

Quality assurance

Risk assessment

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

3 years of systems engineering experience

Tools

Sparx Enterprise Architect

Job description

Overview

R&D Systems Engineer II (Steward Observatory)

Posting Number: req26494
Department: Steward Observatory
Department Website Link: https://astro.arizona.edu/
Location: Tucson Campus
Address: Tucson, AZ USA

Position Highlights

For more than a century, Steward Observatory at the University of Arizona has advanced humanity's understanding of the universe through groundbreaking research, innovation, and education. Our collaborative team of scientists, engineers, technicians, and staff designs, builds, and operates world-class astronomical facilities that enable discoveries and inspire the next generation of explorers.

The College of Science is seeking an R&D Systems Engineer II to join Steward Observatory. The selected candidate will serve as a Systems Engineer supporting the replacement of a large ground-based telescope primary mirror and its interfaces. This role supports systems engineering activities including requirements management, interface definition, technical compliance, system integration, verification, and project risk management throughout the project lifecycle. It also supports project quality assurance activities to ensure manufacturing, integration, and verification processes meet established technical and quality standards. The project is in post-Critical Design Review (CDR) and entering fabrication, integration, verification, and commissioning activities. This position supports a federal contract which requires that the selected candidate be a U.S. citizen. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Support the development, maintenance, and verification of system, subsystem, and interface requirements throughout the project lifecycle.
• Assist with system integration, test planning, acceptance testing, commissioning, and technical review activities.
• Support the development and maintenance of system models, requirements models, and interface definitions using Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools, as applicable.
• Maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs), requirements traceability, verification and validation records, engineering change documentation, and technical baselines.
• Maintain project metrics, verification evidence, and technical documentation necessary to demonstrate technical and contractual compliance.
• Assist in implementing quality assurance plans, inspection strategies, and quality control processes to ensure compliance with project requirements and quality standards.
• Support supplier quality activities, including source inspections, First Article Inspection Reports (FAIR), acceptance reviews, and vendor assessments.
• Participate in investigations of nonconformances and quality issues, including root-cause analyses and corrective and preventive action (CAPA) activities.
• Support risk and reliability assessments, including Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and assist with the development and tracking of mitigation plans.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, technicians, suppliers, and project leadership to identify risks, resolve technical and quality issues, and support project objectives.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of systems engineering principles, including requirements management, interface management, verification and validation, system integration, and technical baseline management.
• Knowledge of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools (e.g., Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect or similar) and familiarity with requirements modeling and interface management.
• Working knowledge of quality assurance methods, configuration management, engineering change control, root-cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and risk assessment techniques including FMEA.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams and manage multiple assignments.
• Ability to travel within the U.S. and to U.S. military bases.

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.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science, or related technical field.
• 3 years of experience in systems engineering, quality engineering, product assurance, or a closely related technical field.
• U.S. citizenship is required due to federal contract requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with systems engineering activities including requirements management, interface management, verification planning, acceptance testing, and technical documentation.
• Experience using MBSE tools such as Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect and supporting configuration management and engineering change control processes.
• Experience working on complex electromechanical, optical, aerospace, defense or scientific instrumentation systems, including large telescope systems, mirror fabrication, mirror support structures, or telescope interfaces.
• Experience supporting projects through fabrication, integration, verification, testing, commissioning, and/or operations.
• Experience supporting supplier quality activities, including source inspections, FAIR, acceptance reviews, and nonconformance investigations.
• Experience with quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001 or AS9100), risk assessments, reliability analyses, root-cause investigations, and FMEA methodologies.

Additional Details

• FLSA: Exempt
• Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
• Hours per Week: 40
• Job FTE: 1.0
• Work Calendar: Fiscal
• Job Category: Research
• Benefits Eligible: Yes - Full Benefits
• Rate of Pay: $75,540 - $98,201
• Compensation Type: salary at 1.0 FTE
• Grade: 10
• Career Stream and Level: PC2
• Job Family: Research Engineering
• Job Function: Research
• Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check
• Number of Vacancies: 1
• Open Date: 7/13/2026
• Open Until Filled: Yes
• Contact Information for Candidates: Rachel Morrow | [e-mail]
• Documents Needed to Apply: Resume and Cover Letter

Special Instructions to Applicant

Note: This section has been retained for completeness where applicable. Please follow institutional guidelines when applying.

Notice

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report: In compliance with the Clery Act, the University releases an annual security report and related information. Paper copies can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at [e-mail].