Summit Mechanical Engineer II: Field Upgrades & Optics

W. M. Keck Observatory; Waimea/Kamuela (HI); On-site; USD 109,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4 weeks paid vacation

403(b) employer contribution

Health insurance

Job summary

W. M. Keck Observatory seeks a Summit Mechanical Engineer II to support maintenance, upgrades, and integration of critical systems at the Maunakea Summit site. The role combines field work with multi-disciplinary collaboration on complex machinery.

The candidate should have 5 years of experience, a mechanical engineering degree, and strong knowledge of 3D CAD (SolidWorks), EC controls, GD&T, and fabrication. Competitive benefits and a dynamic astronomy-focused team await.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering or related degree.
• Five (5) years working on complex mechanical systems.
• Experience with large industrial equipment (motors, gearboxes, drives, pumps, chillers, vents).
• Experience maintaining, testing, troubleshooting mechanical systems.
• Experience building a machine that moves and requires power.
• Experience in design reviews and cross-functional engineering collaboration.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software. SolidWorks preferred.
• Experience with EC control processes and engineering design reviews.
• Proficiency creating technical documentation and procedures.
• Experience with fabrication (cutting, milling, welding).
• Experience with environmental, vibration, or thermal testing; lifting equipment familiarity.

Responsibilities

• Support operation, maintenance, and upgrades of summit mechanical systems.
• Lead testing and repairs; coordinate multidisciplinary teams.
• Assist in engineering design integration and review technical docs.
• Review drawings, schematics, and procedures ensuring safety and reliability.
• Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and project managers on upgrades.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Field experience

Team collaboration

Project management

Engineering documentation

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

EC control processes

GD&T ASME Y14.5

SCADA

CMMS

Job description

W. M. Keck Observatory seeks a Summit Mechanical Engineer II to support maintenance, upgrades, and integration of critical systems at the Maunakea Summit site. The role combines field work with multi-disciplinary collaboration on complex machinery.

The candidate should have 5 years of experience, a mechanical engineering degree, and strong knowledge of 3D CAD (SolidWorks), EC controls, GD&T, and fabrication. Competitive benefits and a dynamic astronomy-focused team await.