Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, the National Solar Observatory (NSO) is an NSF national research and development center dedicated to advancing our understanding of the Sun and its influence on Earth and the solar system. NSO operates and supports world‑class solar telescopes enabling cutting‑edge research in solar physics and heliophysics. The observatory is and facilities, managed by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), a consortium of 49 U.S. institutions and three international affiliates that operates premier astronomical observatories worldwide.

One of NSO’s flagship programs is the NSF Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST), the world’s largest and most advanced solar telescope. Located on the summit of Haleakalā in Maui, Hawaiʻi, DKIST completed construction and began operations in November 2021. Designed to address fundamental questions about the Sun and its complex magnetic fields, DKIST represents a major scientific investment and a cornerstone of NSO’s mission.

NSO is hiring for a Mechanical Engineer III to design, analyze, and maintain mechanical components and systems to meet specified requirements and standards. Develops specifications for new parts, modifications, or prototypes. Identifies appropriate materials and processes to ensure the quality, performance, and manufacturability of products. Utilizes CAD software and other design and modeling tools to plan, develop, and improve mechanical parts or components and communicate conceptual designs and specifications to stakeholders. Conducts assembly and prototype testing to evaluate the performance, reliability, and safety of mechanical systems. Analyzes and troubleshoots mechanical issues or failures to identify root causes and develop solutions.

Essential Functions

Performs a mechanical engineering role in technical/engineering activities, project planning and control and data analysis.
Independently solves moderately complex mechanical design problems.
Collaborates with management to develop techniques, procedures, tooling, assembly, testing, installation and other operations for a project.
Sources the correct parts as needed for projects.
Coordinates problem-solving of a technical nature directly or in conjunction with other members of a project team.
Engineering development of existing designs and manufacturing procedures as appropriate.
Develops techniques, procedures, and testing for compliance with technical requirements and approved time schedules.
Develops techniques and procedures for installation and maintenance of instrumentation at the telescope with other on-site teams as necessary.
Experience in a research and development environment or astronomical facility and of working with observing instruments.
Arrange and coordinate activities for a project and interact with other departments and vendors when required.
Exercises discretion in the application of available resources and techniques for a project.
Skilled in the use and application of computer aided design software.
Complies with applicable safety standards and ensures safety of operations in areas under purview, and for correcting and/or reporting unsafe conditions and practices.
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.

Other Functions

Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
5+ years of experience in mechanical engineering.
Familiarity with standards applicable to mechanical engineering and drafting.
Ability to resolve technical problems by application of engineering and physics principles relevant to project requirements in mechanical engineering/technology, design drafting, computer CAD applications, and scientific optical instrumentation.
Ability to develop conceptual ideas based on requirements and specifications and transform those into functional hardware.
Proficient in the use of MS Office applications and general computer skills
Ability to speak and write effectively, including preparation and presentation of reports.
Ability to cooperate with and obtain the support of others.
Knowledge of technological developments and the ability to apply them to existing assignments.

Preferred Qualifications

SolidWorks, or other 3D CAD packages.
Solidworks Simulation, ANSYS or other FEA packages.
Solidworks Thermal Simulation, Starr CCM+ or other CFD packages.
Handling optics, optical assemblies, and complex astronomical instrumentation components and instruments.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.
The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl.
The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Must possess - sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) reach upward, sideways, downward to work with paper files; b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, fax machines, copiers, and other office machines.
Must possess – 1) ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform job; 2) sufficient visual capacity to perform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than eye contacts or eye glasses; 3) sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid; and 4) ability to impart information orally so that others understand and can respond appropriately

The ability to work at 10,000’ elevation, sometimes during inclement weather, may be required.
Occasional travel within the United States may be required.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required by personnel so classified. This Institute promotes Equal Employment Opportunity workplace that includes reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified, disabled applicants and employees.

Salary and Benefits

Salary range: $110,000-$130,000. 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 Benefits by Location - Aura Human Resources

How to Apply

If you’re interested in providing high-level engineering support for a mission-driven scientific program at one of the world’s premier observatories, we encourage you to apply. Applications received by May 8, 2026, will receive priority consideration. This position will remain open until filled.

Submit your CV and cover letter (PDF format preferred) via our application system. Please name your files in the format: Lastname_Docname.pdf.

Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance here