COPY - Chief Engineer/Sr Polishing Engineer

Job Description Overview: This role supports Steward Observatoryu2019s mission to enable cuttingu2011edge discoveries in astronomy and astrophysics by leading the development, implementation, and validation of highu2011performance optical surface figure metrology for some of the worldu2019s largest groundu2011 and spaceu2011based telescopes. The individual will serve as the technical authority for mirror surface metrology, guiding system design, validating performance, supervising engineers, and ensuring mirror production meets extremely stringent optical requirements for flagship astronomy programs. Key Responsibilities: u2022 Design and implement surface figure evaluation strategies during mirror production u2022 Lead the design, installation, and validation of largeu2011scale optical metrology systems u2022 Guide mechanical, electrical, and software engineers on metrology system integration u2022 Supervise three optical/metrology engineers u2022 Write, review, and approve technical procedures, reports, and complex MATLAB/Zemax analysis code u2022 Advise principal investigators, administrators, and sponsors on metrology limits, data reliability, and technical solutions Serve as the technical authority for measurement accuracy and error analysis We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to learn more about how we collect, keep, and process your private information, please review Insight Global's Workforce Privacy Policy: Skills and Requirements u2022 10+ years of experience in optical fabrication and testing u2022 Expertu2011level MATLAB experience u2022 Expert knowledge of Zemax optical modeling and ray tracing u2022 Deep expertise in interferometry and deflectometry Extensive experience with surface figure metrology for large telescope mirrors Nice to Have: u2022 PhD in Optical Sciences or Physics with an Optics emphasis u2022 Demonstrated ability to develop novel solutions to unprecedented, highu2011complexity technical challenges u2022 Experience from parallel or adjacent industries (flexibility here if needed) Education: u2022 Masteru2019s degree in Physics or Engineering (required) u2022 PhD in Optical Sciences or Physics (Optics emphasis) preferred No specific certifications required

Created: 2026-03-20