This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of anticipated vacancies. Applications will not be accepted through this flyer. Interested applicants must follow the directions in the "How to Apply" section of this flyer to be considered. There may or may not be actual vacancies filled from this flyer. Notice of Result letters will not be sent to applicants who respond to this flyer.
Your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-12 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Experience applying an expert knowledge in astronomical telescope and instrumentation design, construction, operation, and maintenance. This includes possessing comprehensive knowledge regarding optical testing, alignment, recoating, as well as mechanical design, testing, and optimization. Must be knowledgeable regarding vacuum technology (for re-aluminizing and camera dewars) and cryogenics (for low-temperature control of detectors). Must possess firm knowledge in SOLID WORKS CAD design as well as finite element analysis and thermal modeling. Must demonstrate expertise in professional level design and fabrication of mechanical and optical systems as used in astronomical facilities. Experience solving complex mechanical engineering problems, as demonstrated by a history of successful engineering design and problem solving on telescopes or similar systems. Experience applying knowledge regarding the safe and proper use of support and handling equipment such as hydraulic lifts, cranes, and forklifts as well as specialized equipment for handling cryogenics and for handling heavy yet fragile telescope mirrors. Experience possessing sufficient knowledge of Navy safety and hazardous material handling guidelines and regulations to oversee these programs at the Station. Experience using strong verbal and written communication skills is required. Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website: all-professional-engineering-positions-0800.pdf (opm.gov) General Schedule Qualification Standards (opm.gov) Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
You will serve as a MECHANICAL ENGINEER in the CELESTIAL REFERENCE FRAME DEPARTMENT of the U.S. NAVAL OBSERVATORY located in FLAGSTAFF, AZ.
You will serve as a key member of the Instrumentation Research and Engineering Division at the USNOFS that supports the maintenance, upgrade, and development efforts of new and existing telescopes and astronomical instrumentation.
You will be responsible for the design, construction, and procurement of new telescopes and/or telescope systems in order to meet emergent requirements.
You will be responsible for the maintenance and upgrade of the station's mirror coating facility and its supporting infrastructure.
You will be responsible for maintaining astronomical instrumentation for night time operations and providing on-site support to the science staff.