Department: Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics 
Campus: St. George (downtown)

Description:

Under the direction of the Project Leader of the Gemini Infrared Multi-Object Spectrograph (GIRMOS), this position is responsible for the design, analysis, integration and testing of precision, cryogenic optical mounts and mechanisms for the GIRMOS. GIRMOS is a major scientific nationwide project funded by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) and provincial authorities to provide a state-of-the-art scientific capability to the Gemini Observatory located in Chile by taking advantage of latest developments in adaptive optics and infrared spectroscopy. The successful candidate should be comfortable designing opto-mechanical components (lens, mirror and prism mounts) as well as motorized mechanisms for use in vacuum environments and at cryogenic temperatures (80 Kelvin).

Your responsibilities will include:

• Designing, modifying and fabricating custom machine parts
• Performing design processes that require great precision and attention to many details
• Advising on suitability of experimental apparatus and fabrication techniques
• Performing complex or scientific diagnostic tests
• Determining technical requirements for fabrication projects
• Creating and reviewing technical drawing sets for manufacturing
• Designing, modifying and fabricating custom lab apparatus, tools and jigs
• Serving as a resource on specific issues to a group of specialists

 Essential Qualifications:

• • Bachelor Degree in Engineering or acceptable combination of equivalent experience
  • Minimum six years design experience in precision optomechanics
  • Demonstrated ability to design opto-mechanical components using SolidWorks, or other similar Computer Aided Design software
  • Demonstrated ability to perform thermal and structural analysis using ANSYS, or other similar Finite Element Analysis software
  • Prior experience with design and analysis of opto-mechanical components (lens and mirror mounts, imaging detector mounts, structures, and mechanisms) for use at temperatures below 100 Kelvin
  • Ability to work alongside other Mechanical and Optical Engineers, to assist with design, integration, alignment and test of numerous opto-mechanical assemblies into the GIRMOS instrument.

Assets (Non-Essential):

• Previous experience assembling precision opto-mechanical components and testing them at cryogenic temperatures
• Previous experience assisting with the alignment of optical systems, using tools such as auto-collimators, alignment telescopes and coordinate measuring machines
• Previous experience operating cryogenic test facilities, including vacuum chambers, pumps, gauges, cryogenic coolers and temperature monitoring systems
• Strong understanding of mechanical and thermal material behaviour at low temperatures
• Strong understanding of kinematic design principles
• Ability to use Zemax optical design software and carry out optomechanical tolerancing

Appointment Type: Grant – Term 

Schedule: Full-time

Pay Scale Group and Hiring Rate: USW Pay Band 15 — $83,481 with an annual step progression to a maximum of $106,758. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.   

Job Field: Technical/Fabrication

Job Posting: Aug 22, 2019

Job Closing: September 20. 2019, 11:59:00 pm