The Role
Design, analyze, test, install, and maintain mechanical and opto-mechanical systems for astronomical observatory operations. Produce CAD models, FEA, drawings (ASME Y14/GD&T), technical documentation, installation and operations procedures, and support field assembly, troubleshooting, and subcontractor efforts while ensuring safety and standards compliance.
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Why Choose W. M. Keck Observatory:
Key Responsibilities
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
About
At the W. M. Keck Observatory, we approach our work with wonder about the mysteries of the universe and with deep respect and care for Maunakea – a mountain revered in Hawaiʻi and unlike any other in the world. For more than three decades, astronomers using Keck Observatory’s twin 10-meter telescopes have vastly expanded our understanding of the cosmos through astonishing findings about our solar system, exoplanets, supermassive black holes, the evolution of the universe, and more. We are dedicated to the values of service and stewardship, while advancing the frontiers of astronomy, sharing our discoveries, and inspiring the imagination of all.
We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer I to join our world-class engineering team supporting one of the most scientifically productive astronomical observatories on Earth. In this role, you will design, analyze, maintain, and improve complex mechanical systems that enable groundbreaking discoveries about our universe.
This position offers a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of advanced engineering and frontier science—contributing directly to the performance, reliability, and evolution of Keck’s iconic telescopes and technical infrastructure.
Our Mission & ValuesAt Keck Observatory, our work is driven by a shared commitment to advancing scientific discovery while honoring our responsibility to people, place, and community.
We are guided by core values rooted in:
- Stewardship – We care for our people, facilities, environment, and community with integrity and long-term responsibility.
- Service – We prioritize collective impact, supporting one another, the global astronomy community, and our local Hawaiʻi community to achieve shared goals.
- Collaboration & Inclusion – We work across disciplines and perspectives to solve complex challenges and advance discovery together.
- Excellence & Safety – We deliver high-quality work while maintaining a strong commitment to operational excellence and safety in everything we do.
Why Choose W. M. Keck Observatory:
- Competitive starting annual compensation ranging from $94,966 to $114,760.
- Generous benefits package, including 4 weeks of annual paid vacation.
- Robust 403(b) retirement plan featuring an 8% employer contribution with a 4% mandatory employee contribution.
- Tuition assistance for dependent children grades K-12 attending private school on Hawai’i Island.
- Comprehensive employer-provided health insurance, with a variety of coverage options available to employees.
- Opportunity to be part of a dedicated team advancing the frontiers of astronomy
Key Responsibilities
Mechanical Engineering Design & Integration
- Provide mechanical engineering design, analysis, test, and integration support for the development of new observatory capabilities and upgrades to existing systems.
- Provide design and analysis of mechanical and opto-mechanical systems and components using 3D computer aided design (CAD) and finite element analysis (FEA
Mechanical Systems Assembly, Testing and Troubleshooting
- Support Assembly, Test, Troubleshoot, and Repair of new and existing mechanical systems including structures, drives, mechanisms, opto-mechanical assemblies, hydraulics, pneumatics, etc
Technical Documentation and Standards Compliance
- Generate technical documentation to American Society Mechanical Engineering (ASME) Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and Drawing standards.
Installation and Operations Procedures
- Generate installation and operations procedures for new systems and modifications for operations staff.
Safety and Accountability in Engineering
- Ensure personnel and equipment safety through review of engineering designs and implementation plans.
Systems Engineering and Project Management
- Work with multi-disciplined teams to support systems engineering, requirements management, and project management.
- Organize and support summit installation of mechanical systems by coordinating with project management, engineers, summit supervisors, and technicians.
- Provide technical support for subcontracts encompassing design, analysis, fabrication, installation, and repair efforts.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Education
- Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering or a related degree.
Experience
- Two (2) years of mechanical systems hardware development experience (pre-graduation experience is acceptable).
- Familiarity with mechanical engineering principles, including mechanics of materials, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and mechanical design.
- Some experience building a machine that moves and requires power.
- Experience with testing and supporting field installation of mechanical systems.
- Experience participating in design reviews.
Technical Competency
- Proficiency in using 3D CAD software. SolidWorks preferred
- Experience in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5.
- Experience in creating part and assembly drawings according to ASME Y14.
- Experience with Engineering Change (EC) control, engineering design review, and drawing release processes.
- Experience creating technical engineering documentation including reports and procedures.
About
At the W. M. Keck Observatory, we approach our work with wonder about the mysteries of the universe and with deep respect and care for Maunakea – a mountain revered in Hawaiʻi and unlike any other in the world. For more than three decades, astronomers using Keck Observatory’s twin 10-meter telescopes have vastly expanded our understanding of the cosmos through astonishing findings about our solar system, exoplanets, supermassive black holes, the evolution of the universe, and more. We are dedicated to the values of service and stewardship, while advancing the frontiers of astronomy, sharing our discoveries, and inspiring the imagination of all.
Skills Required
- Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering or related degree.
- Two years of mechanical systems hardware development experience (pre-graduation experience acceptable).
- Proficiency in using 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).
- Experience performing finite element analysis (FEA) and mechanical design analysis.
- Familiarity with mechanical engineering principles: mechanics of materials, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, mechanical design.
- Experience building powered moving machines (mechanisms that move and require power).
- Experience with assembly, testing, field installation, troubleshooting, and repair of mechanical systems.
- Experience participating in design reviews and engineering change (EC) control processes.
- Experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5.
- Experience creating part and assembly drawings according to ASME Y14 standards.
- Experience creating technical engineering documentation, reports, and procedures.
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The Company
What We Do
The W. M. Keck Observatory telescopes are among the most scientifically productive on Earth. The two 10-meter optical/infrared telescopes atop Maunakea on the Island of Hawaiʻi feature a suite of advanced instruments including imagers, multi-object spectrographs, high-resolution spectrographs, integral-field spectrometers, and world-leading laser guide star adaptive optics systems. Keck Observatory is a private 501(c) 3 non-profit organization operated as a scientific partnership among the California Institute of Technology, the University of California, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The Observatory was made possible by the generous financial support of the W. M. Keck Foundation. We wish to recognize and acknowledge the very significant cultural role and reverence that the summit of Maunakea has always had within the Native Hawaiian community. We are most fortunate to have the opportunity to conduct observations from this mountain
