The Role
Design, analyze, test, install, and maintain complex mechanical and opto-mechanical systems for telescopes. Use 3D CAD and FEA, lead assembly and field installations, produce ASME-standard documentation, ensure safety, and provide systems engineering and project management including subcontract oversight.
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Key Responsibilities
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Education
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 II 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.
- Competitive starting annual compensation ranging from $108,914 to $132,397.
- 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 expertise 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
- Lead 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, with rigor and accountability.
Systems Engineering and Project Management
- Coordinate and lead multi-disciplined teams to champion sound systems engineering, requirements management, and project management.
- Organize and lead summit installation of mechanical systems by coordinating with project management, engineers, summit supervisors, and technicians.
- Provide technical leadership and project management 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
- Five (5) years of mechanical systems hardware development experience.
- Well versed in mechanical engineering principles, including mechanics of materials, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and mechanical design
- Experience building a machine that moves and requires power.
- Experience with testing and field installation of mechanical systems.
- Experience generating and leading design reviews.
Technical Competency
- Advanced proficiency in using 3D CAD software. SolidWorks preferred.
- Experience using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to analyze parts and assemblies. SolidWorks Simulation or ANSYS preferred.
- Proficiency with Product Data Management (PDM) systems and CAD data configuration management. SolidWorks PDM preferred.
- Proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5.
- Proficiency in creating part and assembly drawings according to ASME Y14.100.
- Proficiency in Engineering Change (EC) control, engineering design review, and drawing release processes.
- Proficiency 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 degree in mechanical engineering or a related degree
- Five (5) years of mechanical systems hardware development experience
- Well versed in mechanics of materials, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and mechanical design
- Experience building a machine that moves and requires power
- Experience with testing and field installation of mechanical systems
- Experience generating and leading design reviews
- Advanced proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred)
- Experience using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) (SolidWorks Simulation or ANSYS preferred)
- Proficiency with Product Data Management (PDM) systems (SolidWorks PDM preferred)
- Proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5
- Proficiency creating part and assembly drawings according to ASME Y14.100
- Proficiency in engineering change control, design review, and drawing release processes
- Proficiency creating technical engineering documentation including 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
