Principal engineer Jobs in Honolulu, HI

General Description of Position :

The Principal Mechanical Engineer (ME) provides leadership in field of expertise, by virtue of a high level of technical education combined with extensive experience and a proven record of achievement. The ME will also lead and participate in maintenance, upgrade and operation of major systems of the DKIST, managing staff as assigned. The ME will solve complex engineering, development and coordination problems. The ME will manage assigned mechanical work packages and staff including scheduling and budget.

Essential Functions :

• Develop a thorough working knowledge of the specifications, requirements and design of all major DKIST systems.
• Anticipates and creates opportunities for technical improvements in Observatory operations or equipment.
• Takes project-based lead engineering roles that involve oversight of significant design fabrication, integration, and operational activities on major projects (including technical, schedule, budget, and staff), when applicable.
• Initiates studies and investigates new technical approaches.
• Solves engineering problems that are at or beyond the current state of the art.
• Provides technical leadership for engineering and scientific staff members.
• Manage assigned technical staff for selection, utilization and training of subordinates. Provide recommended salary and title changes when appropriate.
• Act as point of contact to leadership team to be advised of needs and upcoming schedule / activities, and in turn, advise of concerns and risks, request resources or support.
• Prioritize, schedule, and assign tasks and activities. Report on progress and results. Create and manage team schedules and work orders. Define goals, communicate objectives, and monitor Provide quality assurance inspection of work; create / close work orders and provide logs and reports as required.
• Coordinate shift assignments for technicians for observing support and technical
• Assess skills proficiency of staff; identify and recommend training or other professional development. Evaluate performance and productivity; provide timely feedback & coaching. Ensure technician work follows good practice and is compliant with applicable consensus standards. This includes correcting unsafe behavior or conditions and work with the project safety staff and management as appropriate
• Determines and specifies improvements in equipment, tools, materials, methods and software that advance the technical capabilities of the Observatory.
• Plans and executes engineering activities that are at the forefront of astronomical telescope technology.
• Often performs technical analysis or design that is at a level above that expected of a senior engineer.
• Complies with approved schedules and insure meeting both technical and budgetary requirements of assigned work.
• Complies with all applicable codes and safety standards and corrects and / or reports unsafe conditions or practices.
• Solves engineering and technical problems where minimal guidance is provided.
• Reports results of activities to management.
• Foster a positive and productive work environment through effective team management.
• Implement strategies to enhance team collaboration and professional growth.
• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the team to ensure a respectful and inclusive workplace.
• All AURA employees are responsible for the proper management and control of all AURA property within their work area, whether assigned to them or someone else. This responsibility includes reporting any known missing, stolen, or non-working property in their work area to their supervisor or the AURA Property Officer.

Other Functions :

Required Education / Experience / Skills / Abilities :

Preferred Education / Experience / Skills / Abilities :

Physical Demands :

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Salary Range : $140,$170, The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience.

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at

The position will remain open until it is filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by November 15, 2024.

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 49 US institutions and 3 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories for the and . AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. In addition, AURA is deeply committed to public and educational outreach, and to throughout the astronomical and scientific workforce. AURA carries out its role through its astronomical facilities.

As a recipient of Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity / gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and / or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.