Mechanical Engineer (Opto-Design), (IS-0830-13)

Application Deadline: 23 January 2026

Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Cambridge, MA

Compensation: $119,355 - $155,164 / year

Description

OPENING DATE: December 23, 2025
CLOSING DATE:  January 23, 2026
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)
DIVISION: Central Engineering
LOCATION: Cambridge, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Open to all current Smithsonian employees

What are Trust Fund Positions?Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care). 
Conditions of Employment

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation, as required.
• Complete a Probationary Period if applicable. 
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 
• Occasional national and international travel may be required in support of duties.

OVERVIEW

INTRODUCTION
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support.  Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants. 

SUMMARY
This is the position of Opto-Mechanical Design Engineer, Central Engineering Department (CE), Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO). The purpose of the position is to support the Observatory’s scientific investigations by providing mechanical, structural, and potentially project engineering expertise to the development of advanced ground-based instrumentation for astronomical/astrophysical data collection and related telescope systems. The incumbent will collaborate with scientists to identify pioneering technologies to be applied to the development of innovative instruments that support the advance of Observatory scientific research objectives and will ensure the translation of these concepts into functional hardware. The incumbent will be required to support multiple complex projects simultaneously.

MAJOR DUTIES

Project Leadership:Leads mechanical subsystem development with significant complexity. Oversees design, construction, and maintenance of complex opto-mechanical systems. Incumbent provides technical consultation, guidance, and task leadership. Advises senior leadership, program officials, and colleagues on engineering analysis, recommendations, and study conclusions (e.g., advising director on region-wide implementation plans for new or updated standards). 
Leads, plans, develops, and prepares procedures, policies, and/or protocols for mechanical engineering studies and special projects that require advanced engineering analysis that extends or modifies theories, concepts, and assumptions or resolves unique or novel problems, conditions, or issues. Plans and coordinates programs or projects which are innovative and original. Develops methods and