Engineer - Physics & Astronomy

The University of Wyoming invites diverse applicants to consider our employment opportunities.  We are also especially interested in candidates who have experience working with diverse populations and/or diverse initiatives. 

JOB TITLE:   

Engineer 

JOB PURPOSE:

The University of Wyoming, through the Department of Physics and Astronomy, operates the Wyoming Infrared Observatory (WIRO) and its 2.3-meter telescope on Jelm Mountain, just outside Laramie, WY. WIRO currently features an optical instrumentation suite including a long-slit spectrograph, a prime-focus imager, and a polarimeter. We will add an optical high-resolution spectrograph in the near future. Solely controlled by UW, WIRO has made its impact in recent years with time-series observations challenging to carry out at other facilities.

The position is ideal for a flexible jack-of-all-trades, who can help maintain and enhance WIRO operations. The position supports servicing and maintenance of the WIRO telescope and dome, its control systems, and the mechanical infrastructure. Troubleshooting and repair of failures, as well as observatory upgrades, are a primary role. The job requires time in the office, lab, and observatory, both indoors and outdoors, with both mechanical and electrical systems, software and hardware. The position requires frequent trips to Jelm Mountain and is on-call for observatory support nights and weekends as needed.  Winter access employs a Sno-Cat.  There is the opportunity to build new systems and to work on new instruments in addition to maintaining existing equipment.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support the service, repair, and maintenance of the Wyoming Infrared Observatory (WIRO) telescope and dome, its control systems, and the mechanical and electrical infrastructure including software and hardware. Troubleshoot and assist with technical problems by providing engineering expertise.
• Design, fabricate, and test new systems, equipment, and instrumentation for research projects using the WIRO facilities. Troubleshoot, maintain, modify, and repair existing equipment and systems. Manage observatory upgrades. Prepare cost estimates and recommendations. Order supplies as needed.
• Manage and oversee operations of a remote site, including water supply, emergency power, transportation, and road maintenance as need to access the WIRO facility, abiding by state and federal regulations.
• Provide quality assurance of all aspects of WIRO operations. 
• Train faculty, staff, and students to operate and troubleshoot WIRO systems and equipment

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide facility tours as needed.

COMPETENCIES:

• Analysis/Problem Identification
• Attention to Detail
• Initiative 
• Innovation
• Integrity
• Quantity of Work
• Quality Orientation

REMOTE WORK ELIGIBILITY: 

This position provides vital support to campus customers and requires the successful candidate be available to work on campus.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

Education:  Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Experience:  2 years work-related experience

Required licensure, certification, registration, or other requirements:

• Valid driver's license with a motor vehicle record (MVR) compliant with the University Vehicle Use Policy. 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Previous experience at an observatory or similar scientific facility  
• Experience programming in C, Python, Labview and working with the linux Operating system 
• Experience with motion control systems  
• Experience with networking  
• Experience with wiring and simple circuitry

REQUIRED MATERIALS:  

Complete the online application and upload the following for a complete application: cover letter, resume or C.V. and contact information for four work-related references.  

This position will remain open until filled. Complete applications received by 01/29/2025 will receive full consideration

HIRING STATEMENT:  

UW is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer. We are committed to a multicultural environment and strongly encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities.   

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position, please call 307-766-2377 or email jobapps@uwyo.edu.

ABOUT LARAMIE:

The University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, a town of 30,000 in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West. The state of Wyoming continues to invest in its university, helping to make it a leader in academics, research and outreach. The university has state-of-the-art facilities in many areas and the community provides the advantages of a major university.

Located in a high mountain valley near the Colorado border, Laramie offers both outstanding recreational opportunities and close proximity to Colorado’s Front Range, a bustling group of metropolitan cities including Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins. This beautiful mountain landscape offers outdoor enjoyment in all seasons, with over 300 days of sunshine annually. For more information about the region, please visit http://visitlaramie.org/