Interviews: 2-3 Aug 2006
A vacancy exists for an Optics Technician/Engineer with experience in the areas of cleaning, handling, characterising and aligning optics, and who is able to assist in the design and development of new optical systems. This post is part of the Observatory’s Telescope and Instrument Group, responsible for developing and maintaining ING’s telescopes and instrumentation.
The Isaac Newton Group comprises three optical telescopes: the 4.2-m William Herschel Telescope (WHT), the 2.5-m Isaac Newton Telescope (INT) and the 1-m Jacobus Kapteyn Telescope (JKT). They are situated at an altitude of 2400m at the Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands. Our telescopes are equipped with an extensive range of imaging and spectrographic instruments including a robotic fibre-optics feed, an adaptive optics system, optical and IR detectors, and acquisition and auto guider TV systems. The telescopes achieve world class performance and are in operation 365 nights of the year.
Job Summary
The job-holder is responsible for providing a high level of support to all aspects of optics within ING. This post covers dedicated responsibilities for optical systems and duties are varied. The job-holder takes responsibility for the up-keep of all optical equipment and components at ING, quality control and cleaning. The ability to apply Zemax is essential and the job-holder must apply their expertise to maximise the performance of optical systems. A hands-on approach is required. Depending on experience, the job-holder may also be required to design new optical systems or design enhancements to existing systems.
The job-holder will work closely with members of the Telescope and Instrument Group and other engineering groups. Liaison with members of the Astronomy Group to support telescope and instrument functionality is a key element of the work. A proactive approach to safety issues in the optics work area is essential and they are expected to keep up to date with new technological advances in optics with respect to telescopes and instrumentation.
A valid driving licence is required and the ability to work at altitude at regular intervals is essential. Working to deadlines, sometimes under demanding conditions, and occasionally, at unsocial hours is a requirement. Must be able to work in the English language. Knowledge of Spanish is an advantage.
The job-holder reports to the Head of Telescopes and Instrumentation Group.
Job Activities
Operations & Maintenance.
Ensure that all optical components are kept in a clean working condition and are stored correctly. Characterise and monitor the performance of optical components e.g. mirrors, filters etc. Apply Zemax to telescope optical systems to detect and correct faults. Carry out cleaning and re-aluminisation of telescope mirrors, working in a multi-disciplinary team. Maintain and inspect optical components of instruments and telescopes. Organise major instrument overhauls in collaboration with instrument, telescope and optical specialists both internal and external to the organisation. When required, participate in the Operations Team, tracing and correcting optical related faults. Responsible for snow cleaning and washing of all primary and secondary mirrors, including developing techniques, leading and training other staff in their use. Collecting data and presenting results of reflectivity tests.
Development & Design
Provide input to optical/opto-mechanical projects. Incorporate and use software packages (e.g. Zemax) to design, model and analyse new and existing optical systems, including modifications. Participate in the development of new instruments, such as the adaptive optics and laser guide star systems and the production of optical fibres for astronomical instruments, taking the lead in optical design. Design alignment techniques and construct alignment tools for new and existing equipment. Specify, place orders and liaise with suppliers for the supply of optical systems - ranging from components to complete opto-mechanical systems. Represent the ING in technical optics matters e.g. liaison with external optical specialists, attending overseas conferences. Leading and training other staff in optical procedures.
Optics Lab
Responsible for the optics laboratory and all associated equipment. Maintain and use specialist equipment e.g. spectrophotometer and reflectometer. Good house-keeping is essential ensuring that the lab is always clean and well stocked to perform a variety of optical and opto-mechanical services. A safe system of work must always be in place, knowledge and experience in current safety legislation with particular respect to the discipline is required.
General duties
Maintain and keep current, data sheets on all substances used in work and the laboratory. Instruct others how to correctly handle optics. Produce, maintain and update relevant documentation including Zemax models of telescopes and instruments. Prepare and present reports on work carried out. Provide optics training to other staff members.
Knowledge and experience
Applications are welcomed from optics professionals, preferably though not necessarily, with experience in astronomical telescopes and/or instrumentation or equivalent scientific fields. Equally, diversity of experience, including industry, would be advantageous.
Ideally applicants for the post should have a technical or professional qualification in optical engineering and have at least three years experience. A background in opto-mechanics is needed and experience of manufacturing optical fibres would be an advantage.
The successful candidate will need to have a valid driving licence. Also the successful candidate will need to be able to communicate effectively in English which is the official language of the Observatory.
The successful candidate will need to be accredited to work within the EU in order to take up the appointment.
Appointment would be to local band D with a starting salary of €33,079, moving to €34,819 on successful completion of the first year (2006 rates).
We will also consider candidates without the full range of knowledge and/or experience set out above, but who would have the potential and motivation to grow into the post with appropriate training and development. Appointment in this case would be at local band C starting at €28,764 and moving to €30,277 after one year.
Applicants wishing to be considered for this position must complete an ING application form which is available at http://www.ing.iac.es/About-ING/Vacancies/vacancies1.html For more information about the post, please contact ING's Head of Telescope and Instrument Engineering, Diego Cano, on +34 922405565 or dcano@ing.iac.es . Alternatively contact ING Personnel on +34 922 425417 or chelo@ing.iac.es. Completed application forms must reach ING by the closing date of 23 June 2006. Please note that only electronic applications will be accepted and need to be sent to recruit@ing.iac.es. Applications not submitted on an ING application form, will automatically be rejected.