Engineering at ING in support of telescope operations and technological developments is carried out by a forty strong multi-discipline group of qualified engineers and technicians to meet the defined aims of ING. The range of skills and knowledge required and available is extensive.

Engineering is organised into specialist groups, as detailed below. Members of different groups routinely work together in Operations and Project Teams. For members and responsibilities see Engineering Contacts

Computer Facilities

The Computer Facilities Group (CFG) provide the computing infrastructure for use by the staff and visitors of ING. The infrastructure includes operating systems, network and computing services, including backup and tape copying

Control Software

The Control Software Group provide and maintain real time operational control software systems for the telescopes and instruments at ING. This includes telescope, and instrument control systems together with data acquisition systems.

Electronics

The Electronics Group provide design, installation and maintenance electronic systems for telescope, instrument and detector control. Ancillary items including the time service, auto-guiders and acquisition TVs are also supported. Facilities include workshops and detector labs both at the observatory and sea level.

Mechanical

The Mechanical Group provide design, manufacture and maintenance for telescopes, instruments and domes, including vacuum and cryogenic work. Facilities include a fully equipped workshop, complete with CNC machines, at the observatory and an optics lab at sea level.

Site Services

The Site Services Group provide design, installation and maintenance of essential services including electricity, air conditioning, heating and cooling, compressed air and liquid nitrogen for the telescopes, instruments and buildings. Additionally they are responsible for all building maintenance and modification.