Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects in opto-mechanical instrumentation for groundbreaking telescopes.
- Company: Join the Centre for Advanced Instrumentation at Durham University, a leader in scientific research.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for international travel.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on astronomical discoveries with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Proven systems engineering experience and leadership skills in multidisciplinary teams.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for creativity and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Centre for Advanced Instrumentation (CfAI) is a major research group in the Department of Physics at Durham University with approximately seventy staff and research students.
Developing state-of-the-art instruments for use in astronomy, biophysics, remote sensing, fusion diagnostics and much more. To undertake a world-leading programme of education and research with international impact, based on the development of novel instrumentation and cutting-edge technologies with applications across a range of strategically important scientific areas of benefit to modern society.
The group is distributed across two physical locations: The Department of Physics located in Durham itself, with its world leading reputation in academic research. Secondly, there is a dedicated technology facility based at NETpark in nearby Sedgefield, providing access to advanced technical facilities for the assembly and test of complex instrumentation.
CfAI has provided major instruments for many of the world's leading astronomical facilities including the James Webb Space Telescope, William Herschel Telescope, Gemini Telescopes, Southern African Large Telescope and the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope. Major current ground-based instrumentation projects in CfAI include HARMONI and MOSAIC, the first-light spectrograph and multi-object spectrograph for the upcoming 40m diameter telescope, which will be the world's largest optical telescope, enabling observations of the faintest and most distant objects in the Universe in unparalleled detail. Adaptive Optics (AO) is a technology that provides high-speed optical correction for image distortions caused by the atmosphere and telescope itself.
CfAI is seeking a systems engineer with proven systems engineering experience as an accomplished, practicing Systems/Project Engineer to work on an opto-mechanical ground-based instrumentation project for the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT). In addition to being an accomplished design engineer in a primary engineering discipline (optical, mechanical, electronics, control, and/or software engineering), you will have proven experience of leading an international multidisciplinary engineering team. Typically, our projects involve international consortia, mainly based in Europe, and some level of domestic and international travel should be anticipated.
As a Senior Systems Engineer, you will be a key player and will be part of the project management team. You will be responsible for the requirements engineering, the overall system architecture, the coordination of assembly, integration, verification, installation, commissioning, and delivery of our astronomical and scientific products. Working as a senior member of the team, you will have the freedom to define, control and execute your own work plan without the need to be supervised and you will have many opportunities to innovate and develop new technical solutions, with considerable scope to be creative.
The preferred location for this role is at our Lower Mountjoy facility situated in Durham.
CfAI Senior Systems Engineer - Durham employer: Durham University
Contact Detail:
Durham University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land CfAI Senior Systems Engineer - Durham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at CfAI on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into their projects. Familiarise yourself with the Extremely Large Telescope and other instruments they've developed. Showing genuine interest in their work can set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your technical skills! Brush up on systems engineering principles and be ready to discuss how you've led multidisciplinary teams. Real-life examples will make your experience shine during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the CfAI team.
We think you need these skills to ace CfAI Senior Systems Engineer - Durham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Senior Systems Engineer. Highlight your experience in systems engineering and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those involving multidisciplinary teams or complex instrumentation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for advanced instrumentation and how your skills align with our mission at CfAI. Don't forget to mention any international collaboration experience!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: In your application, be sure to showcase your technical skills in optical, mechanical, electronics, control, or software engineering. We want to see how you can contribute to our cutting-edge projects like the Extremely Large Telescope.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Durham University
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your systems engineering knowledge, especially in opto-mechanical instrumentation. Familiarise yourself with the projects that CfAI is involved in, like the Extremely Large Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope. Being able to discuss these projects will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading an international multidisciplinary team, be prepared to share examples of your past leadership experiences. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your capability to manage teams effectively and drive projects to success.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions related to systems architecture, requirements engineering, and integration processes. Brush up on relevant methodologies and be ready to explain your thought process clearly. This will help the interviewers gauge your problem-solving skills and technical expertise.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the projects and the team dynamics at CfAI. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you assess if the role aligns with your career goals. Questions about future projects or the technologies they plan to explore can spark engaging conversations.
