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- Tasks: Lead innovative projects in opto-mechanical instrumentation for the world's largest telescope.
- Company: Join the Centre for Advanced Instrumentation at Durham University, a leader in scientific research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunities for international travel, and a creative work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on groundbreaking astronomical projects and push the boundaries of technology.
- Qualifications: Proven systems engineering experience and leadership skills in multidisciplinary teams.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant opportunities for innovation and career 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 employees at CfAI or similar organisations on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the projects CfAI is involved in, like the Extremely Large Telescope. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for cutting-edge technology and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your technical skills! Brush up on systems engineering principles and be ready to discuss your past projects. We want to see how you’ve tackled challenges and led teams in your previous roles.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining our team at CfAI.
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 international collaboration.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for instrumentation and how your skills align with our mission at CfAI. Don’t forget to mention any specific projects that excite you!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: We want to see your technical prowess! Be sure to include details about your expertise in optical, mechanical, electronics, control, or software engineering. Mention any innovative solutions you've developed in past projects.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right people and shows us you're serious about joining the CfAI 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 expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Systems Engineer, you'll need to lead multidisciplinary teams. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or project. Highlight how you managed challenges and coordinated efforts across different engineering disciplines.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions related to system architecture, requirements engineering, and integration processes. Brush up on relevant methodologies and be prepared to discuss how you would approach specific engineering challenges. This is your chance to shine!
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or future innovations at CfAI. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
