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- Tasks: Lead innovative projects in opto-mechanical instrumentation for the Extremely Large Telescope.
- Company: Join the Centre for Advanced Instrumentation at Durham University, a leader in scientific research.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for international travel and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on groundbreaking astronomical projects that shape our understanding of the universe.
- Qualifications: Proven systems engineering experience and leadership skills in multidisciplinary teams.
- Other info: Work in a collaborative setting with access to cutting-edge technology and facilities.
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 in Fairfield 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 in Fairfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at CfAI on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. 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 brushing up on your systems engineering knowledge, especially in opto-mechanical projects. Be ready to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the role at CfAI.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your creativity! Think of innovative solutions related to the projects at CfAI, like the Extremely Large Telescope. Bring these ideas to the interview to demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨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 the CfAI team.
We think you need these skills to ace CfAI Senior Systems Engineer - Durham in Fairfield
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 is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your skills align with our mission at CfAI. Don’t forget to mention any specific projects or technologies that excite you!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: We want to see your technical prowess! Be sure to include any specific engineering disciplines you excel in, like optical or mechanical engineering, and provide examples of how you've applied these skills in real-world scenarios.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
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 mentioned in the job description, like the Extremely Large Telescope and the technologies involved. This will show that you're genuinely interested and well-prepared.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a multidisciplinary team, be ready to discuss your previous experiences in leadership. Prepare specific examples where you've successfully managed teams or projects, particularly in an international context. Highlight how you navigated challenges and drove results.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions related to systems engineering and the specific disciplines mentioned (optical, mechanical, electronics, etc.). Brush up on key concepts and be prepared to explain your thought process when solving engineering problems. This will demonstrate your expertise and problem-solving abilities.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the CfAI's current projects and future directions. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career goals. Asking about the team dynamics or the tools they use can also give you valuable insights into the work environment.
