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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 competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for international travel.
- 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: 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 in The Boldons 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 The Boldons
✨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 brushing up on your technical knowledge and project management skills. Be ready to discuss your experience leading multidisciplinary teams and how you've tackled complex engineering challenges.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your creativity! Think of innovative solutions you've developed in past projects and be prepared to share them. This role is all about pushing boundaries, so let your ideas shine!
✨Tip Number 4
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 The Boldons
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role and the work we do at CfAI shine through. We want to see how your interests align with our mission in developing cutting-edge instrumentation.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your relevant experience in systems engineering and project management. We love seeing how your skills can contribute to our exciting projects, so don’t hold back!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for the Senior Systems Engineer role. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and helps us keep track of all the amazing talent out there!
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 technologies they use. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer technical questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a multidisciplinary team, be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in managing teams. Think of specific examples where you successfully coordinated projects or resolved conflicts. Highlighting your leadership style and how you motivate others can really set you apart.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about challenges you've faced in past projects and how you overcame them. Be ready to explain your thought process and the impact of your decisions on the project's success.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, the specific technologies you'll be working with, or the future projects at CfAI. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
