Employment opportunities with The University of Texas at Austin's Department of Astronomy and McDonald Observatory include positions located in both Austin and Fort Davis, Texas.
The University of Texas at Austin provides an outstanding benefits package to staff and many resources to benefit staff experience.
McDonald Observatory Jobs in Austin
These positions are based at the UT campus in Austin, TX.
CNC Machinist & Programmer
Purpose
To perform highly skilled and technical supervisory work fabricating precision parts from drawings and solid models by programming, setting up, and operating CNC vertical milling machine, CNC lathe, and CNC wire EDM. Use manual machine tools and all other machine shop-related equipment as necessary.
Responsibilities
- Fabricate high-quality, high-precision parts efficiently and on time using CAM programming and by setting up and operating CNC milling machines, lathes, and wire EDM. Use personal judgment and initiative to match the machining process, layout, and setup to the job, including designing and building fixtures and jigs when necessary. Performs other duties as required to meet the business needs.
- Use manual milling machines, lathes, and similar equipment to fabricate parts.
- Assist researchers and design personnel in planning instrument design and construction, drawing on practical knowledge from shop experience.
- Maintain general use of perishable tools and instruct students and others using the machine shop as needed. Stay current on new manufacturing methods, practices, and tools. Instruct students and others using the shop as needed.
- Assemble, modify, repair, and maintain instruments and equipment, including mills, lathes, and wire EDM machines, for the Observatory, the shop, and the Astronomy Department.
Machine Shop Supervisor
Purpose
Assists the McDonald Observatory's engineering group with tasks related to the design and fabrication of instruments, and assists the Astronomy Department with instructional telescopes, classrooms, and other tasks. Supervises the machine shop, coordinating and developing schedules and workflow to ensure appropriate progress on mechanical engineering projects.
Responsibilities
- Supervises and coordinates daily operations of the engineering machine shop to ensure appropriate day-to-day progress on the mechanical engineering aspects of projects. Communicates project progress, issues affecting progress and the shop, and responds to inquiries clearly and concisely.
- Locate and purchase services, parts, tools, and materials from outside vendors and contractors. Required to drive a UT vehicle to drop off and pick up parts and materials at off-campus locations. Provide labor and material cost estimate input for proposed mechanical engineering projects.
- Operate machine tools for part fabrication as needed; maintain organized, up-to-date mechanical drawing files.
- Coordinate machine tool repair and maintenance.
- Assist the Astronomy Department with the repair and maintenance of dome and telescope equipment, departmental classrooms, and facilities. Maintain vehicle logs. Perform other duties as required to support business operations.
McDonald Observatory Jobs in Fort Davis
These positions are based at McDonald Observatory in Fort Davis. If you're not local, you'll need to relocate to the Observatory.
Public Program Facilitator
Purpose
This position supports and advances the education and public outreach mission of McDonald Observatory and The University of Texas at Austin. Public Program Facilitators deliver content for programs including guided tours, solar viewing, star parties, special viewing, workshops, and livestream programs. Facilitators lead in-person evening and daytime programs for groups of 10-500 visitors and on-camera livestream programs for thousands of viewers. Program Facilitators also assist with community activities, special projects, events, and programs on and off-site.
Responsibilities
- Conducts and assists with implementing programs for public and private groups, both in person and online. Provides customer service and educational information to Observatory visitors and assists with community activities, special projects, events, and programs on and off-site. Assists with routine maintenance of telescope equipment, domes, and galleries. Assists with maintaining exhibits in the Visitors Center.
- Participates in a cross-functional team and works cooperatively with other staff members to complete tasks and projects. Greets and assists visitors. Assists with responding to reservation questions. Assists with the Gift Shop when needed. Performs janitorial and other related duties as needed.
Post Doctoral Fellowships
There are no current postings for fellowships at McDonald Observatory.