Manager, RFC Mirror Lab

The Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab fabricates the largest telescope mirrors in the world, as large as 28 feet in diameter and weighing 18 tons, to support scientific research at the Steward Observatory and observatories around the globe. The lab manager directs the work of 38 scientists, engineers, and technicians involved in casting, figuring, polishing, measuring, supporting, and handling the mirrors, and enlists the support of other engineers and technicians operating in Steward Observatory.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

• Integrates the activities of a casting team, production team, mechanical integration team, metrology team, polishing science team, software engineer, and procurement/safety team to cast, move, lift, grind, polish, measure the surface figure of, and mechanically support the largest monolithic telescope mirrors. Directs the teams actively working on as many as four large mirrors at once in different states of production (each mirror takes 4 to 6 years to complete).
• Ensures activities in the lab support the leading PIs and meet the contractual requirements negotiated with the customers for mirrors costing between $16 million and $25 million with surface figures deviating from perfection by only 20 nanometers on average. Oversees the development and updating of written and software-guided procedures for the processes conducted, and ensures they do not expose personnel or property to hazards while meeting safety requirements set forth by the University and government.
• Ensures the lab and its equipment meet the needs of the projects and team members. Computer-controlled equipment includes a 10-meter diameter rotating furnace, three-axis mill, large optical generating (machining) machine, large optical polishing machine, and at least seven different surface figure measuring tests. Other equipment includes nine overhead cranes; two scissor lifts; two forklifts; three vehicles; an air cart for moving 70K-lb objects; three polishing cells; and a 95-foot tall, 75-ton test tower on air bags. Directs maintenance and upgrade, when necessary, of all equipment.
• Serves as technical project manager for complex glass processing machine upgrades and metrology system changes necessary for new mirror prescriptions or as new technology presents itself. Forecasts the effect on the production schedule. Builds a schedule, budget, and list of material and personnel requirements throughout the effort. Acquires the material resources and manpower resources not inherently available in the lab. Guides execution of the plan and makes changes as needed while deconflicting the effort with other activities in the lab.
• Orchestrates the execution of grant and contract efforts by assisting in costing of current and future projects, assisting in directing and monitoring financial status of project tasking, including payroll, annualized budgeting for RFCML and team, as well as organizing and hosting project meetings. Provides strategic leadership, supervision, and oversight to at least 10 employees with various levels and titles in research and R&D. Accountable for planning and evaluating performance, staff training and development, and recruitment, and may contribute to pay recommendations, subject to policies.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to manage large, complex projects.
• Demonstrated ability to write technical procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to manage risk to personnel, product, and equipment (safety).

• Bachelor's degree in optical science/engineering or related field, plus 9 years experience in their technical field, including 5 years of managerial experience.
• Experience leading a team, project, or program.

• Master's degree.