What are the responsibilities and job description for the Argus Array Mechanical Engineer position at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
Posting Information
Posting Information
Department Physics and Astronomy - 319000
Career Area Engineering and Architecture
Posting Open Date 12/01/2025
Application Deadline 12/31/2025
Position Type Temporary Staff (SHRA)
Position Title Argus Array Mechanical Engineer
Position Number 20073868, 20073863
Vacancy ID S026452
Full-time/Part-time Full-Time Temporary
Hours per week 40
Work Schedule
Position Location North Carolina, US
Hiring Range $40.00 - $57.00 per hour
Proposed Start Date 01/01/2026
Estimated Duration of Appointment 6 months not to exceed 11 months
Position Information
Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities . Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.
One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks that include numerous retail and restaurant discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates for performing arts events.
Primary Purpose Of Organizational Unit
Our primary mission is providing instruction of the highest quality in physics and astronomy to undergraduate and graduate students at UNC -CH. Training in physics is fundamental among the natural sciences because it provides understanding of the forces governing the structure of matter, from subatomic particles to the large-scale structure of the universe. Our departmental instructional mission spans all segments of the student community. Over 60% of all college graduates from UNC -CH have taken a course in our department. Among them: undergraduate liberal arts majors who should master the power of quantitative reasoning; undergraduates seeking a degree in another of the natural sciences, who need physics as a foundation for their advanced scientific training; the small number of undergraduates who major in physics, to whom we provide broad and rigorous training. Our graduate education and research advances frontiers of knowledge at the two extremes of space and time, from the very small) the realm of particle physics) to the very large (the realm of astronomy, while expanding the boundaries of knowledge in the many subfields spanning length scales between. Forefront physics and astronomy research requires access to well-equipped laboratories and extensive computing capabilities; it also must be supported by comprehensive and accessible library collections. Again, in research at this advanced level, the bridging aspect of physics provides basic interdisciplinary insight for many other sciences. This instructional mission is supported by a strong managerial, administrative, and technical staff. Duties of these employees range from budget planning and management for the numerous research grants held by faculty in the department to maintaining course and student records. These activities are usually accomplished in a standard 40- hour week schedule.
The Argus Array project requires specialized expertise in mechanical engineering to design, develop, and integrate critical optical and mechanical components. Argus is moving from a developmental phase to construction, and this position is required to support our astronomical systems refinement.
Position Summary
The Argus Array is a new type of large telescope – it covers the entire sky in every image and will be the first very large optical telescope array. As a Mechanical Engineer for the Argus Array project, you will contribute to the design, development, and integration of critical mechanical components that enable the array’s unique capabilities.
Your responsibilities will be refining and integrating Argus mechanical systems including both large and small mechanical systems and interfaces to the Array’s optic systems. You will work closely with our team of astronomers, telescope-instrumentalists, engineers, and data scientists to implement and optimize these systems for the world’s largest optical telescope array and the largest digital camera ever built (55 Gigapixels). This position involves both hands-on engineering and working with external vendors for specialized optical assemblies and protection systems, helping transform prototypes into production-ready components for the full-scale Argus Array.
Our project management philosophy emphasizes a small and local team; flat management structure; and a highly-collaborative working environment. We routinely produce prototypes and complex hardware in-house, and are performing significant hands-on engineering for Argus subsystems. The expected timescale for this project is two years, with possibility of extension to further projects. Learn more about the project here: http://www.argusscience.org
Minimum Education And Experience Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in the engineering discipline related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience Some positions may require licensure by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Optical Engineering, or related field
Proficiency with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion, AutoCAD, or similar)
Strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles and optical systems
Experience with hardware prototyping and testing
Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience
Experience in optical or mechanical engineering
Experience performing detailed FEA simulation of mechanical systems
Experience with precision motion control systems and their integration
Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies and challenges
Enthusiasm for contributing to groundbreaking astronomical research
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
Special Instructions
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/309950
Temporary Employment Policies
Temporary Employment Policies
Posting Contact Information
Office of Human Resources Contact Information
If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu
Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Posting Information
Department Physics and Astronomy - 319000
Career Area Engineering and Architecture
Posting Open Date 12/01/2025
Application Deadline 12/31/2025
Position Type Temporary Staff (SHRA)
Position Title Argus Array Mechanical Engineer
Position Number 20073868, 20073863
Vacancy ID S026452
Full-time/Part-time Full-Time Temporary
Hours per week 40
Work Schedule
Position Location North Carolina, US
Hiring Range $40.00 - $57.00 per hour
Proposed Start Date 01/01/2026
Estimated Duration of Appointment 6 months not to exceed 11 months
Position Information
Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities . Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.
One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks that include numerous retail and restaurant discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates for performing arts events.
Primary Purpose Of Organizational Unit
Our primary mission is providing instruction of the highest quality in physics and astronomy to undergraduate and graduate students at UNC -CH. Training in physics is fundamental among the natural sciences because it provides understanding of the forces governing the structure of matter, from subatomic particles to the large-scale structure of the universe. Our departmental instructional mission spans all segments of the student community. Over 60% of all college graduates from UNC -CH have taken a course in our department. Among them: undergraduate liberal arts majors who should master the power of quantitative reasoning; undergraduates seeking a degree in another of the natural sciences, who need physics as a foundation for their advanced scientific training; the small number of undergraduates who major in physics, to whom we provide broad and rigorous training. Our graduate education and research advances frontiers of knowledge at the two extremes of space and time, from the very small) the realm of particle physics) to the very large (the realm of astronomy, while expanding the boundaries of knowledge in the many subfields spanning length scales between. Forefront physics and astronomy research requires access to well-equipped laboratories and extensive computing capabilities; it also must be supported by comprehensive and accessible library collections. Again, in research at this advanced level, the bridging aspect of physics provides basic interdisciplinary insight for many other sciences. This instructional mission is supported by a strong managerial, administrative, and technical staff. Duties of these employees range from budget planning and management for the numerous research grants held by faculty in the department to maintaining course and student records. These activities are usually accomplished in a standard 40- hour week schedule.
The Argus Array project requires specialized expertise in mechanical engineering to design, develop, and integrate critical optical and mechanical components. Argus is moving from a developmental phase to construction, and this position is required to support our astronomical systems refinement.
Position Summary
The Argus Array is a new type of large telescope – it covers the entire sky in every image and will be the first very large optical telescope array. As a Mechanical Engineer for the Argus Array project, you will contribute to the design, development, and integration of critical mechanical components that enable the array’s unique capabilities.
Your responsibilities will be refining and integrating Argus mechanical systems including both large and small mechanical systems and interfaces to the Array’s optic systems. You will work closely with our team of astronomers, telescope-instrumentalists, engineers, and data scientists to implement and optimize these systems for the world’s largest optical telescope array and the largest digital camera ever built (55 Gigapixels). This position involves both hands-on engineering and working with external vendors for specialized optical assemblies and protection systems, helping transform prototypes into production-ready components for the full-scale Argus Array.
Our project management philosophy emphasizes a small and local team; flat management structure; and a highly-collaborative working environment. We routinely produce prototypes and complex hardware in-house, and are performing significant hands-on engineering for Argus subsystems. The expected timescale for this project is two years, with possibility of extension to further projects. Learn more about the project here: http://www.argusscience.org
Minimum Education And Experience Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in the engineering discipline related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience Some positions may require licensure by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Optical Engineering, or related field
Proficiency with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion, AutoCAD, or similar)
Strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles and optical systems
Experience with hardware prototyping and testing
Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience
Experience in optical or mechanical engineering
Experience performing detailed FEA simulation of mechanical systems
Experience with precision motion control systems and their integration
Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies and challenges
Enthusiasm for contributing to groundbreaking astronomical research
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
Special Instructions
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/309950
Temporary Employment Policies
Temporary Employment Policies
Posting Contact Information
Office of Human Resources Contact Information
If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu
Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
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