LASER ENGINEER POSITION DESCRIPTION

Transcription

1 LASER ENGINEER This position requires you to submit your resume on-line with your cover letter that states why you are uniquely qualified for the position. This is a regular position with a competitive, comprehensive benefits package. The position is opened until filled. Employment is conditional on successful completion of drug tests. This position requires you to submit your resume on-line with your cover letter that states why you are uniquely qualified for the position. Additional information about WMKO and this position may be found on our web site at EEO/M/F/D/V POSITION DESCRIPTION POSITION TITLE: Laser Engineer DEPARTMENT: Operations and Infrastructure INCUMBENT: -vacant- FLSA STATUS: Exempt REPORTS TO: Operations Engineering Manager MEMBER: SUPERVISES: None SUMMARY: Under the general supervision of the Operations Engineering Manager, the Laser Engineer is responsible for the operational performance of the lasers used for laser guide star adaptive optics (LGS-AO) systems at the Observatory. Operations responsibilities include: monitoring, recording, and optimizing the performance of lasers; troubleshooting laser problems in the field; developing and directing a preventative maintenance program; training technicians in the maintenance and operations of the lasers; organizing and writing laser operations documentation; performing laser upgrades to improve performance and reliability; collaborating with the adaptive optics development team on the design and development of new laser systems; and, integrating, installing and commissioning new lasers at the Observatory. The position requires extensive hands-on experience with: designing, manufacturing and/or maintaining lasers; safe operation of high power lasers (up to 100W); alignment of resonant optical cavities and pump sources; relaying and aligning laser beams in free space propagation; coupling laser beams to optical fibers, aligning and optimizing non-linear optical components such as crystals and optical fiber resonators. Candidate should have a through understanding of non-linear optics including sum frequency generation and phenomenon such as stimulated Brillouin scattering and stimulated Raman scattering. Experience working with Nd:YAG lasers, dye lasers, diode pumped solid state lasers, laser amplifiers, including Raman fiber amplifiers is essential. Experience with laser metrology including measurements of beam quality, power, polarization, and pointing stability is highly desirable. The successful candidate should be a motivated, organized self-starter with strong communication skills and meticulous documentation skills who works well in a team-oriented environment. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1

2 1. Holds overall responsibility for operational performance of lasers used for LGS-AO. 2. Regularly monitors and analyzes laser performance with respect to power, beam quality and atmospheric sodium return and communicates laser performance metrics to LGS-AO science operations team to gauge impact on LGS-AO science. 3. Optimizes laser performance including complex, hands-on, intricate alignments on laser cavities, laser crystals, free-space optical components and coupling laser beams to fibers. 4. Leads troubleshooting of laser problems: a. Develops and documents troubleshooting procedures for operators and technicians to follow for common problems. b. Performs troubleshooting and repair of new problems that are not covered by the procedures, or are difficult or risky in nature. c. Supports remotely after normal business hours including late-night science operations. 5. Specifies routine operational procedures for laser startup/shutdown, real-time laser performance adjustments, and troubleshooting of common issues. Maintains the procedures on the laser operations web page. 6. Collaborates with Laser Safety Officer on developing and implementing laser safety regulations, procedures and practices. Ensures procedures and practices are being followed to ensure staff and equipment are protected. 7. Develops and leads a systematic preventative maintenance program for operational lasers. a. Works with laser manufacturers to develop a maintenance program that includes maintenance procedures and maintenance schedules so that the laser consistently performs as specified with acceptable on-sky reliability. b. Plans and schedules maintenance. c. Participates in and directs technicians in carrying out maintenance procedures. d. Leads the dye quality monitoring, maintenance and periodic exchange for the K2 laser. 8. Provides hands-on training of laser operators and laser technicians on operations, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair procedures. 9. Serves as a backup for laser operators and technicians when required to support science operations. This may include night and weekend work at the summit facility. 10. Organizes, maintains, updates and develops documentation for lasers including mechanical and assembly drawings, vendor manuals, operating manuals and operational procedures. 11. Leads a continuous improvement program on the lasers to plan, design and implement improvements that will enhance the performance, reliability and operability of the lasers. 12. Generates regular reports on laser performance, reliability and operational efficiency for WMKO management and operations. 13. Collaborates with the AO development team on the development of new lasers at the observatory, providing the laser operations and maintenance perspective during the design phase, and actively participates in the plans to integrate new lasers at the observatory. 14. Participates in the design and implementation of observatory infrastructure and interfaces to house new lasers and deliver laser beams to the sky. 15. Receives extensive technical training on overall theory of operation, optimization, maintenance and troubleshooting from laser vendors for new lasers being installed at the observatory. 2

3 16. In collaboration with AO development team and laser vendors, installs and commissions new lasers at the summit facility. 17. Maintain commitment to a high standard of safety, comply with all safety laws and WMKO safety policies/rules, and report actual and potential safety violations to appropriate supervisory or management personnel to further WMKO s core value of safety. 18. Work effectively with coworkers and others by sharing ideas in a constructive, positive manner; listening to and objectively considering ideas and suggestions from others; keeping commitments; keeping others informed of work progress and issues; addressing problems and issues constructively to find mutually acceptable and practical solutions; and respecting the diversity of the WMKO workforce in actions, words, and deeds. 19. Drive WMKO vehicles as necessary to transport employees and materials to and from the summit in a safe manner. 20. Perform other duties consistent with the scope of the position as specified by his/her Supervisor. Minimum Qualifications: Education and Experience 1. Education -- Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or physics 2. Experience -- Five years relevant work experience Skills 1. Extensive hands-on experience working with lasers as a design engineer, manufacturer and/or field service engineer. 2. Experience with safely operating and maintaining high power lasers (up to 100W) including IR lasers. 3. Trained in industry standard laser safety practices, and aware of and experienced with eye hazard precautions and high voltage hazards. 4. Experience with tuning lasers including extremely delicate alignments of laser cavities and crystals. 5. Knowledge and experience with sum frequency mixing of lasers, i.e., non-linear optical conversion. 6. Experience with relaying laser beams using free-space components. 7. Experience with coupling laser beams to fiber optics. 8. Ability to measure laser performance and conduct beam quality analysis. 9. Skilled with office productivity software for providing and organizing written documentation. 10. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 11. Strong organizational and communication skills. 12. Ability to write effective documentation. 13. Problem solving the individual identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner and gathers and analyzes information skillfully. 14. Interpersonal Skills the individual maintains confidentiality, remains open to others ideas and exhibits willingness to try new things. 15. Oral communication the individual speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations, demonstrates group presentation skills and conducts meetings. 16. Written Communication the individual edits work for spelling and grammar, presents numerical data effectively and is able to read and interpret written information. 17. Planning/organizing the individual prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently and develops realistic action plans. 18. Quality control the individual demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness and monitors own work to ensure quality. 19. Adaptability the individual adapts to changes in the work environment, manages competing demands and is able to deal with frequent change, delays or unexpected events. 20. Dependability the individual is consistently at work and on time, follows instructions, responds to management direction and solicits feedback to improve performance. 3

4 21. Safety and security the individual actively promotes and personally observes safety and security procedures, and uses equipment and materials properly. Other Requirements 1. Willingness to commit to CARA core and cultural values. Core Values: Safety, Integrity, Respect, Discovery, and Service. Cultural Values: Education/Learning, Communication, Teamwork, Rewarding Work Environment, Excellence, and Community Involvement. 2. Willingness to stay current with changing technology. 3. Flexibility to work varying schedules, including nights, weekends, holidays, and may work over 40 hours per week. 4. Successful completion of high-altitude physical. 5. Ability to work effectively at 14,000 feet altitude. 6. Valid Hawaii driver s license. 7. US Citizen. Desirable Qualifications: 1. Experience with laser metrology including measurements of beam quality, power, polarization, and pointing stability. 2. Familiarity with operational software, computer systems, motion control and opto-mechanical systems to facilitate interchange with other engineering disciplines. 3. Previous experience in an astronomical observatory environment. 4. Previous experience operating a laser used for LGS-AO purposes. 5. Previous experience leading or supervising a technical team. Working Conditions: 1. Typically sits for extended periods at a computer workstation. 2. Must be able to see, hear, touch, feel, lift (up to 20 lbs.) and stand for short periods of time. 3. Will work at the Observatory (14,000 feet elevations) on a frequent basis, occasionally in cold conditions. PAY AND BENEFITS: WMKO offers a competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with qualifications and experience. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee frequently is required to use hands, hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 30 pounds and occasionally lift and /or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Must be able to work at high altitude. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Employment is contingent upon successfully passing an employee reference check, criminal background check, five year motor vehicle history check and high altitude physical. This is an exempt position under FSLA regulations. AT WILL EMPLOYMENT: I understand that if employed, I am employed AT WILL and that no contract between myself and this employer is created by my completion of this application, my receiving employment, my continued 4

5 employment or my receiving benefit of employment of any type. No promises of any form or nature have been made to me, no guarantee of any length of employment is or shall be binding on this Employer, unless in writing. I reserve the right to terminate my employment at any time and the Employer has the same right at any time. I agree to physical or other testing when such testing is reasonably necessary in determining job related abilities or reasonable expectation of successfully performing the job to the Employer s standards. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Employer and employee, and is subject to change as the needs of the Employer and requirements of the job change. The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge, and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility but should not be considered an all inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functions areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the work load. Incumbent Date Supervisor Date 5