Active Optics Control Scientist
NSF NOIRLab
Summary
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is beginning one of the most ambitious scientific projects in history: the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST), a ten-year survey designed to transform our understanding of the universe. Rubin relies on one of the most sophisticated active optics systems ever deployed. We are seeking an exceptional Active Optics Control Scientist to lead the optimization of the observatory's active optics performance and help deliver world-class image quality from a revolutionary astronomical facility located on Cerro Pachón, Chile.
Job description
What You'll Do
As the Active Optics Control Scientist, you will play a critical role in advancing the performance of Rubin's active optics system during operational commissioning and survey operations.
- Evaluate and improve on-sky active optics performance
- Lead the optimization of active optics control algorithms
- Analyze delivered image quality and identify performance improvements
- Streamline, standardize, and modernize active optics control software
- Drive end-to-end optimization of the active optics pipeline to reduce latency and execution time
- Collaborate with scientists, software engineers, optical engineers, and operations teams across an international organization
- Help ensure Rubin consistently achieves the image quality required for groundbreaking science
Requirements
- PhD in Astronomy, Optical Sciences, Physics, or a related discipline
- 3+ years of experience developing, commissioning, or operating active optics or adaptive optics systems
- Strong background in controls theory and control algorithm development
- Experience with simulation, modeling, and analytical tools
- Proficiency in Python or a comparable scientific programming language
- Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally, including observatory locations
Preferred Experience
- Telescope or large scientific facility commissioning experience
- Hands-on experience with optical control systems, laboratory optical testbeds, or precision instrumentation
- Expertise using Zemax, Code V, or similar optical modeling tools
- Experience with Git/GitHub-based software development workflows
- Success working within globally distributed technical teams
- Strong technical writing and scientific communication skills
Requirements
- PhD in Astronomy, Optical Sciences, Physics, or a related discipline
- 3+ years of experience developing, commissioning, or operating active optics or adaptive optics systems
- Strong background in controls theory and control algorithm development
- Experience with simulation, modeling, and analytical tools
- Proficiency in Python or a comparable scientific programming language
- Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally, including observatory locations
- Telescope or large scientific facility commissioning experience
- Hands-on experience with optical control systems, laboratory optical testbeds, or precision instrumentation
- Expertise using Zemax, Code V, or similar optical modeling tools
- Experience with Git/GitHub-based software development workflows
- Success working within globally distributed technical teams
- Strong technical writing and scientific communication skills
Benefits
- Paid Time Off
- Employer Retirement Plan Contributions
- Collaborative Work Environment
- Mission-Driven Work
Company overview
NSF NOIRLab (National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory) is the United States' national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. Established on October 1, 2019, it is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and managed by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA). Headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, NOIRLab integrates five major programs: Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO) in Chile, Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO) in Arizona, the international Gemini Observatory, the Community Science and Data Center (CSDC), and the NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory. Its mission is to enable breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing and operating state-of-the-art observatories and providing data products and services to the astronomical community. Research areas include dark energy and dark matter, galaxies and quasars, the Milky Way, exoplanets, and small bodies in the Solar System.