The NOVA Optical Infrared instrumentation Group at ASTRON in Dwingeloo develops world-class optical and infrared astronomical instruments for telescopes at major international observatories. We do this in close collaboration with astronomers at the NOVA universities of Amsterdam, Groningen, Leiden and Nijmegen, and with our extensive network of international peer institutes and industrial partners. Our primary goal for the upcoming years is designing, building and testing various instruments for the Extremely Large Telescope (Description on the website of the European Southern Observatory (ESO): elt.eso.org). The development of these new instruments builds on the long heritage of the group, which includes instrument development for ESO’s Very Large Telescope, Extremely Large Telescope and the NASA-ESA James Webb Space Telescope. In the coming years, we will also start feasibility studies for several new projects, for both ground-based and space telescopes.
The NOVA Optical Infrared (OIR) Instrumentation Group is compact and agile, consisting of about 30 highly skilled professionals, and yet covers all phases of instrument development: From feasibility studies through design & construction, all the way to testing and commissioning at the telescope. It does this across all relevant disciplines, from optical and mechanical through thermal control to control electronics and software
For this unique and innovative group we are currently searching for a :
Senior Optical Designer
(Instrument Engineer)
0,8 – 1,0 fte
who is enthusiastic, creative and analytical.
As a Senior Optical Designer at NOVA you are responsible for the optical design of astronomical instrumentation for several new projects. In general, optical design activities at NOVA include spectrographs, camera assemblies, interferometers and polarimeters for ground- and spaced-based observatories. You will perform the design of optical systems and analyze the performance of these designs. Your work is performed in close collaboration with project managers, system engineers, mechanical designers and optical engineers. You will get to work on cutting-edge technologies and innovative scientific instruments.
You will have the exciting opportunity to engage in the following:
- Optical architecture, optical design and performance analysis
- Participate in system trade-off studies and risk assessment
- Tolerancing and optical performance budgeting
- Specify requirements for optical components, approve drawings
- Stray light analysis
- Participate in inspection, testing, integration and alignment of optical systems
Calling all talented Optical Designers who:
- Have a master’s degree, preferably in engineering, physics, astronomy or equivalent experience
- Have extensive experience in design and analysis using Zemax or equivalent software
- Have experience in scientific programming, e.g. using Python
- Have experience in optical / IR instrumentation (cryogenics and/or astronomical instrumentation is a plus)
- Have experience with polarization analysis systems is a plus
- Have experience in working in multi-national, interdisciplinary teams consisting of engineers and scientists
- Have proficient oral and written communications skills in English
Competences and skills:
- Positive and communicative
- Creative
- Analytical
- Meticulous
What you can expect from us:
- Opportunities and encouragement to grow and develop yourself and your career.
- A pleasant and stimulating work environment in a beautiful office in the heart of one of Drenthe's National Parks.
- A contract initially for two years for 32-40 hours per week, transitioning to an indefinite contract upon good performance and sufficient funding.
- A gross monthly salary between of € 3.361,- till € 5.331,- based on a 40-hour work week.
- A holiday allowance of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.33% of the gross annual salary, plus a solid pension scheme (ABP) and a generous relocation expenses.
- We offer flexible conditions of employment, tailored to your personal situation.
The working location will mainly be in Dwingeloo with the NOVA OIR group but may involve regular visits to other NOVA locations in The Netherlands as well as occasional international visits to project partners, conferences and telescope facilities.
We strongly believe that progress, creativity and innovation is only possible in an inclusive and diverse environment. Therefore, we value the unique skills and qualities you bring to the table. While we appreciate a range of expertise, please note that not ticking all the boxes does not diminish our interest in your application. Therefore, we warmly welcome everyone and in particular women and individuals from under-represented groups to apply.
Information:
For information about the content of this vacancy, please contact Michiel Kregel (Group Lead, kregel@astron.nl +31 6 52011346).
If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact P&O via hr@astron.nl.
Looking forward to your application
If you have come this far reading this job vacancy and are interested in this exciting opportunity, then we would very much like to meet you! Leave your CV & motivation letter on our website http://www.jobsatastron.nl.
To discover first-hand experiences from colleagues who enjoy working at ASTRON, click on:Â this link.
Acquisition regarding this vacancy is not appreciated.
