$94,966–$114,760 Per Year
3D Design, Analysis Skills, Assembly Drawings, Astronomy, CAD (Computer-Aided Design) Software, CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing), Cross-Functional, Equipment Safety, Establish Priorities, Field Trials, Finite Element Analysis, Fluid Mechanics and Dynamics, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, Hardware Development, Health Insurance, Heat Transfer, Hydraulic Engineering, Integration Testing, Mechanical Assembly, Mechanical Design, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Processes, Project Engineering, Project/Program Coordination, Project/Program Management, Requirements Management, Retirement Plan, Safety/Work Safety, SolidWorks, Stewardship, Systems Administration/Management, Systems Engineering, Systems Hardware, Technical Support, Technical Writing, Technical/Engineering Design, Testing, Tuition Fees
Mechanical Engineer I
Application Deadline: 8 July 2026
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: W.M. Keck Headquarters
Reporting To: Joel Payne
Compensation: $94,966 - $114,760 / year
Description
We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer I to join our world-class engineering team supporting one of the most scientifically productive astronomical observatories on Earth. In this role, you will design, analyze, maintain, and improve complex mechanical systems that enable groundbreaking discoveries about our universe.
This position offers a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of advanced engineering and frontier science-contributing directly to the performance, reliability, and evolution of Keck's iconic telescopes and technical infrastructure.
At Keck Observatory, our work is driven by a shared commitment to advancing scientific discovery while honoring our responsibility to people, place, and community.
We are guided by core values rooted in:
- Stewardship - We care for our people, facilities, environment, and community with integrity and long-term responsibility.
- Service - We prioritize collective impact, supporting one another, the global astronomy community, and our local Hawaii community to achieve shared goals.
- Collaboration & Inclusion - We work across disciplines and perspectives to solve complex challenges and advance discovery together.
- Excellence & Safety - We deliver high-quality work while maintaining a strong commitment to operational excellence and safety in everything we do.
Why Choose W. M. Keck Observatory:
- Competitive starting annual compensation ranging from $94,966 to $114,760.
- Generous benefits package, including 4 weeks of annual paid vacation.
- Robust 403(b) retirement plan featuring an 8% employer contribution with a 4% mandatory employee contribution.
- Tuition assistance for dependent children grades K-12 attending private school on Hawai'i Island.
- Comprehensive employer-provided health insurance, with a variety of coverage options available to employees.
- Opportunity to be part of a dedicated team advancing the frontiers of astronomy
Key Responsibilities
Mechanical Engineering Design & Integration
- Provide mechanical engineering design, analysis, test, and integration support for the development of new observatory capabilities and upgrades to existing systems.
- Provide design and analysis of mechanical and opto-mechanical systems and components using 3D computer aided design (CAD) and finite element analysis (FEA
Mechanical Systems Assembly, Testing and Troubleshooting
- Support Assembly, Test, Troubleshoot, and Repair of new and existing mechanical systems including structures, drives, mechanisms, opto-mechanical assemblies, hydraulics, pneumatics, etc
Technical Documentation and Standards Compliance
- Generate technical documentation to American Society Mechanical Engineering (ASME) Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and Drawing standards.
Installation and Operations Procedures
- Generate installation and operations procedures for new systems and modifications for operations staff.
Safety and Accountability in Engineering
- Ensure personnel and equipment safety through review of engineering designs and implementation plans.
Systems Engineering and Project Management
- Work with multi-disciplined teams to support systems engineering, requirements management, and project management.
- Organize and support summit installation of mechanical systems by coordinating with project management, engineers, summit supervisors, and technicians.
- Provide technical support for subcontracts encompassing design, analysis, fabrication, installation, and repair efforts.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Education
- Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering or a related degree.
Experience
- Two (2) years of mechanical systems hardware development experience (pre-graduation experience is acceptable).
- Familiarity with mechanical engineering principles, including mechanics of materials, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and mechanical design.
- Some experience building a machine that moves and requires power.
- Experience with testing and supporting field installation of mechanical systems.
- Experience participating in design reviews.
Technical Competency
- Proficiency in using 3D CAD software. SolidWorks preferred
- Experience in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5.
- Experience in creating part and assembly drawings according to ASME Y14.
- Experience with Engineering Change (EC) control, engineering design review, and drawing release processes.
- Experience creating technical engineering documentation including reports and procedures.