Duties Help • You will serve as a MECHANICAL ENGINEER in the CELESTIAL REFERENCE FRAME DEPARTMENT of the U.S. NAVAL OBSERVATORY located in FLAGSTAFF, AZ. • You will serve as a key member of the Instrumentation Research and Engineering Division at the USNOFS that supports the maintenance, upgrade, and development efforts of new and existing telescopes and astronomical instrumentation. • You will be responsible for the design, construction, and procurement of new telescopes and/or telescope systems in order to meet emergent requirements. • You will be responsible for the maintenance and upgrade of the station's mirror coating facility and its supporting infrastructure. • You will be responsible for maintaining astronomical instrumentation for night time operations and providing on-site support to the science staff. Requirements Help Conditions of employment • Must be a US Citizen. • Must be determined suitable for federal employment. • Must participate in the direct deposit pay program. • New employees to the Department of the Navy will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov • Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days immediately following retirement date to a civilian position is subject to the provisions of 5 United States Code 3326. • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. • This is a bargaining unit position. • You will be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final Secret security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal. • Work is performed in areas where potentially harmful physical and chemical agents are present (e.g. fumes, dust, heat, ionizing and non-ionizing radiation and chemicals). You may required to participate in medical surveillance programs. Qualifications Your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-12 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: • Experience applying an expert knowledge in astronomical telescope and instrumentation design, construction, operation, and maintenance. This includes possessing comprehensive knowledge regarding optical testing, alignment, recoating, as well as mechanical design, testing, and optimization. Must be knowledgeable regarding vacuum technology (for re-aluminizing and camera dewars) and cryogenics (for low-temperature control of detectors). Must possess firm knowledge in SOLID WORKS CAD design as well as finite element analysis and thermal modeling. Must demonstrate expertise in professional level design and fabrication of mechanical and optical systems as used in astronomical facilities. • Experience solving complex mechanical engineering problems, as demonstrated by a history of successful engineering design and problem solving on telescopes or similar systems. • Experience applying knowledge regarding the safe and proper use of support and handling equipment such as hydraulic lifts, cranes, and forklifts as well as specialized equipment for handling cryogenics and for handling heavy yet fragile telescope mirrors. • Experience possessing sufficient knowledge of Navy safety and hazardous material handling guidelines and regulations to oversee these programs at the Station. • Experience using strong verbal and written communication skills is required. Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website: all-professional-engineering-positions-0800.pdf (opm.gov) General Schedule Qualification Standards (opm.gov) Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. Education BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: (A) Successfully completed a bachelor's degree or higher in engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree (or higher) in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology ABET ; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f)nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. OR (B) A Combination of education and experience -- college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following: • Professional registration or licensure -- Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT)1, or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration. For example, an applicant who attains registration through a State Board's eminence provision as a manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering positions. • Written Test -- Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)2 examination or any other written test required for professional registration by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico. • Specified academic courses -- Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in the basic requirements under paragraph A. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program as described in paragraph A. • Related curriculum -- Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor's degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions. (The above examples of related curricula are not all inclusive.) Note: An applicant who meets the basic requirements as specified in A or B above, except as noted under B.1., may qualify for positions in any branch of engineering unless selective factors indicate otherwise. • **NOTE: College Transcripts from an accredited University MUST be submitted to show proof the applicant meets ALL education requirements e.g., Basic. Additional information This announcement uses the Certain Personnel of the DoD direct hire authority to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service. Certain incentives (such as Recruitment, Relocation or Student Loan Repayment) may be authorized to eligible selectees. A relocation incentive is generally a single payment intended to offset some of the relocation costs experienced by the selectee. A relocation incentive may be authorized. Occasional official travel will be required. The required range of physical activity are from sitting at a desk in a temperature-controlled office, to operating all manner of machine shop equipment, performing maintenance and repairs (occasionally at night) in an open observatory dome where temperatures may reach 0° For colder, to lifting and moving equipment and instruments of various weights under varied environmental conditions, to shoveling snow. The work requires some physical exertion, such as long periods of standing; walking over rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities; or recurring lifting of moderately heavy items, such as typewriters and record boxes. The work may require lifting and moving equipment and instruments of various weights under varied environmental conditions. to working with caustic chemicals, and to climbing ladders for work up to 30 feet above the surroundings. The work may require specific, but common, physical characteristics and abilities, such as above average agility and dexterity. The work involves moderate risks or discomforts that require special safety precautions, e.g., working around moving parts, carts, or machines; exposure to contagious diseases or irritant chemicals and working in cold weather and at moderately high altitudes. Appropriate safety equipment, including protective clothing, are required and provided. This position is covered by the Department of Defense Priority Placement Program. Several vacancies may be filled. A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to meet the pre-employment requirements, including failure to report to any of the scheduled appointments. Federal annuitant information: The selection of an annuitant is subject to the Department of Defense and Department of the Navy policy on the employment of annuitants. Policy information may be found at: http://www.secnav.navy.mil/donhr/Documents/CivilianJobs/FedCivAnnuitants.pdf . Veteran's preference does not apply when selecting individuals under this specific hiring authority. However, if you claim veteran's preference, you will be required to submit supporting documentation with your application as described in the Required Documents section below.
See More Details >>About Us: Machine Solutions is the premier provider of advanced equipment and services for the medical device, biopharmaceutical, and blood- and plasma-collection industries. We support our customers’ needs and growth by delivering quality and value through a wide breadth of products. Machine Solutions provides proprietary mechanical solutions to a variety of complex process, testing and device design challenges. Our equipment has become the industry standard for stent crimping, balloon catheter pleating and folding, catheter braiding and medical device manufacturing applications. As a pioneer in radio frequency technology, the company has continued to develop advancing technology for thermal forming, molding and welding plastic for medical manufacturing, biopharmaceutical, and blood- and plasma-processing applications. Our experienced team of engineers has been instrumental in automating manual processes that enable our customers to increase production volumes and profit margins, and we believe in providing a superior customer experience by designating resources to a dedicated aftermarket team that is always ready to provide technical service and process support. Machine Solutions is privately owned by BW Forsyth Partners, a Barry-Wehmiller company. BW Forsyth Partners is the investment arm of multibillion-dollar global manufacturing and engineering consulting firm Barry-Wehmiller. Established in 2009, BW Forsyth Partners blends Barry-Wehmiller’s unparalleled legacy of value creation and people-centric culture development with keen investing experience to help companies realize their true potential. With a focus limited to areas known well, BW Forsyth Partners seeks to partner with leadership teams to acquire small- to middle-market companies in the capital and component equipment, and professional services sectors. In each of our operating companies, BW Forsyth Partners deploys operational improvements and strategy development without compromising the autonomy, strategic vision and entrepreneurial spirit of their leadership teams. Job Description: POSITION: Engineer, Mechanical I II JOB PROFILE: 200 04 9 - Engineer, Mechanical III REPORTS TO: Mechanical Engineering Leader DEPARTMENT : Engineering REVIEW DATE: 04/2025 COMPANY OVERVIEW & CULTURE: Machine Solutions is the premier provider of advanced equipment and services for the medical device industry. The unified brands of MSI, PlasticWeld Systems, Steeger USA, Intec Automation, and Vante offer a full breadth of products to support customer needs and growth. The company has been instrumental in automating manual processes within minimally invasive device manufacturing operations, as well as in the broader medical device industry. By focusing on delivering quality and value, and by dedicating resources to our aftermarket team for technical service and process support, Machine Solutions provides superior customer experience. Machine Solutions is privately owned by BW Forsyth Partners, a Barry-Wehmiller Group company. For more, go to www.machinesolutions.com . In alignment with Machine Solutions values , we have clarified our expectations and commitments for Team Members and Leaders to streamline our efforts in realizing our vision and aspirations. We expect our Team Members to care for people and perform with excellence . They demonstrate this through effective communication, customer focus, driving results, instilling trust, and optimizing work processes . We expect our Leaders to be the message, cultivate enduring relationships, bring out the best in each individual , achieve values -based results, and co-create the future . Our leaders demonstrate this through self-awareness, developing talent, driving engagement, ensuring accountability, leveraging business insight, managing complexity, planning and alignment, and valuing differences. For more, go to https://www.barrywehmiller.com/home BENEFITS: • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance • 401k Retirement Plan with Company matching • Paid Time off and Paid Sick time • Health savings and spending accounts • Long-term & Short-term disability • Life & AD Insurance • Parental Leave • Adoption & Fertility Benefits JOB OVERVIEW: The Mechanical Engineer I I I ’s role d esigns , develops , and tests aspects of mechanical components and equipment. Design parts and assemblies in conjunction with senior engineers. Review s and complete s MCRs (MSI Engineering Change Requests) in consultation with senior engineers. In addition to design and development, the position may provide production supervision of parts and equipment, determine the causes of component failure, and test manufactured products to maintain quality. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • Leads complex mechanical design projects from concept through implementation with minimal oversight • Develops innovative solutions for challenging mechanical engineering problems and evaluates multiple design alternatives • Serves as primary technical liaison with customers for complex projects, leading technical discussions and solution development • Establishes and maintains comprehensive design standards and engineering documentation protocols • Masters advanced SolidWorks® and EPDM® features including complex assemblies, configurations, and automated design tools • Leads cross-functional teams in production supervision, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives • Optimizes ERP (M1) system usage and trains others on advanced system capabilities • Develops new design standards and leads engineering change initiatives across multiple projects • Creates comprehensive engineering process documentation and training materials • Leads and directs technical teams on project basis, providing technical mentorship and guidance • Mentors and develops junior engineers and interns, establishing development plans and career guidance • Manages complex, high-priority projects and coordinates with multiple stakeholders KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: • Expert-level CAD software proficiency (SolidWorks required) with advanced simulation and analysis capabilities • Extensive experience leading mechanical design projects from concept to production • Advanced proficiency in integrating complex mechanical systems with deep understanding of manufacturing constraints and cost optimization • Strong command of advanced algebra, statistics, and complex engineering calculations including FEA and thermal analysis • Expert problem-solving abilities including advanced interpretation of complex technical data, failure analysis, and innovative solution development • Excellent leadership and mentoring skills with ability to guide technical teams • Strong project management capabilities with experience coordinating cross-functional teamsAdvanced understanding of industry standards, regulatory requirements, and best practices QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required . Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Mechanical Engineer III must be able to perform the duties of a Mechanical Engineer II satisfactorily. EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE • Bachelor’s Degree in related Engineering field required • 5-7 years of engineering experience PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT : The physical demands of the role involve prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, using a computer, and engaging in repetitive hand movements for tasks like typing or writing. Occasional standing, walking, and lifting objects up to 20 pounds may be required . This role may also include frequent use of standard office equipment such as printers, copiers, and telephones. Good hearing and manual dexterity are essential for safely performing tasks and ensuring product quality. Vision requirements are the ability to adjust focus and identify and distinguish colors . The work environment for this role is primarily an office setting located near a manufacturing facility. While the office is climate-controlled and typically quiet, occasional exposure to noise, vibrations, or odors from the nearby production area may occur. Employees may need to enter the manufacturing floor occasionally, requiring adherence to safety protocols, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) . #LI-SR1 At Barry-Wehmiller we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. We know that our differences often can bring about innovation, excellence and meaningful work—therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodations during the interview process. Barry-Wehmiller is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V This organization uses E-Verify. Applicants may be subject to pre-employment screening which may include drug screening, reference checks, employment verifications, background screening and/or skills assessments. Company: Machine Solutions, Inc.
See More Details >>Special Information • This position is an on-site position which requires the incumbent to complete their work primarily at an NAU site, campus, or facility with or without accommodation. Opportunities for remote work are rare. About the Department/College The Department of Mechanical Engineering is known for its student-centered approach and strong emphasis on hands-on learning and research. It offers a full suite of degree programs—bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D – and is housed in the Steve Sanghi College of Engineering. The department fosters close faculty-student interaction, with a focus on mentoring and collaborative research. Faculty and students engage in cutting-edge work in areas like solid mechanics, thermal-fluids, energy systems, intelligent systems, robotics, and bioengineering. The department partners with local and national organizations to apply engineering solutions to real-world problems, especially those relevant to Arizona and the Southwest. The undergraduate Mechanical Engineering degree program is ABET-accredited, ensuring a rigorous and industry-aligned curriculum. The Department currently has over 650 students and 17 faculty, and blends academic rigor with a strong sense of community and purpose. About the Position The Mechanical Engineering Department from Steve Sanghi College of Engineering (SCE) at Northern Arizona University invites applications for a career track (non-tenure track) position at the rank of Assistant Teaching Professor. The successful candidate will have a strong mechanical engineering background and prior university teaching experience. The Department is especially interested in applicants whose technical expertise is in thermal-fluids and who could also teach selected solid-deformable body-design. The anticipated start date for this position is the beginning of the Spring 2026 semester. Responsibilities Include Teaching Responsibilities: • Teach 24 credit hours of Mechanical Engineering (ME) courses, or laboratory equivalent, during the academic year. • Develop undergraduate courses to support existing and new degree programs within the department. • Increase the recruitment and retention of mechanical engineering majors. • Perform service for the department, college, university, and profession. • Maintain office hours and direct interaction with students. • Remain current in their discipline, updating course content as appropriate. • Work with the ME Department faculty to develop and implement processes and tools for assessment of teaching and student learning outcomes incorporating appropriate methodologies and technology. • Mentor student club teams (e.g. SAE, ASME, SWE). • Other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications • Completion of a PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field, awarded by August 18th, 2025. • A minimum of three years of College level teaching experience. • A combination of related education, experience, and training may be used as an equivalent to the above Minimum Qualifications. Preferred Qualifications • 3–5 years of teaching experience in undergraduate and graduate mechanical engineering courses, ideally in an ABET-accredited program. • Experience developing and teaching experimental laboratory courses. • Experience developing courses for online delivery. • Online teaching experience. • Prior industry experience in mechanical, aerospace or manufacturing engineering. • Experience of involvement in curriculum development, student advising, and ABET accreditation processes. • Demonstrated evidence of engagement with external sponsors to support student projects. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Knowledge • Knowledge of the needs related to public education. • Knowledge of learning management system. • Knowledge of instructional design, effective pedagogy, team teaching, and innovative learning methodologies. • Knowledge of best practices in teaching and learning in traditional and hybrid classroom environments. • Knowledge of online course development and delivery. • Knowledge of effective supervisory and leadership practices. • Knowledge of thermal-fluids related topics. Skills • Program development skills. • Effective leadership and active listening skills. • Strong interpersonal skills. • Experimental work and prototyping experience. • Industry experience. • Computer programming skills (MATLAB, Python or similar). • Effective communication skills. Abilities • Communicates effectively. • Develops and maintains good working relationships. • Facilitates learning in multiple modalities. • Offers content courses to augment department curriculum at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. • Teaches a wide variety of courses. • Recruits, advises, and mentors undergraduate or graduate students. • Teaches and works effectively with members at all levels of the University. • Engages with and leads collaborative multi- and inter-disciplinary teams. • Works in a collaborative environment with faculty, staff, and students. • Ability to integrate hands-on learning using facilities like machine shops or makerspaces. Compensation Salary Range is $71,147 to $72,728. Annual salary commensurate with candidate's qualifications and related experience. Pre-Employment Check Northern Arizona University requires satisfactory results for the following: a criminal background investigation, an employment history verification and a degree verification (in some cases) prior to employment. You may also be required to complete a fingerprint background check. Also, as an employer in the state of Arizona, NAU is required to participate in the federal E-Verify program that assists employers with verifying new employees' right to work in the United States. This position has been identified as a safety/security sensitive position. Therefore, per AZ Revised Statute, Northern Arizona University requires satisfactory results for the following: a criminal background investigation, employment history investigation, degree verification (in some cases) and fingerprinting. If you are applying for a job that requires a CDL, you will be required to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse and adhere to the clearinghouse requirements. Notice of Availability of the Annual Fire and Security Report Each year Northern Arizona University releases an Annual Security Report. The report is a result of a federal law known as the Clery Act. The report includes Clery reportable crime statistics for the three most recent completed calendar years and discloses procedures, practices and programs NAU uses to keep students and employees safe including how to report crimes or other emergencies occurring on campus. In addition, the Fire Safety Report is combined with the Annual Security Report for the NAU Flagstaff Mountain Campus as this campus has on-campus student housing. This report discloses fire safety policies and procedures related to on-campus student housing and statistics for fires that occurred in those facilities. If you would like a free paper copy of the report, please contact the NAUPD Records Department at (928) 523-8884 or by visiting the department at 525 E. Pine Knoll Drive in Flagstaff. Immigration Support/Sponsorship NAU will not provide any U.S. immigration support or sponsorship for this position. Submit your Application Vacancy will remain open until filled. Applications received before the deadline shown above will receive full consideration. To apply for this position, please click on the "Apply" button on this page. Application must include (saved as PDF and/or Word documents): 1. a cover letter highlighting your particular qualifications for this position; 2. a curriculum vitae; and 3. names and contact information for three references. Please do not include any other documents as they will not be considered. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process, please contact the Disability Resources Office at 928-523-8773, DR@nau.edu, or PO Box 5633, Flagstaff AZ 86011.
See More Details >>Embarking on a career in the mechanical trade in Flagstaff, AZ, often begins with a structured apprenticeship, blending practical experience with theoretical knowledge, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships typically last three to four years, requiring extensive training under seasoned professionals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 1,445 mechanical trade professionals in the region, with wages averaging around $1,100 per week. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like HireLevel offer apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a rewarding career with strong earning potential, often exceeding $55,000 annually for experienced professionals.
