The Senior Civil Engineer for ngGONG plays a critical role in shaping the future of ground-based solar observations. This position supports the National Solar Observatory’s Next-Generation Ground-Based Solar Observing Network (ngGONG), a major international initiative currently in the design phase. ngGONG will modernize NSO’s global network of solar observatory stations, enabling continuous, high-quality observations that advance solar physics research and improve our understanding of space weather.
The Senior Civil Engineer plays a foundational role in turning ngGONG’s scientific vision into buildable, real-world observatories. This position ensures that each ngGONG site—from terrain and infrastructure to buildings and foundations—is thoughtfully designed, rigorously reviewed, and fully compliant with regulatory and safety requirements. By leading civil engineering concepts, overseeing external A&E design efforts, and coordinating permitting and approvals, the Senior Civil Engineer helps de-risk the project early and sets the stage for successful construction and long-term operations.
This role is critical to aligning technical excellence with practical constraints such as constructability, cost, schedule, and site-specific conditions. Through close collaboration with multidisciplinary engineering teams, architects, and site stakeholders, the Senior Civil Engineer ensures that ngGONG facilities not only support the telescope systems they house, but also enable reliable operations for decades to come—making the science possible.
This position supports the currently funded design phase of ngGONG and is expected to continue into subsequent construction phases pending standard NSF project approvals.
This position is based in Boulder, Colorado, on the University of Colorado campus.
- Define SBF: Lead the definition, documentation, and maintenance of civil and architectural design requirements for site development, buildings/foundations, and Fit-out (SBF) at all ngGONG sites.
- Develop, evaluate, and down-select site and facility concepts (for example, container-based buildings, tower and foundation schemes, utility and access layouts) through structured trade studies that balance performance, risk, cost, constructability, schedule, and code compliance across diverse international locations.
- Coordinate closely with Systems Engineering, Telescope Assembly, EHS, and science teams to ensure that civil and architectural requirements, interfaces, and layouts support instrument performance, operations, safety, environmental constraints, and future expansion.
- Prepare and maintain the technical content for the SBF Design Requirements Document (DRD), reference standards package, baseline “reference design” concepts, and other internal design artifacts to be used in A&E procurement and subsequent design reviews.
- Serve as the primary technical and day‑to‑day administrative owner of the A&E contract for SBF, including developing scopes of work, participating in procurement, reviewing drawings/models/specifications/estimates, managing design iterations, and verifying alignment with ngGONG standards and NSF/federal requirements.
- Ensure that all site and building designs correctly implement applicable codes, standards, and regulations (for example, IBC, ASCE 7, NEC/NFPA, local building and zoning codes, environmental and heritage protection requirements), and escalate issues, variances, and key decisions to project leadership as needed.
- Lead identification, mapping, and tracking of all permitting, approvals, and inspections for each site (planning, building, environmental, utility, heritage/historic, and related authorities), and coordinate timely preparation and submission of permit and approval packages with the A&E firm and NSO/AURA administrative teams.
- Manage and review supporting investigations and inputs for SBF, including surveys, geotechnical studies, environmental reviews, and site-specific constraints, and ensure that these are appropriately incorporated into concepts, requirements, and A&E deliverables.
- Occasional international travel to all proposed construction sites for communications and coordination with local authorities and site representatives.
- All AURA employees are responsible for the proper management and control of all AURA property within their work area, whether assigned to them or someone else. This responsibility includes reporting any known missing, stolen, or non-working property in their work area to their supervisor or the AURA Property Officer.
- Responsible for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position or subordinates of this position.
Why NSO?
At the National Solar Observatory, you’ll join a mission-driven community working at the frontier of solar science. Our teams are dedicated to understanding the Sun in ways that protect technology, enhance scientific discovery, and inspire global audiences. NSO offers a collaborative, forward-thinking environment where curiosity is encouraged, varied perspectives are valued, and employees can make a tangible impact on science and society. Here, you will have the opportunity to grow your career, lead innovative outreach programs, and help shape the national conversation around solar physics and space weather.
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineer, Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
- At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in civil or structural engineering, development, fabrication/integration, and analysis.
- Demonstrated experience in civil design for facilities, infrastructure, or research/technical projects, including preparation or review of requirements, concepts, and construction‑grade design packages.
- Working knowledge of site development, foundations, grading/drainage, and utility systems, including coordination of related surveys, geotechnical, and environmental inputs.
- Experience coordinating with multidisciplinary engineering teams and external A&E consultants, including review and critique of drawings, models, specifications, and estimates.
- Familiarity with key building and civil codes and standards (for example, IBC, ASCE 7, and applicable local building, zoning, and environmental regulations) and with permitting and approvals processes.
- Ability to produce and review engineering drawings and technical documentation, and to communicate requirements and technical decisions clearly in writing and in meetings.
- Strong organizational and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to provide clear technical guidance, manage competing priorities, and track scope, schedule, and risk within an assigned work package.
Preferred
- Professional Engineer (PE) license
- Experience with observatory, laboratory, or other complex scientific or technical facilities, preferably in remote or environmentally sensitive locations.
- Experience working on projects funded by federal agencies (such as NSF or NASA), including familiarity with associated design, documentation, and compliance expectations.
- Prior responsibility for leading A&E contracts, serving as CAM, or performing similar technical/managerial oversight of external design providers.
- Experience supporting projects through conceptual and preliminary design reviews, including preparation and presentation of civil/architectural content, trade studies, and permitting strategies.
Physical Requirements
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.
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.
- Occasional need to move about inside the office environment to access files, office tools, attendance in a meeting room, etc.
- Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity tools that require fine motor skills, such as a calculator, copy machine, computer printer, etc.
- May occasionally need to position self to maintain computer and related tools.
- Seldomly needed to move objects up to 10 pounds.
- Constant communication with other individuals. Must be able to discern and exchange information as appropriate to the situation.
- Constant need to distinguish, discern, and identify a variety of objects and fine details with accuracy.
- Occasional work at high elevation summit sites may be required (summit elevations range from 6,800 feet to 14,000 feet)
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required by personnel so classified. This Institute promotes Equal Employment Opportunity workplace that includes reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified, disabled applicants and employees.
Salary and Benefits
Salary range: $117,000-$165,000. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications, and experience.
AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at Benefits by Location - Aura Human Resources (https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/benefits-by-location/)
About NSO and AURA
The National Solar Observatory is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), a consortium of leading universities and research institutions committed to advancing astronomical discovery. AURA manages world-class observatories for the National Science Foundation, providing scientific leadership, operational excellence, and a collaborative environment that supports groundbreaking research. As part of AURA, NSO benefits from shared resources and a community dedicated to innovation, transparency, and public service, ensuring its work has broad and lasting impact.
How to Apply:
If you’re interested in providing high-level engineering support for a mission-driven scientific program at one of the world’s premier observatories, we encourage you to apply. Applications received by March 15, 2026 will receive priority consideration. This position will remain open until filled.
Submit your CV and cover letter (PDF format preferred) via our application system. Please name your files in the format: Lastname_Docname.pdf.
Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance here (https://aurahr.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/34)
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
