Director of Engineering en CFHT Corporation

Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT) has an opening for a Director of Engineering at our Headquarters in Waimea (Kamuela), Hawai'i, USA.

CFHT offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a generous benefit package that includes medical/dental insurance, 21 days paid vacation, family medical/parental leave, a defined-contribution retirement plan, and tuition support for dependent minors.

Main Responsibilities & Core Duties

Your essential set of duties will be to:

1. Define the observatory's strategic technical orientations as the programmatic landscape of the corporation and its environment evolve. Develop and maintain a detailed resource plan, schedule, and risk register for the effective implementation of the observatory's Strategic Plan approved by the Board of Directors.

1. Work with technical department managers to allocate resources and ensure the smooth operation of all technical aspects of the observatory. Promote technical orientations for the reliable, sustainable, and secure operation of the observatory. Ensure adherence to the company's project, documentation, and configuration management standards. Ensure adherence to the company's Occupational Health and Safety Management System. Promote and facilitate professional development, knowledge sharing, and cross-training. Participate in the negotiation and monitoring of contracts for major technical work.

1. As a member of the executive team, ensure smooth communication between other directors and the technical groups. Oversee the overall budget allocation for technical aspects of the observatory and write regular technical reports for the Scientific Advisory Council and CFHT's Board of Directors.

1. Is responsible, in consultation with the Executive Director and the Director of Finance and Administration, for the selection and recruitment of all technical staff, including the group managers. Promote a recruitment culture that provides opportunities for the local workforce and market.

Technical Skills & Expertise

To be successful in this position, you should have at least 10 years of experience in developing technical projects, including at least 3 years of experience in project management, and:

• Significant experience managing groups of engineering professionals, with a demonstrated track record of successful project accomplishments.
• Excellent knowledge and experience of engineering principles and practices in one or more of the following disciplines: mechanics, optics, electronics, instrumentation, computers, and software.
• Excellent knowledge of principles and practices of project management, including allocation and control of staffing and financial resources.
• Ability to design and write clear and comprehensive technical reports and standards, policies, and procedures for technical operations.
• Very good communication skills. Ability to make clear oral and written presentations of plans, policies, and procedures at the staff, management, and Board levels.

Professional Expectations

In addition to your technical skills and abilities, it is expected that you will have:

1. A Master of Science M.S. or equivalent degree in physical science or engineering, or equivalent knowledge and experience.

1. Ability to navigate and thrive in a multicultural environment with complex social and societal dynamics.

1. Ability and willingness to work irregular and late hours, as occasionally required. Ability and willingness to report for emergency work on short notice, at night, on weekends, and on holidays.

1. Ability, certified by a physician, to perform duties effectively and safely at the site of the CFH telescope, characterized by an altitude of 4200 meters, low temperature, and low humidity.

1. Ability to drive a four-wheel-drive vehicle to the CFH telescope site, on a partly unpaved mountain road, during the day and at night.

What you will learn

If you are not already in possession of the following, we expect you will be over the course of your career at CFHT:

1. You will have the unique privilege of working on a mountain that is of considerable importance to the Native Hawaiian population, and you will exercise this privilege with respect and humility.
2. You will have the opportunity to discover and learn about Hawaiian culture, history, and language, and to immerse yourself, with introspection and humility, in a unique and enriching multicultural environment.
3. CFHT is a 46-year-old, 4-m class telescope facility that is currently undergoing major system upgrades to ensure efficient and reliable operations well into the next decade. You will gain experience and take pride in upgrading, maintaining, and operating one of the most scientifically productive astronomical observatories of its kind in the world.

Before Applying

If you have made it this far, we say 'mahalo' for your interest in working at CFHT! There are a couple things we'd like you to know:

Remote Work Policy

CFHT offers partially remote work options to qualified employees, at the discretion of, and with the approval of their manager and the Executive Director. However, new employees who are within the first six (6) months of employment are required to be on-site at the CFHT Headquarters full-time (0% remote). After six months and successful completion of the new hire probationary period, employees can seek approval of an individualized remote work plan with their manager.

Observatory Location & Hiring Practices

CFHT is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO), and all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. Federal law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.

CFHT is located on the island of Hawai'i (also know as 'The Big Island'), and the observatory is located on Maunakea. Maunakea is culturally significant to the Native Hawaiian people, and CFHT conducts all operations with the utmost respect for our historic and unique location. All CFHT employees are expected to treat Maunakea with respect and to acknowledge the privileged position they hold while being present on Maunakea.