Job Description

The NSF NOIRLab is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. NOIRLab is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) which operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs: Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Chile and Hawai'i. The mission of NOIRLab is to enable breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing and operating state-of-the-art ground-based observatories and providing data products and services.



The Associate Director for Systems, Projects and Planning (ADSPP) is a key member of the NOIRLab leadership team. The ADSPP develops and oversees the execution of NOIRLab's long-term strategies and special projects in support of near- and long-term goals.



This role works with top leadership to identify opportunities, analyzing strengths and weaknesses, and implement new strategies across operational and development divisions. The ADSPP engages with the international scientific and engineering community to stay informed regarding the state of the field and best practices and keeps the NOIRLab Director informed of the technical state of the observatory and highlights challenges that need attention.

Essential Functions:

Oversee special projects and strategic initiatives, ensuring they align with organizational goals and are completed on time and within budget. Help define and refine organizational goals, identify new opportunities, and provide strategic counsel to the Director. Bring a rigorous Systems Engineering and Project Management perspective to project planning, development and execution across NOIRLab. Grow the skills base of the Systems Engineering function to best support observatory operations and development. Work with the leadership team to drive projects forward, build cross-functional relationships, and act as a liaison between different groups. Identify projects and processes across NOIRLab that need attention and action early in the project life-cycle. Propose actions to improve performance and remedy deficiencies. Work with the AD for Operations and the Systems Engineering and Project Management teams to apply best practices in these disciplines to operations and projects across NOIRLab. Assist with training of staff through workshops, retreats, one-on-ones, and other forums. Provide overall guidance on management of requirements through the entire requirements lifecycle, from initial capture and flow-down to verification, including interface control documents to ensure compatibility between different subsystems and teams. Conduct Systems performance analysis and identify needed improvements: monitor scientific output driven by technical performance, lead specialized tiger teams investigating complex problems, lead root cause analyses and lessons-learned processes. Propose actions to improve performance. Provide leadership and drive internal and external reviews. Manage preparation for reviews. Convene Red Team reviews in support of major proposals, external reviews and other reviews. Ensure that NOIRLab proposals meet the highest standards and that the team is properly prepared for reviews. Serve as the Director's representative on the Risk Management Board to support the management of risk, ensuring early identification, tracking and mitigation of risks (threat/opportunities) across NOIRLab. Provide leadership in configuration control and management across NOIRLab to ensure that cost, schedule, and scope baselines, including scientific and technical performance baselines, remain consistent, traceable, and aligned throughout the project lifecycle. Establish and oversee change control processes, coordinate configuration control boards, and ensure that all teams work from the correct and approved technical documentation. Serve as the Director's representative on the CCB. Work with US ELT office, Rubin II, Spec-S5 and other projects to ensure that they have a proper systems approach to development and operations. Keep the NOIRLab Director informed of matters arising related to projects and operations. 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.

Other Functions:

Other duties as assigned

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

PHD. in astronomy, physics or an engineering discipline relevant to observatories (systems, electrical, mechanical, or optical). Minimum of 20 years of leadership experience in leadership roles in systems or project engineering for complex, high-technology projects. Experience with the design, construction, or operation of large telescopes and observatory systems essential.

Technical knowledge:

A strong command of systems engineering methodologies, along with expertise in relevant technologies - adaptive optics, optics, control systems, software integration, and data analysis. Leadership and communication: Proven leadership abilities, along with excellent verbal and written communication skills for managing teams and presenting to stakeholders.

Physical Demands:

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 organization promotes Equal Employment Opportunity workplace that includes reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified, disabled applicants and employees.

Work Environment:

This position operates in a professional office environment and routinely utilizes standard office equipment, including computers, phones, and copiers. The work environment is generally quiet and may involve working in close proximity to others, depending on the needs of the specific function.

Salary Range:

$250,000-$265,000. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience.

How to Apply:

Apply by November 20, 2025 for consideration. This position will remain open until it is filled. Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: LastName DocName.



Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org




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 notice from the Department of Labor.