Engineers in the field of Astronomy and Astrophysics

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SUMMARY

Engineers, particularly those with mechanical engineering backgrounds, frequently transition into roles within astronomical societies, research institutes, and observatories. Key organizations such as the Carnegie Institute, UC-Santa Cruz, Caltech, and the University of Arizona are actively involved in large telescope projects, creating opportunities for engineers to design instruments and optics. The Society of Photonic Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE) hosts a bi-annual conference focused on large telescopes, providing valuable networking and project insights. A background in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) can facilitate a smooth transition into astrophysics PhD studies, with numerous opportunities available in instrument engineering.

PREREQUISITES
  • Mechanical Engineering principles
  • Understanding of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
  • Familiarity with astronomical instrumentation
  • Knowledge of telescope design and engineering
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the SPIE conference on large telescopes for networking opportunities
  • Explore PhD programs in astrophysics with a focus on engineering applications
  • Investigate current large telescope projects at Carnegie Institute and UC-Santa Cruz
  • Learn about the engineering processes involved in designing astronomical instruments
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy enthusiasts, mechanical engineers considering a career shift, students interested in astrophysics, and professionals in astronomical instrumentation engineering.

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I have had a love for astronomy when I was a child. Today, I am well on my way toward becoming an engineer (Mech). I would like to find out how much of a common thing is it for engineers to go work for astronomical societies/research institutes/ observatories doing any kind of engineering work..maybe designing new instruments, optics, designing new observatories or anything else related. And I'm talking about working directly for them rather than working for an engineering company whose contracted to do design work.

I've also thought about the possiblity of doing PhD studies in astrophysics with my developing CFD background. Any thoughts on that? Would there be an easy transition? Many opportunities?
 
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A lot of the engineering of instruments and to a lesser extent the telescopes is done in house. Carnegie Institute (OCIW) UC-Santa Cruz (lick) + Caltech and U Arizona are building large telescope projects. There are also national observatories and international projects such as ESO.
Many more depts develop instruments.

Have a look in your library for SPIE (Society Photonic Instrumentation engineers) there is a bi-annual conference on large telescopes which will give you pointers on who is building what - there is a whole generation of Very-very large > 25m telescope projects starting.
 
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