Mechanical Engineer Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Hawaii

Title: Mechanical Engineer
Position Number: 0097161T
Hiring Unit: Institute for Astronomy
Location: Hilo, HI
Date Posted: June 5, 2026
Closing Date: June 22, 2026 @ 11:59pm
Band: B
Salary: salary schedules and placement information
Full-Time/Part-Time: Part-Time (50% FTE)
Temporary/Permanent: Temporary

Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform engineering service in design, development, construction, modification, upgrade, and repair of state-of-the-art, highly specialized, complex, and innovative research instruments and observatories.
• Review system designs, specifications, and material submittals of consultants and contractors to ensure compliance with University standards.
• Participate in planning for major equipment acquisitions and replacements, overhaul, maintenance, and calibration of equipment.
• Collaborate with scientific research and engineering personnel to determine design specifications and functional requirements of instrumentation, including the selection of materials.
• Plan, design, fabricate and install mechanical assemblies for observatory needs.
• Coordinate and manage the work of commercial service providers.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Denotes Essential Function.

Minimum Qualifications

• Possession of a baccalaureate degree in mechanical engineering or related field and 3 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for Mechanical Engineering; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.
• Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of mechanical engineering as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving concepts, principles and methodologies.
• Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with mechanical engineering.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of the problems and the resolution of the problems in an effective, innovative and timely manner.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.
• Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer and apply word processing software.
• If applicable, for supervisory work, demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.
• Ability to conceptualize finished products through discussions with research scientists and engineers, pencil sketches and blueprints.
• Ability to diagnose problems and make constructive recommendations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty members, engineers, research personnel and others contacted in the course of work.
• Must be able to work at an elevation of 14,000 feet.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs independently and/or with assistance.
• Ability to travel independently to various geographical locations in a timely manner. Requirement fulfilled by a valid Hawaii Driver's License (class 3), comparable driver's license or use of means of transportation which meets position needs.

Desirable Qualifications

• Considerable experience as a mechanical engineer at Maunakea or Haleakala observatories.
• Direct experience with observatory retrofit upgrades.
• Experience generating technical documents for complex systems.
• Experience with cost-risk analysis of technical systems.
• Considerable working knowledge of applicable hazards, safety precautions, and the proper use of observatory equipment, machinery and scientific instruments.
• Considerable knowledge of various materials strengths and stress tolerance factors and the ability to make mathematical computations.
• Knowledge of SolidWorks CAD software.

To Apply:

Click on the “Apply” button on the top right corner of the screen to complete an application and attach required documents. Applicants must submit the following:

• Resume;
• Cover letter indicating interest in the position and how the minimum and desirable qualifications of the position are met;
• The names and contact information (telephone number and email address) of at least three professional references; and
• Copies of educational transcripts with CONFIDENTIAL DATA (i.e. social security number, birthdate, etc.) REDACTED.

If requested transcripts are unobtainable by closing date, please indicate so where transcripts are required as an attachment. You will have a grace period of 7 days from the closing date (06/22/2026) to email copies of your transcripts to ifahr@hawaii.edu. Official transcripts will be required if selected to fill the position.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

Note: If you have not applied for a position before using NeoGov, you will need to create an account.

Inquiries: Mark Chun, markchun@hawaii.edu

The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, sex, gender identity and expression, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, genetic information, marital status, breastfeeding, income assignment for child support, arrest and court record (except as permissible under State law), sexual orientation, domestic or sexual violence victim status, national guard absence, or status as a covered veteran. For more information or inquiries regarding these policies, please refer to the following link: http://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/eeo-coordinators/

Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.

In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.

In accordance with Article 10 of the unit 08 collective bargaining agreement, bargaining unit members receive priority consideration for APT job vacancies. As a result, external or non BU 08 applicants may not be considered for some APT vacancies. BU 08 members with re-employment rights or priority status are responsible for informing the hiring unit of their status.

Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/