The group covers the mechanical design of telescopes and instruments.
Current radio telescopes, often consist of large numbers of sensors. So our mechanics group has extensive knowledge and experience in industrial design. Besides they have a lot of experience in the design of cost effective production of large numbers of telescopes. That includes the strength and stiffness calculations.
The group also has a lot of knowledge about heat and fluid dynamics. This helps to determine and process temperatures of the in- and outside of the instruments in the design.
Knowledge about materials, for example, about electric conduction, is crucial. Also the knowledge of absorption of materials, regarding the interference with the signals received by the antennas is of importance.
All is necessary to create small numbers of antennas that will serve as prototypes. The prototypes will be made in large numbers, which will form the telescope.
Our prototyping group can quickly create parts for prototypes and adapt to perform tests. The large numbers of components are always outsourced to companies. We have many relationships with leading companies in the field of manufacturing and assembly.
❮ BackWe are continuously developing new, cutting-edge instruments for radio astronomy and are working on major upgrades of our current telescopes. As a Systems Engineer, you will oversee the instrument development process.
For our ongoing Science Data Centre (SDC) development, we are seeking a software engineer to strengthen Team Rainbow, one of our highly esteemed scrum teams. At the SDC, we strive to maximize the scientific impact of our world-leading instrumentation portfolio.
For the continuous development of our LOFAR telescope, we are looking for a software engineer to strengthen one of our SCRUM teams.
Bell Burnell Fellow will represent and reflect all of ASTRON’s foundational values as it continues its 75 year leadership in radio astronomy discovery and innovation. The fellowship provides an outstanding opportunity for a scientist to pursue innovative research and development in an institute that spans the entire spectrum of radio astronomy expertise – from development, to operation, to science frontiers.