Astronomy Observatory Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Description:

Position Summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research and development organization that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) is a nonprofit organization that manages and operates the NRAO under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. The Observatory is a hub for technological and scientific collaboration, operating state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. The Observatory has been instrumental in the study of black holes, galaxies, and the early universe.

At NRAO, we are recruiting a Front End Technical Specialist III or IV.

The preferred location for the position will be based at Albuquerque BP office.

What You Will be Doing:

• Assist with design, layout, testing, problem solving, and troubleshooting procedures for systems, assemblies, sub-assemblies while working with engineers and technical staff.
• Conduct procurement and testing of RF and microwave components such as polarizers, couplers, amplifiers, cables, and waveguides.
• Participate in regular Front End design, development, and future maintenance activities.
• Design, fabricate, assemble and test prototype or production receivers and support electronics.
• Set up standard test equipment, test fixtures, or devices to conduct functional, operational, and environmental tests to evaluate the performance and reliability of prototype or production units.
• Analyze and interpret test data.
• May assist in the first couple installations, then lead the subsequent installations of finished units at various antenna sites.
• Other duties may be assigned based on the applicant’s skills and the Observatory’s needs.

Work Environment

Work is mission driven, team oriented and typically performed in an office setting within a research or development environment. The successful candidate may occasionally be required to work outdoors or climb on antennas to heights greater than 40 feet above the ground. Candidate may be required to travel domestically and internationally by air carrier and to travel by car between NRAO sites.

Who You Are:

Education

• Associate’s degree in electrical engineering technology or an equivalent combination of education and Ten years of related experience.

• While not required, a Bachelor of science in electrical engineering technology or closely related field is preferred

Experience

• Minimum of ten years of experience in design, manufacture, and/or maintenance and repair of some or all the following technical areas: cryogenic receiver systems (front ends), antenna RF systems, and IF systems (e.g. oscillators and mixers)
• While not required, fifteen years of experience in technical areas as described above is preferred

Skills and Competencies

• High level of competency in Microsoft software products and web-based systems, Visio and SharePoint.
• Attention to detail is critical
• Highly organized
• Excellent communication skills
• Problem solving skills
• Good documentation skills
• Ability to work well in a team environment
• A strong foundation in electrical or electronics engineering technology
• Knowledge of RF, analog, and digital circuit design along with specific test and measurement techniques
• Use of various types of electronics test equipment and familiarity with automated test setups to support general test and measurement

Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B Visas for this position.

Safety Sensitive

The selected candidate must successfully pass a post-offer, pre-employment/pre-placement drug screen. Failure to pass the screen will disqualify the candidate from employment consideration for a period of six months from the date of the results.

Total Rewards:

Compensation

The starting salary/hourly rate of this position is between $33.66-$43.62 per hour. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include; education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions.

Benefits:

Associated Universities, Inc (AUI) offers a comprehensive benefits package addressing the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment, subject to eligibility requirements. AUI provides:

• Excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days)
• Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment.
• AUI’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution.
• Click Total Rewards for more information.

Application Instructions:

Select the “Apply” button above. Please be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the position.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement, please visit https://public.nrao.edu/careers/. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to resumes@nrao.edu. PM20