Astronomy Research Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Posting Information
Posting Information
Department
Physics and Astronomy-319000
Career Area
Research Professionals
Is this an internal only recruitment?
No
Posting Open Date
07/30/2026
Application Deadline
09/25/2026
Position Type
Permanent Staff (SHRA)
Position Title
Specialty Trades Technician - Journey
Salary Grade Equivalent
NC10 / GN10
Working Title
Specialty Trades Technician
Position Number
20077666
Vacancy ID
P021244
Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited
Full-Time Permanent
If time-limited, estimated duration of appointment
Hours per week
40
Work Schedule
These activities are usually accomplished in a standard 40- hour week schedule.
Ability to work extended hours during critical testing phases, including potential night work
Work Location
CHAPEL HILL, NC
Position Location
North Carolina, US
Hiring Range
$56,965-$65,509
Pay Band Information
To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.
Notice to Applicants
This position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship.
Position Summary Information
Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.
One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
In the Department of Physics and Astronomy at UNC Chapel Hill, graduate education and research advances frontiers of knowledge at the two extremes of space and time, from the very small (the realm of particle physics) to the very large (the realm of astronomy), while expanding the boundaries of knowledge in the many subfields spanning length scales between. Forefront physics and astronomy research requires access to well-equipped laboratories and extensive computing capabilities; it also must be supported by comprehensive and accessible library collections. Again, in research at this advanced level, the bridging aspect of physics provides basic interdisciplinary insight for many other sciences.
The Argus Array will be the largest optical telescope array ever assembled, with a collecting area comparable to the largest monolithic telescopes in the world. The Array will push our observations of the universe into a new regime, scanning the sky 100,000x faster than current nightly-cadence sky surveys. Argus will capture a continuous multi-color, 122-gigapixel movie of the night sky, shared with the entire astronomical community in real-time through public transient alerts, images, and light curves with millions of epochs for hundreds of millions of stars.
Position Summary
The Argus Array Integration and Metrology Technician will serve as a hands-on technical contributor to fabrication, assembly, integration, and testing of the array, first during integration at UNC Chapel Hill and then on site at the observatory. This position requires hands-on experience building and assembling complex mechanical and electromechanical systems. A central part of this role is to develop into the project's subject matter expert for laser tracker metrology operation. The successful candidate will become the primary operator of the Leica AT500 laser tracker (or similar system) used to precisely align and orient critical system components and will work with the project team to troubleshoot complex technical issues and serve as a technical resource throughout integration and testing.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
High school diploma or equivalency and two years of experience related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience.
Management Preferences

• Ability to work independently on complex technical projects.
• Extensive hands-on experience in fabrication, assembly, and machine shop operations, AND/OR experience in physics, astronomy, engineering, or a related technical field, or an equivalent combination of advanced technical training and hands-on experience
• Working knowledge of basic geometry and trigonometry.
• Willingness to spend significant time at a remote observatory for extended integration and testing periods.
• Willingness to work at height, in various weather conditions, and in varying temperatures and outdoor environments.

Required Licenses/Certifications
Special Physical/Mental Requirements

• Ability to lift/move 40+ pounds and work at heights up to 30 feet, including comfort working on ladders and elevated platforms.
• Ability to work alternate schedules during critical commissioning phases, including potential night work.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
Position/Schedule Requirements
Special Instructions
Quick Link
https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/323162
Contact Information
Office of Human Resources Contact Information
If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu
Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.