Observatory Operations Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

R&D Electrical Engineer III, Steward Observatory

Posting Number req26485

Department Steward Observatory

Department Website Link https://astro.arizona.edu/

Location Tucson Campus

Address Tucson, AZ USA

Position Highlights Steward Observatory has an exciting opportunity for an R&D Electrical Engineer III to join our Mountain Operations team. The successful candidate will join a group of scientists, engineers, and technicians who maintain and upgrade optical telescopes operated in southern Arizona, including on Kitt Peak, Mt. Graham, Mt. Lemmon, and Mt. Bigelow.

In addition to providing engineering support for telescope maintenance and upgrades, the successful candidate will provide engineering support in a team environment for development projects. The position requires the ability to occasionally work long, irregular shifts and take after hours call‑outs, including during nights, weekends, and holidays.

Steward Observatory is both a century‑old observatory on the University of Arizona campusand one of the University's oldest research units. Founded in 1918, the Observatory brings together students, staff, faculty, engineers, and technicians to explore the universe and share discoveries through world‑class research, education, and outreach. With more than 180 professionals supporting advanced facilities, laboratories, and observatories, Steward Observatory offers a collaborative environment where technical expertise plays a critical role in advancing ground- and space-based astronomy.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

• Support operations for telescopes operated by Steward Observatory in southern Arizona, including telescopes on Kitt Peak, Mt. Graham, Mt. Lemmon, and Mt. Bigelow.
• Identify complex operating and performance problems and implement solutions.
• Support operations including troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of equipment at telescope sites, providing guidance to telescope operators and other technical staff.
• Travel to operation sites with occasional overnight stays.
• Lead the engineering phase of projects, providing direction and coordination to engineers and technicians.
• Independently devise criteria for design, development, implementation, and commissioning of new electrical, electro‑mechanical, and control systems for the telescopes and facilities.
• Improve and optimize systems.
• Oversee and provide engineering design and analysis to other Steward Observatory projects.
• Additional duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of electrical engineering principles and electro‑mechanical systems.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work well within a multi‑disciplinary team environment.
• Ability to communicate technical information effectively to multidisciplinary teams, translating complex engineering concepts into actionable guidance for technical and operational personnel.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently with minimal supervision, and adapt to changing operational needs in a research environment.
• Ability to work safely and effectively in remote field environments, including traveling to mountaintop observatories and supporting operations under varying environmental and weather conditions.
• Skill in diagnosing and resolving complex electrical, control system, and equipment performance issues.

• Ability to lift/transport up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to routinely climb stairs and ladders at various altitudes.
• Ability to work for extended periods of time at remote sites with elevations up to 11,000 feet.
• Ability to work in extreme mountain weather conditions.
• Ability to install snow chains and drive a 4x4 vehicle on mountain roads.
• Ability to work at heights.
• Ability to work long, irregular shifts and to take occasional after‑hours call‑outs, including during nights, weekends, and holidays.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a similar field, or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience is required.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.
• Must be able to work nights and weekends, including occasional overnight stays at telescope sites.

• Experience with optical or radio telescopes, including operations, construction, or maintenance.
• Experience with electrical, electronic, and motion control systems, including AC/DC power, servos, three‑phase systems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), monitor and control systems, industrial motion control, thermal control systems, digital/analog circuit design, FPGA‑based digital signal processing, and circuit diagnostics/troubleshooting.
• Experience designing and developing embedded systems using platforms such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or similar devices.
• Experience using Windows and Linux operating systems, networking hardware, and multiple programming languages.
• Experience with engineering design tools, such as schematic capture and 2D/3D CAD software.
• Experience operating 4x4 vehicles in adverse weather or mountain conditions, including installing snow chains and driving in snow, ice, wind, or thunderstorms.
• Experience using handheld and vehicle‑mounted two‑way radio communication systems.

FLSA Exempt

Full Time/Part Time Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week 40

Job FTE 1.0

Work Calendar Fiscal

Job Category Research

Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay $86,870 - $112,932

Compensation Type salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Grade 11

The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
The Grade Range represents a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator .

Career Stream and Level PC3

Job Family Research Engineering

Job Function Research

Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies 1

Target Hire Date

Expected End Date

Ariel Gilbert-Knight
Research Program Administration Officer II
agilbertknight@arizona.edu

Open Date 8/18/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

Documents Needed to Apply Resume and Cover Letter

Special Instructions to Applicant

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.