Telescope Engineer Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

Title:

KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country's most critical role - protecting our national security.

Why Join Us?

• Innovative Projects: KBR's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.

• Collaborative Environment: Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.

• Impactful Work: Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

Job Summary:

KBR was selected to support the U.S. Space Force / Air Force Research Laboratory's ASTRO (Advanced Space Technology Research and Optimization) contract, providing mission equipment operations, maintenance, and upgrades at the AMOS (Air Force Maui Optical and Supercomputing) Site in Maui, Hawai'i.

AMOS operates unique, custom-built optical telescope systems and supporting infrastructure used for advanced space surveillance and research missions. The Senior Electro Controls Technician plays a critical role in installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and supervising electrical and electronic control systems that enable safe, reliable, and continuous 24x7x365 telescope operations in a high-altitude observatory environment.

This position focuses on power distribution, instrumentation, control systems, and electrical infrastructure supporting large, precision telescope systems and associated facilities.

• Install, modify, and maintain electrical raceway systems including conduit, cable tray, and supports in accordance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and site standards.

• Install, pull, route, label, and secure wiring and cable for power, control, instrumentation, and communications systems.

• Install junction boxes, panels, power distribution equipment, disconnects, breakers, transformers, and grounding systems.

• Install and maintain electronic controls, field devices, switches, sensors, instrumentation, analyzers, analyzer houses, and associated electrical fixtures.

• Perform electrical terminations for low-voltage, control, instrumentation, and power circuits using approved methods and materials.

• Terminate, troubleshoot, repair, and replace electrical circuitry, control wiring, and instrumentation loops to restore proper system operation.

• Diagnose electrical installation issues using test equipment such as multimeters, insulation testers, and signal generators.

• Perform functional testing and verification of electrical and control systems after installation or repair.

• Support commissioning, calibration, and acceptance testing of new or modified electrical and control systems.

• Identify abnormal conditions, potential failure modes, and safety concerns, and recommend corrective actions or system improvements.

• Apply a working knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and fundamental electrical principles to all work activities.

• Read, interpret, and work from:

  • Electrical schematics and wiring diagrams

  • Instrument loop drawings

  • Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)

  • Panel layouts, detail drawings, and vendor documentation

• Verify installations against drawings and specifications and report discrepancies.

• Accurately document work completed, system changes, and test results in maintenance and configuration records.

• Provide day-to-day technical leadership and guidance to lower-level mechanics and technicians.

• Assign and coordinate work activities to ensure tasks are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with priorities.

• Supervise and support safe work practices, including lockout/tagout, electrical safety, and fall protection requirements.

• Fulfill administrative responsibilities such as:

  • Timekeeping and labor tracking

  • Work planning and task coordination

  • Preparation of work reports, maintenance records, and status updates

  • Participation in safety meetings, inspections, and safety program execution

• Communicate effectively with engineers, supervisors, government customers, and other trades to resolve issues and support mission objectives.

Required Qualifications:

• Associate Degree and 5 years or more of related electrical or controls experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience

• Demonstrated experience installing, troubleshooting, and maintaining electrical and electronic control systems

• Working knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC).

• Ability to obtain a DoD Secret Clearance

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience supporting telescope systems, observatories, industrial controls, or research facilities

• Experience with instrumentation, analyzers, or process control systems

• Prior experience in a lead or supervisory technical role

• Active Secret clearance or ability to obtain

High-Altitude and Physical Requirements

• Regular work at a high-altitude observatory environment (Haleakala summit), including exposure to reduced oxygen levels. Ability to safely work:

• At heights on ladders, platforms, and elevated structures

• Around energized electrical systems and large mechanical equipment

• In confined spaces, equipment rooms, and outdoor environment

• Must be able to lift, carry, and position tools, materials, and equipment in accordance with safety requirements. Strict adherence to electrical safety, lockout/tagout, fall protection, and site-specific safety procedures is mandatory.

• Full-time, on-site position supporting summit and base facilities on Maui, HI.
• Requires strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to coordinate across multiple disciplines.
• Candidates must demonstrate leadership, attention to detail, safety awareness, and the ability to support mission-critical operations.

• Flexible work hours are required, including:

  • Night work aligned with telescope operations

  • Weekend and holiday work as required to support mission needs, testing, or emergent maintenance

• Position supports 24x7x365 operations and may require schedule adjustments based on operational demands.

• Work is performed on-site only; no remote or hybrid work is available.

Compensation:

• For Hawaii only, the salary range for this position is approximately $74,500 - $112,000. The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities and/or experience and in consideration of internal parity.

Other Compensation:

KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels, per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of sign on bonus, relocation benefits, short term incentives, long term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

KBR Benefits

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're excited about making a significant impact in the field of space defense and working on projects that matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team at KBR. Let's shape the future together.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.