Work Study Program Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

The NSF NOIRLab is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. NOIRLab is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) which operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs: Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Chile and Hawai’i. The mission of NOIRLab is to enable breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing and operating state-of-the-art ground-based observatories and providing data products and services. 

The NSF NOIRLab is hiring for an electrical technician, working primarily at our summit facility on Maunakea, and occasionally at our base facility in Hilo. The electrical technician will play a vital role in maintaining, supporting, and enhancing the sophisticated facilities and telescope electrical systems that enable world-class astronomical research at the Gemini Observatory on Maunakea. 

The position is available at various levels, depending on the successful candidate’s experience, education, and demonstrated ability. All technicians work in a collaborative, team-based environment supporting observatory operations and maintenance. 

The Electrical Technician provides technical support with maintaining, operating, repairing, and upgrading telescopes, instruments and observatory electrical and related systems and carries out their work duties in a collaborative and team-based environment.

The Electrical Technician is expected to support other team members in adjacent fields, such as electronics and mechanics.

• Maintain, operate and repair telescopes, instruments and observatory electrical systems, and support development and upgrade projects aimed to improve the observatory's performance with no supervision.
• Assemble and troubleshoot electrical components such as wiring, cables including conduits, electrical panels and its protections and power distribution systems to the telescope and instruments.
• Utilize and maintain test equipment and keep certifications updated.
• Perform daily checks of observatory power network conditions with no supervision
• Perform generator and UPS safety walk through inspections with no supervision
• Perform operation and maintenance of the fire alarm system with no supervision
• Perform periodic maintenance performance checks of electrical systems and issue regular performance reports
• Create, modify, and update documentation of telescope and instrument electrical systems
• Purchase materials, supplies and equipment for the different laboratories used by the Electronics group and maintain them in good working order
• Identify and order proper spares and components for telescope and instrument electrical systems and keep track of inventory lists
• Create safety documentation such as Job Hazard Analysis, LOTO, and work procedures as necessary.
• Collaborate with and work cooperatively with other staff, including cross training individuals when necessary. Supervise the work of other electrical technicians (if any)
• Operate equipment as necessary, maintaining written and/or electronic records, maintain tools, maintain clean and organized shared spaces and common areas, and provide general assistance to other staff members as required or requested
• Comply with applicable safety standards, procedures and practices and ensure safety of operations in areas under purview; correct and/or report unsafe conditions and practices. 
• All AURA employees are responsible for the proper management and control of all AURA property within their work area, whether assigned to them or someone else. This responsibility includes reporting any known missing, stolen, or non-working property in their work area to their supervisor or the AURA Property Officer.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position or subordinates of this position.

Other Functions:

• Other duties as assigned

• Degree in Electrical/Electronics technology (at least 2 year study program)
• 5+ years of relevant professional experience in electrical technology 
• Journey Worker electrician (EJ) Hawaii certification
• Able to perform work with no supervision
• Possess basic knowledge of electronic principles and theory and practical knowledge and understanding of electrical and electronic circuits
• Able to read blueprints, sketches and other drawings specifying job requirements
• Possess basic mechanical skills and be able to properly use basic hand tools
• Knowledge of PC based computer programs.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License; clean driving record; ability to drive a 4-wheel drive

• Journey Worker Industrial electrician (EJI) Hawaii certification
• 7+ years of experience in industrial environment
• Able to perform work with no supervision
• Able to supervise and direct other technicians
• Able to provide other technicians with electrical safety trainings
• Able to read blueprints, sketches and other drawings specifying job requirements
• Possess basic mechanical skills and be able to properly use basic hand tools
• Ability to support mechanical and electronics technicians when needed
• Knowledge of Windows or Mac based computer programs.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License; clean driving record; ability to drive a 4-wheel drive

$77,377.10 - $98,000. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience.

 The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience.

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/benefits-by-location/ 

Apply by May 20, 2026 for priority consideration. This position will remain open until it is filled. Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname Docname. 

Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance here