Teaching With Telescopes

NSF NOIRLab is seeking an Electrical Systems Engineer to support operations at Kitt Peak National Observatory, with primary responsibility for the Mayall 4-meter Telescope electrical infrastructure.

This position is responsible for assessing, maintaining, improving, and ensuring the reliability of the telescope’s power systems, including generators, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, and power distribution networks. The Engineer will evaluate the current electrical infrastructure and develop and implement necessary upgrades to ensure stable and continuous power delivery to critical telescope systems.

A key responsibility of this role is the design and implementation of robust backup power strategies to ensure operational continuity during critical events.

The position is based in Tucson, Arizona, with regular work at the Kitt Peak summit. Transportation between Tucson and the summit is provided.

Essential Functions

• Evaluate the current electrical power infrastructure supporting the Mayall Telescope, including medium- and low-voltage distribution systems.
• Update and maintain accurate electrical documentation, drawings, and schematics to reflect as-built conditions and system modifications.
• Develop and implement upgrades and improvements to ensure stable, high-quality power delivery to telescope and facility systems.
• Lead the design, specification, and integration of backup power systems for critical operational continuity (e.g., generator redundancy, UPS improvements, automatic transfer systems).
• Monitor performance, reliability, and load characteristics of generators, UPS systems, switchgear, panels, and distribution systems.
• Analyze power quality issues and implement mitigation strategies.
• Develop preventive maintenance strategies and long-term infrastructure reliability plans.
• Prepare technical documentation, system drawings, reports, and upgrade plans.
• Manage and oversee external electrical contractors, serving as the technical representative for NOIRLab.
• Ensure compliance with applicable electrical codes and safety regulations, including NEC and relevant state and federal standards.
• Collaborate closely with telescope engineering, facilities, safety, and operations teams to minimize operational impact during maintenance and upgrades.
• Participate in on-site troubleshooting of complex electrical issues requiring engineering-level expertise.
• Provide electrical engineering support to other telescopes and facilities at Kitt Peak National Observatory as required.
• Contribute to long-term strategic infrastructure planning for Kitt Peak facilities.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of professional experience in design, operation, and maintenance of industrial or mission-critical electrical systems.
• Demonstrated experience with generator systems, UPS systems, power distribution systems, and switchgear.
• Experience assessing and upgrading legacy electrical infrastructure.
• Knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and applicable safety standards.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and in cross-disciplinary technical teams.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and documentation skills.
• Proficiency with electrical design and documentation tools (e.g., EPLan, AutoCAD or equivalent) and Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting scientific, research, or mission-critical facilities.
• Experience with high-reliability infrastructure in remote or mountaintop environments.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Familiarity with SCADA or power monitoring systems.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.
• Occasional need to move about inside the office environment to access files, office tools, attendance in a meeting room, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity tools that require fine motor skills, such as a calculator, copy machine, computer printer, etc.
• May occasionally need to position self to maintain computer and related tools.
• Seldomly needed to move objects up to 10 pounds.
• Constant communication with other individuals. Must be able to discern and exchange information as appropriate to the situation.
• Constant need to distinguish, discern, and identify a variety of objects and fine details with accuracy.
• Occasional work at high elevation summit sites may be required (summit elevations range from 6,800 feet to 14,000 feet)

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required by personnel so classified. This Institute promotes Equal Employment Opportunity workplace that includes reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified, disabled applicants and employees.

This position operates in a professional office environment and routinely utilizes standard office equipment, including computers, phones, and copiers. The work environment is generally quiet and may involve working in close proximity to others, depending on the needs of the specific function.

Transportation between Tucson and the Kitt Peak summit is provided.

Why Join Us

At NSF’s NOIRLab, we believe in science for everyone. Our Data Management and Software division is committed to building high-performance, scalable solutions that drive progress and support the seamless integration of cutting-edge technologies in our operations. You will join a collaborative, mission-driven team that values creativity, innovation and technical excellence. Your work will directly enable scientific breakthroughs and provide critical operational support to astronomers worldwide — and you will help shape how a new generation explores and interacts with the night sky.

Preference will be given to qualified internal candidates and qualified Native Americans living on or near the Tohono O'odham reservation.

Salary Range:

$111,546.02 - $124,317.74. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.