Mechanical Technician

NSF’s NOIRLab is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. 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 for a diverse and inclusive community. NOIRLab operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs: Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with approximately 400 employees at facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Hawai’i, and Chile.

We have an opening for a full-time Mechanical Technician who will maintain and support facilities and telescope mechanical systems for the Nicholas U. Mayall 4-meter Telescope at the Kitt Peak National Observatory. This position will plan and execute preventive maintenance activities following approved preventive maintenance schedule. In addition, will implement corrective actions to address technical issues and failures. Identifies improvement opportunities and recommends appropriate action to Engineers and Managers.

The position is based at the Kitt Peak National Observatory, approximately 56 miles southwest of Tucson, Arizona. For the Kitt Peak based positions, transportation is provided from NOIRLab’s base facility, located on the University of Arizona campus.  There is also transportation available via shuttle from Sells or Three Points.

Essential Functions: 

• Performs preventative maintenance and corrective maintenance of telescope systems: chilled water, compressed air, hydraulic, cryogenic, domestic water system, air handling, exhaust fans, and enclosure systems. 
• Operates lifting equipment such as cranes or boom lifts. 
• Works with design engineers to assemble, test, trouble-shoot, and maintain observatory mechanical systems. 
• Maintains spare parts and hardware inventory to support mechanical equipment maintenance needs. 
• Maintains inventory of tools and equipment required for mechanical maintenance activities. 
• Works with the Mechanical Engineering Group to troubleshoot and correct problems on mechanical systems that occur during nighttime operations. 
• Provides mechanical support for engineering periods and telescope upgrades. 
• Supports other day crew groups with instrument changes, parts fabrication, machining, or modifications. 
• Prepares work instructions, writes simple reports, updates information in CMMS (computer managed maintenance system). 
• 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 as defined in the Vela Award Management system.

Other Functions: 

• Ice and snow removal from the enclosure and facility as required. 
• Other duties as assigned 

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities: 

• Accredited technical degree in mechanics or equivalent experience. 
• Five years previous experience maintaining large mechanical equipment, with some plumbing and mechanical fabrication experience desirable. 
• Must be a good problem solver.  
• Must be able to read and understand technical drawings and manuals, safety procedures, job hazards analyses and related documentation. 
• Must be a good listener and willing to ask questions. 
• Must demonstrate dexterity, safety, and attention to detail.  
• Must be able to work as part of a diverse team.   
• Must be able to work effectively at heights and at high altitude. 
• Must be able to use standard office software suite (word processor, spreadsheets, presentations). 
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record at the location for which applying. Must be able to drive a 4-WD vehicle. 

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities: 

• Basic welding and cutting. 
• Machining skills. 
• Industrial plumbing skills. 
• Aligning motors to pumps and fans. 
• Operating lifting equipment. 
• Previous telescope work experience. 

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.  

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk, or hear. Must be able to sit for long periods of time. 
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl.  
• The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.  
• Must possess - sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) reach upward, sideways, downward to work with paper files; b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, fax machines, copiers, and other office machines. 
• Must possess – 1) ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform job; 2) sufficient visual capacity to perform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than eye contacts or eye glasses; 3) sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid; and 4) ability to impart information orally so that others understand and can respond appropriately 
• Must possess sufficient mobility, strength or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) grasp, push, pull, turn or otherwise manipulate tools and mechanisms; b) push, shove, pull or otherwise safely and efficiently manipulate tools or mechanisms; c) lift, hold, maneuver, objects of 50 lbs or more; d) maintain balance while performing work; e) remove parts, systems, tools of 50 lbs or more  
• Some travel may be necessary in or outside the contiguous United States.  
• Kitt Peak: Ability to climb stairs and work at 6,800’. May be required to extend worktime and/or stay overnight at Kitt Peak based on emergency operational and/or safety needs. 

How to Apply:

The position will remain open until it is filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by October 27, 2023.

• Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname Docname. 
• Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to employment@aura-astronomy.org. 
• Please enter 3 professional references in your application (references will only be contacted later in the recruitment process). 

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org 

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 49 US institutions and 3 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories for the National Science Foundation and NASA. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. In addition, AURA is deeply committed to public and educational outreach, and to diversity throughout the astronomical and scientific workforce. AURA carries out its role through its astronomical facilities. 

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/employee-benefits-guide/ 

Consistent with the actions of the Biden Administration, as of 12 May 2023, AURA will no longer require COVID-19 vaccination of its employees in the U.S. AURA employees in the U.S. may be subject to COVID-19 vaccination requirements from other entities, such as host institutions or partner affiliations. 

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential. 

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