Microwave Electronics Engineer II-IV

Position Description:

Position Summary

The Green Bank Observatory (GBO) enables leading edge research at radio wavelengths by offering telescope, facility and advanced instrumentation access to the astronomy community as well as to other basic and applied research communities. With radio astronomy as its foundation, the Green Bank Observatory is a world leader in advancing research, innovation, and education. Here, you will find the Green Bank Telescope, the world’s largest fully steerable telescope, as well as numerous other smaller telescopes which are used for a variety of scientific and educational purposes. Working at wavelengths ranging from 100cm through 3mm, the GBT supports a diverse range of scientific research.

At GBO we are seeking a Microwave Engineer. This engineer will be a part of the Green Bank Electronics Division that designs, manufactures, and maintains receiver, data transmission, servo, active surface, and recording systems for the GBT and other telescopes at the GBO site. By joining this effort, the engineer will help the development of upcoming Radar and the Next Generation Very Large Array (ngVLA) installment at the Green Bank site.

The Observatory has a long history of developing new technology to enable forefront research in radio astronomy. This development occurs in a collaborative environment with technicians, engineers, and scientists. By joining GBO, an employee has a direct contribution to expanding the observatory’s state-of-the-art facilities and equipment used by scientists around the world.

The location for the position will be based in rural Green Bank, WV.

 What You Will Do:

• Perform system engineering analysis, model components and design cryogenic receivers operating up to 115 GHz. These include phase array feed, focal plane array, ultra-wideband receivers, and radar systems. 
• Investigate low noise and cryogenic construction techniques with experimentation of a variety of materials.
• Maintain, trouble shoot, modify and repair existing RF and optical systems.
• Microwave laboratory noise temperature testing and system characterization.
• Provide technical details, analysis, and costing information for NSF new instrumentation grant proposals.
• Antenna range feed pattern measurements and characterization.
• Provide leadership to technicians, cooperative education students, and/or summer students.
• Proactive compliance with Observatory and government safety policies and procedures in own work area is expected.
• Work with programmers and scientists to identify and solve problems.
• Writes test procedures, users’ manuals, and reports.
• Assist Technical Specialists or Technicians including training, planning, assigning or directing work.
• Proactive compliance with GBO and government safety policies and procedures in own work area is expected.
• Other duties as assigned.

Work Environment

Work is mission driven, team oriented and typically performed in an office setting within a research or development environment Work involves troubleshooting and repair of electrical and electronic equipment in the field. The candidate must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds. Occasional duties are performed at heights, sometimes requiring a safety harness, along with work on an aerial work platform.

Who You Are:

• You have a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field. An advanced degree in Electrical Engineering is preferred but not required.

You have:

• Experience with 3D modeling software CST, Microwave Office, or equivalent
• Experience testing with VNA, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and power meters.
• Knowledge of microwave system analysis, S parameters, waveguide and coaxial propagation.
• Knowledge of antenna range fair field measurement techniques.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office software products or equivalent.
• Good verbal and written communication
• Being a self-starter in a technical environment
• Working within and between teams to develop maximally useful designs
• Embracing solid design methodology, e.g. design reviews, documentation and testing

While not required, you may have experience with: 

• Microwave circuit layout and fabrication.
• Programming with Labview or similar computer software.
• CAD software such as Autocad and Inventor.
• Knowledge of phase-locked oscillator principles.
• Knowledge and experience of RF over fiber techniques.

 Competency Summary

• High level of competency in Microsoft software products and web-based systems, Visio and SharePoint.
• Attention to detail is critical
• Highly organized
• Excellent communication skills

Additional Requirements

• Must maintain a current Driver's License
• May be required to drive Observatory vehicles

Total Rewards:

The NRAO offers a comprehensive total rewards package for this position, subject to eligibility requirements. We are committed to serving our employees and their families with an extensive and competitive compensation and benefits package that supports our employees’ overall well-being and career growth.

Compensation

The NRAO strives to attract and retain dedicated, highly qualified, competent, and motivated employees by offering competitive compensation and recognition for performance.

Benefits:

NRAO’s benefits package addresses the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment. NRAO provides excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days and 15 sick days, additional time off for doctor/dentist visits, and 8 weeks of paid parental leave). Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment. NRAO’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution; we also offer an optional supplemental, tax-deferred plan for employee retirement contributions.

Application Instructions:

Select the “Apply” button. Please be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the position

Due to export control purposes, this position is open only to US persons which includes: United States citizens and permanent residents.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

AUI is an equal opportunity employer. Women, Minorities, Vietnam-Era Veterans, Disabled Veterans, Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. To view our complete statement, please visit http://jobs.jobvite.com/nrao/jobs. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, you may submit your request by sending an email to [email protected].

The NRAO is an equal opportunity employer (M/F/D/V)

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