Technician I-IV / Technical Specialist I-II

Position Description:

Position Summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a diverse, exciting, and prestigious research facility that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. The Observatory operates a variety of radio telescopes that span the globe, including the famous Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico, the Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia, and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile. These telescopes are among the most advanced in the world, allowing astronomers to explore the universe in unprecedented detail.

We have an exciting opportunity at the Very Large Array (VLA) site for an entry-level Technician to a more experienced Technical Specialist for a position that supports operations, maintenance, and fabrication work on our antenna motion control electronics and fiber optic hardware. This hands-on position is responsible for repairs, maintenance, and upgrades to the Very Large Array and Very Long Baseline Array Servo and Fiber Optic systems. Work happens both at the bench and in the field, where you will climb our world-famous 25-meter antennas at the VLA site.  The final position level and job grade will be determined based on the candidate’s education and experience. Training in both electronics and fiber optics will be provided.

What You Will be Doing

Under immediate to minimum supervision from engineers and technical staff, the position supports or performs parts kitting, assembly, testing, troubleshooting, and training for Antenna Control Units (ACUs), data and communications equipment, servo systems, motors, on-antenna weather stations and other equipment. The Technician/Specialist will be required to respond to emergency call-outs during inclement weather, late night and/or early morning hours.  Recommends changes required to achieve functional requirements of the units. Follows project schedules set by leadership. Demonstrates proactive compliance with all NRAO policies and procedures. May have other duties as assigned. Duties specific to the assigned classification are as follows:

The Technician level will

• Construct, adapt and calibrate assigned equipment.
• Trouble shoot, correct and repair malfunctioning equipment.
• Conduct various tests or experiments which may require modifications in test setups or procedures

• May record, analyze, and interpret test data. 
• Use standard electronic test equipment, such as digital multimeters, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, signal generators, and power supplies, to record unit performance, for inspection, adjustment, and/or replacement of defective system components.
• Use hand tools for mechanical work or repair.
• Monitor, inspect, and maintain assigned Servo and Fiber Optic group systems for proper operation.

In addition to the items listed above, the Technical Specialist will also

• Discuss the design, layout, assembly, testing and troubleshooting procedures and problems with engineers and technical staff.
• Devise design details and functional requirements of assemblies.
• Fabricate, assembles, and tests prototype or production units.
• Sets up standard test apparatus or devises test equipment to conduct functional, operational, environmental, and life tests to evaluate the performance and reliability of prototype or production units.
• Locate and order parts and equipment, locate and evaluate substitute parts for functional equivalence of any obsolete/non-obtainable components or parts.
• Write technical reports and develops charts, graphs, and schematics to describe and illustrate an assembly's operating characteristics, malfunctions, deviations from design specifications, and functional limitations.

Work Environment

Work typically takes place in an electronics shop; employees are also required to work outdoors, in inclement weather and at heights when accessing an antenna. Candidate must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds and work at heights of 150 feet. Candidate must be able to work at a bench, either sitting or standing, for sustained periods. Visual acuity (corrected is acceptable) and manual dexterity is necessary to perform work. Work is done at the VLA site, which is approximately 7,000’ in elevation. 

Physical Demands

Occasionally required to climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, and crouch. May occasionally work at high altitudes; and in high, precarious places and in outside weather conditions, and may be exposed to chemicals, or the risk of electrical shock.  Will be required to stand and sit; perform fine hand manipulation. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color and depth perception. Must have the visual acuity, color perception, manual dexterity, hearing, and physical ability to perform satisfactorily all essential duties and responsibilities.

Who You Are:

You will need

A High school diploma or GED

While not required, you may have

• An Associate Degree in Engineering Technology (for Technical Specialist level) or an equivalent combination of education and related work experience;
• Three or more years of experience specializing in servo and/or fiber support may be considered for the Technical Specialist I or II grade.

Competency Summary

• Must have the ability to work independently and reliably with minimal supervision;
• Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing;
• Must be able to operate a personal computer;
• Must have the ability to work effectively in a team and clearly communicate technical information both in writing and orally;
• Ability to communicate in English is required.

Additional Requirements

• Must have a valid driver’s license;
• Because this is a Safety Sensitive position, the selected candidate must successfully pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug screen.  Failure to pass the Screen will disqualify the candidate from employment consideration for a period of six months from the date of the results.

Total Rewards:

Associated Universities, INC (AUI) 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

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

Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include; education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions.

Benefits

AUI’s benefits package addresses the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment. AUI 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. AUI’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

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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