Mechanical Technical Specialist Lead

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, Very Long Base Line Array (VLBA), 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.

The NRAO is seeking a Mechanical Technical Specialist Lead at the Very Large Array, 50 miles west of Socorro, NM. While working alongside the antenna mechanical maintenance groups, the Lead is responsible for directing their overall activities, controlling and coordinating assigned technical support functions, and scheduling and coordinating the work to ensure expeditious and efficient completion of projects. The lead will also make recommendations to site management for antenna mechanical group staff hiring and terminations. The lead will Provide technical advice, guidance, and assistance to other observatory personnel.

What You Will be Doing:

The successful candidate will work both independently and within a dynamic team environment. General duties include but are not limited to:

●        Plan and direct the work of, and work alongside subordinate technical personnel in such areas as construction, operation, and development of research equipment and facilities

●        Coordinate assigned technical support functions.

●        Schedule and coordinate the work of the antenna mechanic group to ensure expeditious and efficient completion of assigned projects.

●        Perform routine administrative tasks such as employee time keeping and purchase requisition approvals, budget, and regular reporting to VLA site management.

●        Provide technical advice, guidance, and assistance to other observatory personnel.

●        Within the parameters of their authority, may act with regard to work assignments and work direction with considerable latitude. Must keep the Supervisor apprised of group activities and conditions. Assure compliance of staff to observatory and Safety regulations.

●        Examines VLA equipment (antennas, transporters) to determine preventive and corrective maintenance; overhaul equipment.

●        Maintains stock of frequently used components and/or directs others in the matter, maintains relationships with outside vendors

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee works both outdoors on buildings and indoors in a shop. The employee works in high places, outside in all weather conditions, near moving mechanical parts and electrical equipment. Work is performed at a high altitude (7000 ft.) environment.  Must be able to work in a high noise area with PPE’s.

Who You Are:

●        You have an associate’s degree in engineering technology or equivalent experience.

●        While not required, you may have a bachelor’s degree in in a related field.

●        You have at least 10 years of related experience. 

Competency Summary

Applicant must possess knowledge of mechanical engineering concepts as they relate to radio telescopes. This includes but is not limited to examining VLA equipment (antennas, transporters) to determine preventative and corrective maintenance, and assuring steps are taken to facilitate maintenance and repairs (maintains stock of frequently used products and components, maintains relationship with external vendors). Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required

Physical Requirements

The ability to climb antenna stairs and ladders to heights of above 100 feet, lift equipment up to 50 pounds (unassisted) is essential. Must possess visual acuity (corrected is acceptable) and manual dexterity to be able to perform work on small pieces or areas of work material, and hearing acuity in order to perform work safely with instructions and guidance being given over hand-held radios and/or during operations of loud machinery. Work is performed outdoors, at heights and near moving machinery.

Additional Requirement

Must have, or have the ability to obtain, a valid NM driver’s license

Safety Sensitive

The selected candidate must successfully pass a post-offer, pre-employment/pre-placement 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:

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.

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

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.

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)