New Mexico Operations Deputy Assistant Director, Engineering

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 Very Large Baseline Array (VLBA) distributed across the United States and its territories, 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 National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is seeking a New Mexico Operations (NM Ops) Deputy Assistant Director, Engineering to provide direct support to the Assistant Director of NM Ops on management, projects and initiatives, as assigned, which are deemed of importance to the organization’s objectives. The Deputy Assistant Director, Engineering implements processes for tracking and monitoring progress on goals, and will be the point-of-contact for budget, administration, and operations as relates to department activities.

This position is based in Socorro, New Mexico at the Domenici Science Operations Center.

What You Will be Doing:

The NM Ops Deputy Assistant Director, Engineering responsibilities consist of:

●        Leading the development and coordination of project and operations plan, including budget, timeline and resource requirements with the ability to strike a balance between operational and new initiative commitments.

●        Coordinating activities in the Electronics and Engineering Services Divisions (e.g. in support of major maintenance visits).

●        Overseeing the daily operations of assigned projects and divisions, including monitoring progress, expenditure, milestone delivery, reporting, and personnel management, and change management.

●        Facilitating selection, training and developing staff capable of meeting current organizational needs and future department requirements; set goals for, evaluates and addresses staff performance.

●        Reviewing and editing all communications and recommendations (e.g. performance reviews; promotion and salary recommendations) from the Divisions for clarity, consistency, appropriateness, and accuracy.

●        Addressing high-level personnel matters in Electronics and Engineering Services.

●        Coordinating and partnering with Human Resources, Budget and Administration to ensure operations are in compliance with set protocols and policies.  Assisting in the review and commenting on new policies and procedures proposed for potential impact on the department operations.

●        Providing input to NRAO HQ on NM Ops Key Performance Indicators (e.g. array reconfigurations, rail tie replacements, antenna overhauls, etc.)

●        Providing high level technical and engineering oversight of the designs, plans, and procedures originating from the Divisions.

●        Ensuring that projects are planned and completed within established controls and according to Observatory and department priorities, in collaboration with the NRAO Program Management Dept.

●        Serving as the facilities point of contact between NM Ops and Mauna Kea Support Services (MKSS).

●        Serving as the NM Ops primary point of contact for NRAO EPO activities at the VLA site.

●        Serving as the primary point of contact between NM Ops and ES&S to ensure a safe and compliant work environment. Represent NM Ops management at Employee Safety Committee Meetings.

●        Assisting in the preparation, maintenance, and reviewing of Observatory planning and reporting documents, including annual program plan, budget, metrics, and strategic and long-range plans.

●        Maintaining the VLA and VLBA risk register(s) for NM Ops. Produce other periodic reports for the AD approval and submission.  Submit final versions to the AD for review.

●        Ensuring proactive compliance with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures and demonstration of a commitment to promoting and sustaining principles of diversity, equity and inclusion.

●        Reviewing and commenting on new policies and procedures proposed by AUI and NRAO for potential impact on the Divisions and NM Operations.

●        Striking the balance between operational and new initiative (ngVLA, VLA infrastructure upgrade) commitments within the Divisions.

●        Providing occasional presentations for various stakeholders, both internal and external to AUI.

●        May act in the absence of the Assistant Director. 

Work Environment

Appointments will be made to the Domenici Science Operations Center in Socorro, New Mexico. NRAO encourages flexible work arrangements where possible, and a partial telework agreement may be possible for this position. Work is typically performed in a research or development environment, but will occasionally be required to work outdoors. Work is typically performed in a research or development environment; will be required to stand and sit. The successful candidate may be required to travel domestically and internationally by air carrier and to travel by car between NRAO sites.

Who You Are:

●        You have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, physical science or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience required. While not required, you may have an advanced degree in a related engineering field.

●        You have at least seven years highly relevant and progressive experience. 

Competency Summary

The successful candidate will have skills and demonstrated competencies in:

●        Must possess excellent analytical, communication and organizational skills.

●        Attention to detail is critical.

●        Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

●        Strong leadership ability is required. Must be able to act as a change agent.

●        Proven ability to work technical issues and develop action plans for closure.

●        Strong project management with an understanding of the associated processes is essential.

●        Experience in budget planning, development and control, and financial management

●        High level of competency in Microsoft software products and web-based systems, including Visio and SharePoint.

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)