Satellite Observer Specialist

NSF’s NOIRLab is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. NOIRLab is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) which operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs: Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Chile and Hawai’i. 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.

The Satellite Observer Specialist will carry out or otherwise enable observations with telescopes around the world, including those operated by NOIRLab and others that have open time available, to ensure timely observations of the ever-changing commercial satellite population. The position is focused on optical telescopes but may also include radio observations and other wavebands as needed. A key part of this work is systematically observing the brightness of a wide variety of commercially launched satellites to understand their emissions at optical, radio, and other observational bands.

This position works with a global network of observers, astronomers, and programmers, as part of the IAU CPS SatHub (International Astronomical Union (IAU) Centre for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference (CPS)). The Satellite Observer Specialist works closely with SatHub leadership, professional and volunteer observers, astronomers, software engineers, and others, with a variety of institutional affiliations and physical locations.

Essential Functions:

• Enabling routine observations of artificial satellites and space objects with a variety of instruments and telescopes
• Developing and submitting observing proposals, nominally using NOIRLab facilities
• Coordinating others’ observations of the same at facilities around the globe
• Reducing and analyzing observations to populate a database with accurate satellite brightness information
• Project work: specialized work in line with IAU CPS goals and mission, assigned by management

Other Functions:

• Possibly contributing to the development of tools for image analysis, streak analysis, photometry and/or astrometry
• Other duties as assigned

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• A Masters degree or higher in astronomy or remote sensing
• Two years of experience with optical/IR image gathering and reduction using CCD and/or CMOS detectors with emphasis on precision photometry and/or astrometry
• Fluency in Python
• Excellent organizational and communication skills as well as the ability to learn quickly
• Able to speak, read, write, and perform all work in English.
• Must be prepared to work night shifts and carry out work tasks at all times, including some weekends and holidays.
• Must be reliable, dependable, and flexible - excellent attendance and commitment to work scheduled shifts is necessary.
• Requires outstanding judgment and ability to communicate firmly when issues of safety of personnel or the telescope are apparent.
• Ability to work productively in a multinational team.
• Valid driver’s license, good driving record and the ability to drive 4WD vehicles

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Background in moving object detection, astrometry and photometry
• Light curve analysis
• Background in Space Situational Awareness
• Leadership skills (experience as team lead, campaign coordination)
• Lead author in peer reviewed publications
• Experience in the operations of large telescopes at a professional facility
• Experience in the Unix/Linux operating system
• Command of the Spanish language
• Experience with scientific writing and successful telescope observation proposals
• Prior experience in working with moving objects in astronomical observations
• Experience with data analysis of imaging data

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.
• 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 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 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
• Ability to work at 7200’ (2200m) elevation
• Some travel may be necessary in or outside the contiguous United States.

Salary Range: $58,500 - $65,200. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience.

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/benefits-by-location/ 

The position will remain open until it is filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by September 27, 2024. 

• 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. 

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.