Position Description:

Position Summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is an 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.

At NRAO, we are seeking a technician to support 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. Candidates for this position should have a willingness to learn about electronics, reading circuit schematics and working with fiber optics. Training in fiber optics and electronics can be provided with this position after six months of satisfactory employment.

This position will be based at the Very Large Array (VLA) site, 50 miles west of Socorro, NM.

What You Will be Doing

Under immediate to minimum supervision from a technical manager and technical staff, this position supports or performs assembly, testing, and troubleshooting for Antenna Control Units (ACUs), data and communications equipment, servo systems, motors, on-antenna weather stations and fiber optic infrastructure. The candidate for this position must be willing to respond to emergency call-outs during inclement weather, weekends, late night and or early morning hours to assist other technical staff.

Technician:

• Learn to construct, adapt and calibrate assigned equipment.
• Learn to trouble shoot, correct and repair malfunctioning equipment.
• May record, analyze, and interpret test data.
• Use standard electronic test equipment, such as digital multimeter, spectrum analyzer, oscilloscope, signal generator, and portable power supply, to record unit performance, for inspection, adjustment, and/or replacement of defective system components.
• Use hand tools for assembly work or mechanical repairs.
• Monitor, inspect, and maintain assigned Servo and Fiber Optic systems for proper operation.
• Follow project schedules set by supervisors.
• Demonstrate proactive compliance with all NRAO policies and procedures.
• May have other duties as assigned.

Work Environment

Work takes place in an electronics shop environment; employees are also required to work outdoors, in inclement weather and at heights when accessing an antenna. Candidates must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds and work at heights of 150 feet. Candidates 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.

Who You Are:

Education

• A high school diploma or high school equivalency.

Experience

• You have an interest in electronics and fiber optics
• You can work independently
• You have good organizational skills

Competency Summary

Must have the ability to work independently and reliably with minimal supervision. Must be able to distinguish colors properly. 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. Must have a valid driver’s license.

Physical Requirements

Occasionally required to ascend and descend work areas. Positioning self in different positions to maintain equipment is necessary. May occasionally work at high altitudes; and in high, precarious places, in outside weather conditions, and may be exposed to chemicals, or the risk of electrical shock. Working in a stationary position is sometimes required. Will need to be able to manipulate parts and hardware of all sizes and shapes. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color and depth perception. Must have manual dexterity, hearing, and physical ability to perform satisfactorily all essential duties and responsibilities.

Skills and Abilities

Must possess a valid driver's license. During the first six months candidate must pass any applicable knowledge/skills tests which could include soldering, cable assembly and the ability to work with fiber optics.

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.

Additional Requirement

Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B Visas for this position.

Total Rewards:

Compensation

The starting pay rate for this position is between $18.00 and $27.00 per hour. 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:

Associated Universities, Inc (AUI) offers a comprehensive benefits package addressing the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment, subject to eligibility requirements. AUI provides:

• Excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days)
• 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.
• Click Total Rewards for more information.

Application Instructions:

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

We reserve the right to close this posting prior to the listed expiration date above based on the volume and/or quality of the applicant pool.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement, please visit https://public.nrao.edu/careers/. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to resumes@nrao.edu. PM20

Compensation details: 18-27 Hourly Wage

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