Position Description:

Position Summary

Do you have experience with electronics, motors, or fiber optic communication systems? NRAO is seeking both entry-level and more experienced applicants to apply for two positions that support operations, maintenance, and fabrication work on our antenna motion control electronics and fiber optic hardware. These hands-on positions are 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 work, where you will climb our world-famous 25-meter antennas at the VLA site. The final position and job grade will be determined based on the candidate’s education and experience and training in both electronics and fiber optics will be provided.

In addition to competitive pay, NRAO provides excellent paid time off benefits (vacation and sick leave). Medical, dental and vision plans are effective first day of employment. NRAO’s retirement benefit contributes an extra 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no contribution required of the employee. We also offer an optional supplemental, tax-deferred plan for employee retirement contributions.

Job Duties Summary

Under immediate to minimum supervision from engineers and technical staff, the position supports or performs 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 candidate may be required to be willing to respond to emergency call-outs during inclement weather, late night and or early morning hours. Other duties may be assigned.

The Technician position:

• Constructs, adapts and calibrates 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. 
• Uses 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.
• Uses hand tools for mechanical work or repair.
• Is responsible for monitoring, inspection, and maintenance of assigned Servo and Fiber Optic group systems for proper operation.

The Technical Specialist position will also:

• Discuss the design, layout, assembly, testing and troubleshooting procedures and problems with engineers and technical staff.
• May devise design details and functional requirements of assemblies.
• Fabricates, 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.
• Locates and orders parts and equipment, locates and evaluates substitute parts for functional equivalence of any obsolete/non-obtainable components or parts.
• Writes 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.

Either position:

• Recommends changes required to achieve functional requirements of the units.
• Follows project schedules set by supervisors.
• Demonstrates proactive compliance with all NRAO policies and procedures.
• May have other duties as assigned.

Competency Summary

Must have the ability to work independently and reliably with some 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. Must have a valid driver’s license.

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 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. 

Position Requirements:

Minimum Education

High school diploma or GED

Minimum Experience

No prior experience is required.

Preferred Experience

Highly qualified candidates with three or more years of experience specializing in servo and/or fiber support may be considered for the Technical Specialist I or II grade.

Preferred Education

An Associate Degree in Engineering Technology or an equivalent combination of education and related work experience.

Physical Requirements

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.

Skills and Abilities

Must possess a valid driver's license. Good vision is required, may be correctable. Must pass any applicable knowledge/skills tests including soldering small components using a microscope and 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.

Application Instructions:

Click the “Apply” button below.  You will need to be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a letter of application 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]. PM20

The NRAO is an equal opportunity employer (M/F/D/V)