Position Description:

Position Summary

NRAO is seeking a qualified individual who will assist with assembly, installation and maintenance of Very Large Array (VLA) Local Oscillator / Intermediate Frequency (LOIF) and power supply systems. The technician will assist with the day to day operation of the related VLA maintenance programs. This is a “Safety Sensitive” position. In-house training and some external training 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 the first day of employment. NRAO’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay and no contribution is required of the employee; we also offer an optional supplemental, tax-deferred plan for employee retirement contributions.

The position will be based at the Very Large Array site, 50 miles west of Socorro, NM.

Job Duties Summary

Under minimum supervision, the position performs a variety of construction, test, maintenance, inspection, assembly, operation and data collection functions on assigned electronic equipment (such as frequency converters, reference generators, and power supplies), machines, and other scientific apparatus.  Work performed is generally reviewed by engineers or technical specialists. Using standard electronic test equipment, the technician records unit performance, inspects, adjusts and replaces defective components. The candidate must be willing to respond to emergency call-outs during inclement weather, late night and or early morning hours. Other duties may be assigned.

Routine duties include:

• Constructs, adapts and calibrates assigned equipment.
• Troubleshoot, 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.
• 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.

Work Environment

Work typically takes place in an electronics shop at the VLA site, which is approximately 7,000’ in elevation; employees are also required to work outdoors in inclement weather and at heights around 100 feet when accessing an antenna. Candidates must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds and 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.

Position Requirements:

Minimum Education

An Associate’s Degree (AA) of Engineering Technology training; or a High School diploma or GED and equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Minimum Experience

No prior experience required for the entry-level Technician position. Progressive levels of experience are required for the other positions, including 3 years of closely related experience to qualify as a Technical Specialist I.

No experience required for candidates who have obtained an Associate’s Degree (AA) of Engineering Technology. Otherwise, four years of related experience and/or training are required for consideration.

Preferred Experience

At least two years of related experience and an Associate’s Degree OR six years of related experience and/or training on electrical systems, preferably at radio frequencies.  Preferred experience and knowledge of safe operation of more advanced electronic test equipment such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators. Preference will be given to candidate with electronics or electrical-mechanical experience.

Competency Summary

Candidates must be self-motivated, possess the ability to communicate with others, must be meticulous and able to perform repetitive tasks for extended periods of time. Candidates must have good mechanical aptitude and ability to understand wiring diagrams and schematics. The individual must have a strong foundation in electronics and be able to work safely with hand and power tools. Candidate must possess some skills and experience in the safe operation of lab tools and digital multi-meters. Candidates must be able to operate a personal computer and must be able to operate a motorized vehicle in a safe manner. The ability to read and interpret policy and safety manuals is required. The ability to write routine reports and correspondence and to do simple mathematical calculations is required. The position requires the application of practical principles of mechanics, electrical or related fields.

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.

Additional Requirements

The Observatory requires staff to be fully vaccinated against covid-19 to access our facilities.  An offer of employment will be considered contingent until the selected applicant provides proof of vaccination.  A selected applicant may request consideration for an accommodation for a disability or for a sincerely held religious belief.

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:

Please click the “apply” button bellow. Please 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].

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