Position Description:

Position Summary

Would you like a well-paying job, with a free 10% retirement contribution, that allows you to utilize and develop your assembly, soldering, and printed circuit board (PCB) troubleshooting skills? Even those with minimal experience in this area are encouraged to apply; we will train you! be part of a highly skilled team supporting scientists who are pushing the boundaries of our knowledge of the universe?

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is seeking an electronics assembler to assemble and test printed circuit boards and electronics assemblies. a qualified individual who under minimal to direct supervision will perform assembly of both prototype and production printed circuit boards and electronics assemblies and then test for completeness, continuity, and additional aspects of assembly quality. This position will work under minimal to direct supervision and will be offered iIn-house training and some external certification and training will be provided.as needed. NRAO is expected to continue to grow as new projects begin, ensuring opportunities for career growth within the organization.

The position is based at the Domenici Science Operations Center located on the campus of New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (www.nmt.edu) in Socorro, NM. Socorro is a small, historic city in the Rio Grande Valley, 75 miles south of Albuquerque.

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.

Job Duties Summary

As part of an active team within the New Mexico Electronics Division, perform assembly and repair of both prototype and production printed circuit boards and electronic assemblies. Duties typically require training and experience in soldering, constructing cables and wire harnesses, de- soldering, and component identification.

Routine duties include:

• Using assembly drawings, mount electronic components on printed circuit boards and solder them in place using accepted soldering practice.
• Operation of multimeter and visual inspection to check continuity or other assembly quality.
• Using assembly drawings, solder cable wires to multiple pins on connectors providing adequate strain relief, using insulation to avoid shorts between adjacent pins, and following accepted soldering practice.
• Using assembly drawings or wire lists, wire up backplane on circuit chassis following accepted soldering practice.
• Using appropriate fasteners of various types, assemble mechanical components such as card bins and modules, and mount circuit boards, connectors, and other components.
• De-solder and replace faulty components identified by others.
• Requisition tools, parts, materials, and equipment in a timely, organized, cost effective manner.
• Follow safe procedures, recognize and correct unsafe practices, use PPE, report incidents/accidents, and comply with the NRAO Safety Manual. Follow the requirements of the Hazardous Material Plan and other health and environment policies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Competency Summary

Candidate 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. The individual must be able to work safely with hand and power tools. The ability to read and interpret policy and safety manuals is required as is the ability to write routine reports and correspondence. The candidate must be able to do simple mathematical calculations and operate a personal computer.

Work Environment

Work typically takes place in an electronics shop. Will be required to stand and sit; use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands or arms. Occasionally is required to climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, and crouch. May be exposed to the risk of electrical shock. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus (corrected vision is OK). Must be able to work when viewing through a microscope.

Position Requirements:

Minimum Education

High school diploma or GED.

Minimum Experience

No prior experience required for the entry-level Electronics Assembler I position. Progressive levels of experience are required for the other positions, including 3 years of closely related experience to qualify as an Electronics Assembler II and 10 years of closely related experience to qualify as an Electronics Assembler III.

Preferred Education

An Associate Degree in Engineering Technology or closely related degree.

Preferred Experience

• Present or past IPC-A-610 certification
• Experience in the use of X-Ray equipment to analyze assembly quality including IPC-J-STD-001 certification
• Testing of completed assemblies using a multimeter or other electronic equipment
• Basic understanding of electronic theory
• Circuit board assembly utilizing through-hole components, surface mount technology, and ball grid arrays (BGA)
• Ability to provide feedback on the design for manufacturability improvement on future builds
• Experience training and assisting junior assemblers

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 a medical or religious accommodation.

Application Instructions:

Click “Apply” below. 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]. PM20

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