Technical Specialist
Technical Specialist
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1 Vacancy
Job Description
Position Description:
Position Summary
The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is hiring a fulltime technician to join the Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) group at the Central Development Laboratory (CDL) in Charlottesville VA.
The NRAO is a diverse exciting and prestigious research facility that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. The Observatory operates a variety of radio telescopes across the globe including the iconic 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 stateoftheart telescopes enable astronomers to explore the universe in unprecedented detail.
The technician will assemble and test microwave and millimeterwave Low Noise Amplifiers (LNAs) for use in radio astronomy receivers. This position requires assembling electronic components under a microscope often working with electrostaticsensitive devices with dimensions of a fraction of a millimeter using wire bonding and die attach techniques. Testing of the assembled LNAs will be conducted using advanced microwave test equipment at both room temperature and cryogenic environments.
A key responsibility of this role is to learn how to inspect repair and test legacy amplifiers currently in service at telescopes when faults arise ensuring their continued operation.
Finally the selectee will collaborate with a research engineer to design mechanical blocks for mounting Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits (MMICs) and chipandwire (MIC) amplifiers. The technician will also discuss the design layout assembly testing and procedures with engineers and technical staff to improve processes and ensure optimal amplifier performance.
What you will be doing:
Precision assembly of microwave and millimeterwave LNAs based on MIC and MMIC technologies:
- Assemble LNAs using precision techniques under a microscope. Handling and bonding microwave components such as MMICs and chipandwire (MIC) amplifiers.
- Follow detailed assembly procedures including the use of specialized tools adhesives and wire bonding techniques to create highfrequency circuits.
Testing microwave and millimeterwave circuits and systems:
- Perform electrical testing of assembled LNAs using microwave and millimeterwave test equipment. Measure gain noise figure return loss and other performance parameters using network analyzers spectrum analyzers noise figure meters and power meters.
- Conduct tests at both room temperature and cryogenic environments.
Recording and analyzing test data:
- Maintain detailed records of test results assembly procedures and performance characteristics.
- Document measurement conditions test setups and any observed anomalies.
- Analyze data to identify trends or discrepancies and collaborate with engineers to interpret results and suggest improvements in designs or manufacturing processes.
Monitor track and maintain laboratory inventory:
- Monitor inventory levels of critical lab supplies including electronic components adhesives wire bonding materials and test equipment accessories.
Inspecting troubleshooting and repairing legacy amplifiers as needed:
- Inspect and diagnose issues in legacy amplifiers that are currently in service.
- Assess amplifier performance to diagnose component degradation or failures. This includes troubleshooting circuitlevel failures replacing defective components and verifying restored functionality through retesting.
Collaborating with engineers to refine assembly and testing procedures:
- Collaborate with engineers scientists and other technical personnel to discuss issues encountered during assembly and testing.
- Provide feedback to engineers regarding possible improvements in component placement bonding techniques and testing procedures. Recommendations may also include optimizations in mechanical design materials selection or assembly workflow to enhance performance yield or manufacturability.
Work Environment
The work is primarily in a laboratory environment.
Who You Are:
Minimum Education
- You have an Associates Degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- You have a minimum of 3 years of experience in related field.
While not required you may have:
- A Bachelors degree in a related field.
- Professional experience fabricating radio frequency or microwave components or systems.
- Experience using a manually controlled wire bonder is desirable as well as experience with common RF and microwave measurement equipment.
- Experience handling High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs) and assembling millimeterwave components including precision die attach and wire bonding techniques.
Competency Summary
Applicants must be methodical motivated team players who are comfortable in a diverse research environment. Good writing and communication skills are required to keep records and document the work. All applicants must be comfortable using MS Word and Excel to manage and graph measurement results.
Physical Requirements
The candidate must be able to sit or stand at a bench for sustained periods. Visual acuity and manual dexterity are required and this position requires lifting and carrying 50 pounds.
To be considered you must be a United States citizen or permanent resident as this position is not eligible for work authorization sponsorship.
Total Rewards:
Associated Universities Inc. (AUI) offers a comprehensive total rewards package for this position subject to eligibility requirements. We are committed to serving our employees and their families with an extensive and competitive compensation and benefits package that supports our employees overall wellbeing and career growth.
Compensation
AUI strives to attract and retain dedicated highly qualified competent and motivated employees by offering competitive compensation and recognition for performance.
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:
AUIs benefits package addresses the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment. AUI provides excellent paid time off (13 holidays annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days and 15 sick days additional time off for doctor/dentist visits and 8 weeks of paid parental leave). Medical dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment. AUIs retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participants base pay with no required employee contribution; we also offer an optional supplemental taxdeferred plan for employee retirement contributions.
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.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:
AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement please visit . If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process you may submit your request by sending an email to . PM20
Other details
- Job FamilyTechnical Specialist
- Job FunctionNET
- Pay TypeHourly
Required Experience:
Unclear Seniority
Employment Type
Hourly
