Electrical Engineer

NSF NOIRLab is seeking an Electrical Systems Engineer to support operations at Kitt Peak National Observatory with primary responsibility for the Mayall 4-meter Telescope electrical infrastructure.

This position is responsible for assessing maintaining improving and ensuring the reliability of the telescopes power systems including generators uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems and power distribution networks. The Engineer will evaluate the current electrical infrastructure and develop and implement necessary upgrades to ensure stable and continuous power delivery to critical telescope systems.

A key responsibility of this role is the design and implementation of robust backup power strategies to ensure operational continuity during critical events.

The position is based in Tucson Arizona with regular work at the Kitt Peak summit. Transportation between Tucson and the summit is provided.

Essential Functions

• Evaluate the current electrical power infrastructure supporting the Mayall Telescope including medium- and low-voltage distribution systems.
• Update and maintain accurate electrical documentation drawings and schematics to reflect as-built conditions and system modifications.
• Develop and implement upgrades and improvements to ensure stable high-quality power delivery to telescope and facility systems.
• Lead the design specification and integration of backup power systems for critical operational continuity (e.g. generator redundancy UPS improvements automatic transfer systems).
• Monitor performance reliability and load characteristics of generators UPS systems switchgear panels and distribution systems.
• Analyze power quality issues and implement mitigation strategies.
• Develop preventive maintenance strategies and long-term infrastructure reliability plans.
• Prepare technical documentation system drawings reports and upgrade plans.
• Manage and oversee external electrical contractors serving as the technical representative for NOIRLab.
• Ensure compliance with applicable electrical codes and safety regulations including NEC and relevant state and federal standards.
• Collaborate closely with telescope engineering facilities safety and operations teams to minimize operational impact during maintenance and upgrades.
• Participate in on-site troubleshooting of complex electrical issues requiring engineering-level expertise.
• Provide electrical engineering support to other telescopes and facilities at Kitt Peak National Observatory as required.
• Contribute to long-term strategic infrastructure planning for Kitt Peak facilities.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 710 years of professional experience in design operation and maintenance of industrial or mission-critical electrical systems.
• Demonstrated experience with generator systems UPS systems power distribution systems and switchgear.
• Experience assessing and upgrading legacy electrical infrastructure.
• Knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and applicable safety standards.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and in cross-disciplinary technical teams.
• Strong analytical troubleshooting and documentation skills.
• Proficiency with electrical design and documentation tools (e.g. EPLan AutoCAD or equivalent) and Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting scientific research or mission-critical facilities.
• Experience with high-reliability infrastructure in remote or mountaintop environments.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Familiarity with SCADA or power monitoring systems.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.
• Occasional need to move about inside the office environment to access files office tools attendance in a meeting room etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity tools that require fine motor skills such as a calculator copy machine computer printer etc.
• May occasionally need to position self to maintain computer and related tools.
• Seldomly needed to move objects up to 10 pounds.
• Constant communication with other individuals. Must be able to discern and exchange information as appropriate to the situation.
• Constant need to distinguish discern and identify a variety of objects and fine details with accuracy.
• Occasional work at high elevation summit sites may be required (summit elevations range from 6800 feet to 14000 feet)

Transportation between Tucson and the Kitt Peak summit is provided.

Why Join Us

At NSFs NOIRLab we believe in science for everyone. Our Data Management and Software division is committed to building high-performance scalable solutions that drive progress and support the seamless integration of cutting-edge technologies in our operations. You will join a collaborative mission-driven team that values creativity innovation and technical excellence. Your work will directly enable scientific breakthroughs and provide critical operational support to astronomers worldwide and you will help shape how a new generation explores and interacts with the night sky.

Preference will be given to qualified internal candidates and qualified Native Americans living on or near the Tohono Oodham reservation.

Salary Range:

$111546.02 - $124317.74. The final salary will depend on skills qualifications and experience.

How to Apply

Apply by April 28 2026for priority consideration. This position will remain open until it is filled. Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname Docname.

Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance here

Required Experience:

IC