VLBA Specialist II-III

Position Description:Position SummaryThe National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research and development organization that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. Associated Universities Inc. (AUI) is a nonprofit organization that manages and operates the NRAO under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. The Observatory is a hub for technological and scientific collaboration operating state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. The Observatory has been instrumental in the study of black holes galaxies and the early National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) announces an VLBA Station Specialist. The VLBA Station Specialist is a hands-on technical staff member skilled and experienced in multiple areas such as digital and analog electronics mechanical hardware HVAC systems general site maintenance and operations support. NRAO is seeking an employee willing to climb a large radio telescope antenna troubleshoot and fix problems there or in the site building and otherwise keep the site operational to enable astronomical data to be continuously received processed and delivered for scientific study. This is a rewarding opportunity where the tenure of Specialists is typically measured in decades due to the interesting work and the Observatorys great benefits and work-life general the Specialist along with another Specialist is responsible for installation repairs and maintenance at the Very Long Baseline Array Station located in Owens Valley CA. The station includes the 25-meter antenna and support infrastructure and is part of a 10-antenna array spread across the US all capturing radio astronomical data delivered to a centrally located correlator. The Specialist will interact with other personnel at these sites and at the correlator site. The Specialist must respond to emergency repair situations as dictated by the impact on the stations ability to perform intended functions. The employee typically works with the other Specialist but is occasionally solo when schedule issues arise and is on-call on alternating You Will be Doing:The position performs maintenance inspection testing troubleshooting repair data delivery and other work on the Very Long Baseline Array Station including the 25-meter Antenna. The station includes Radio Frequency receiver and cryogenic systems data and communications equipment data recorders recording media servo control systems mechanical drive equipment and weather stations. Routine duties include:Using standard electronic test equipment recording effects on unit performance inspection and adjustment and/or replacement of defective system components. Performing scheduled maintenance lubrication and mechanical and electronic inspections. Monitoring and maintenance of all systems for proper operation. This includes the emergency power generating equipment fire alarms and HVAC systems. Consultation with the other VLBA Specialist assigned to this site and with NRAO technicians and engineers located elsewhere in formulating and planning corrective actions. Other preventive and corrective maintenance on hardware test equipment and peripheral equipment including inspection against specifications or for quality. Use of electronics test equipment such as digital multimeters spectrum analyzers oscilloscopes signal generators and power supplies. Use of hand tools for mechanical work or of the site and duties include: Writing technical reports and developing charts graphs and schematics to describe equipments operating characteristics malfunctions deviations from design specifications and functional limitations. This includes documentation of work of changes required to achieve functional requirements of the units. Maintenance and servicing of facilities and equipment including creation of records and reports. Proactive compliance with all NRAO policies and procedures is duties may be assigned. May be asked to travel to other VLBA sites to support management responsibilities include:Providing staff prioritization performance evaluation mentoring of employees coaching team building and conflict timesheets and periodic performance reviews including interacting with the Human Resources and Business departments of the Observatory when guidance support and training from the Observatory Human Resource Department timely addresses personnel matters ensuring compliance with applicable policies such as conduct recruitment diversity and inclusion employee development performance management and regulatory implementing developing and/or recommending changes to rules regulations policies and procedures set forth by the with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures in groups area of EnvironmentThe Specialist frequently works in high places up to 100 feet in outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee works near moving mechanical parts and is exposed to electrical hazards. These and other situations mean the employee is often responsible to perform lockout/tag out to create a safe work environment. Who You Are:EducationAssociate of Science degree or equivalent in Electronics. While not required you may have a Bachelors Degree in a related have two years of experience in the Electronics or Electrical fields. Qualified candidates with 5 or more years of experience may be considered for the Specialist II classification. While not required you may have five or more years of experience in the Electronics training or Electrical fields with experience in technical support radio astronomy or telecommunications equipment and and CompetenciesCandidates must have the ability to work independently and reliably with minimal direct supervision. They must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing and operate a personal computer and common software. They must be able to solve technical problems and deal with a variety of situations where only limited documentation and standardization may exist. Candidates must have and maintain a current Drivers License and they may be required to drive Observatory RequirementObservatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B Visas for this SensitiveThe 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 Rewards:CompensationThe starting salary/hourly rate of this position is between $36.02-$46.69 per hour. 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 :Associated Universities Inc (AUI) offers a comprehensive benefits package addressing the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment subject to eligibility requirements. AUI provides:Excellent paid time off (13 holidays annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days)Medical dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participants base pay with no required employee Total Rewards for more Instructions:Select the Apply button above. Please be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the Opportunity Employer Statement:AUI is an equal opportunity employer. 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