Astronomy Instrumentation Technician for Mountain Observatories

University of Arizona; Tucson (AZ); Hybrid; USD 53,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Job summary

The University of Arizona's Steward Observatory is seeking a Research Technologist I to support mountaintop observatories at Kitt Peak, Mt. Graham, and the Santa Catalina Mountains.

You will mount, service, and test scientific instruments, perform performance checks, and help with coatings at the Mirror Aluminizing Facility. Required are a related-degree, strong communication skills, and the ability to work long shifts including nights/weekends; valid driver’s license and readiness to travel to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Astronomy, Physics, Engineering or related field or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 1 year of relevant work experience is required.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

Responsibilities

• Configures, maintains, and tests sophisticated astronomical research instruments used at various telescopes.
• Verifies that the instrumentation and telescope are functioning properly.
• Initiates trouble-shooting procedures if problems are encountered.
• Installs and removes instrumentation from telescopes as dictated by the research schedule.
• Advises and participates in projects initiated to improve the overall efficiency and/or safety of research instrumentation, control software, and telescopes.
• Provides assistance at the Mirror Aluminizing Facility in all of the processes required to put new reflective coatings on astronomical mirrors used in research and education at the University of Arizona and for reflective optics contracted to be coated by other institutions.
• Responsibilities include operating and maintaining the vacuum systems used at the aluminizing facility and at Steward Observatory's remote telescope sites.
• Communicates with researchers, staff, and engineers on a wide variety of technical issues dealing with instrumentation, optics, and telescope operation and performance.
• Trains researchers on the use of instrumentation and telescopes.
• Documents use and maintenance of research equipment, assists with maintaining the Mountain Operations WIKI, and assists with other documentation and record-keeping as needed.
• Transports instruments, cryogenic liquids, compressed gases, supplies and equipment to and from remote mountaintop sites.
• Performs minor building and ground maintenance.
• This could include plumbing, electrical and carpentry maintenance and repairs such as replacing solenoid valves, switches, relays, and thermostats, rewiring appliances, construction partitions, installing pipe and related plumbing fixtures.
• Uses power tools, hand tools, voltmeter to perform repair and maintenance work.
• May be required to assist with custodial duties and/or clearing site of brush and snow, which can involve shoveling or plowing snow.

Skills

Excellent written communication

Oral communication

Computer skills

Optics/electronics handling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Astronomy, Physics, Engineering or related field

Tools

Linux/Unix

Windows OS

Microsoft Office

Networking basics

Job description

The University of Arizona's Steward Observatory is seeking a Research Technologist I to support mountaintop observatories at Kitt Peak, Mt. Graham, and the Santa Catalina Mountains.

You will mount, service, and test scientific instruments, perform performance checks, and help with coatings at the Mirror Aluminizing Facility. Required are a related-degree, strong communication skills, and the ability to work long shifts including nights/weekends; valid driver’s license and readiness to travel to