R&D Electrical Engineer III — Telescope Systems & Field Ops

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA; Tucson, Northern (AZ, KY); Hybrid; USD 87,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full Benefits

Tuition reduction for employee &Family

Job summary

University of Arizona's Steward Observatory seeks an experienced R&D Electrical Engineer III to support telescope operations on mounting sites in southern Arizona. You will lead engineering phases for projects, coordinate engineers and technicians, and design advanced electrical and control systems for telescopes and facilities.

The role requires travel to remote mountain sites, occasional nights/weekends, and the ability to work independently within a multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or similar field and 5+ years experience.
• Valid driver's license and ability to drive per policy.
• Willingness to work nights/weekends and travel to telescope sites.

Responsibilities

• Support operations for Steward Observatory telescopes across southern Arizona.
• Identify complex operating and performance problems and implement solutions.
• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain equipment at telescope sites; guide operators.
• Travel to operation sites with occasional overnight stays.
• Lead engineering phases of projects and coordinate engineers/technicians.
• Design and commission new electrical, electro‑mechanical, and control systems.
• Improve and optimize systems; oversee engineering design for projects.

Skills

Electrical engineering principles

Electro‑mechanical systems

Independent work

Team collaboration

Technical communication

Multi-priority management

Remote site operations

Diagnostics and troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

PLC systems

Schematic capture

2D/3D CAD

Windows & Linux

Programming languages

Embedded systems

Remote field vehicles & equipment

Job description

University of Arizona's Steward Observatory seeks an experienced R&D Electrical Engineer III to support telescope operations on mounting sites in southern Arizona. You will lead engineering phases for projects, coordinate engineers and technicians, and design advanced electrical and control systems for telescopes and facilities.

The role requires travel to remote mountain sites, occasional nights/weekends, and the ability to work independently within a multidisciplinary team.