Senior Electrical Systems Engineer – Telescope Power

Teaching with Telescopes; Tucson, Northern (AZ, KY); Hybrid; USD 112,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

NSF NOIRLab is seeking an Electrical Systems Engineer for the Mayall 4-meter Telescope in Tucson, AZ. The role focuses on assessing, maintaining, and upgrading electrical infrastructure to ensure reliable power delivery to critical telescope systems.

Responsibilities include designing backup power strategies, leading upgrades, documenting systems, and coordinating with engineering, facilities, safety, and operations teams onsite at Kitt Peak Summit.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 7–10 years of professional experience in design, operation, and maintenance of industrial or mission-critical electrical systems.
• Experience with generator systems, UPS, power distribution, and switchgear.
• Knowledge of NEC and applicable safety standards.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and in cross-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate the current electrical power infrastructure supporting the Mayall Telescope.
• Update and maintain electrical documentation, drawings, and schematics.
• Develop and implement upgrades 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.
• Monitor performance, reliability, and load characteristics of generators, UPS, switchgear, panels, and distribution systems.
• Collaborate closely with telescope engineering, facilities, safety, and operations teams to minimize operational impact.
• Provide electrical engineering support to other telescopes and facilities at Kitt Peak as required.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

PE license (preferred)

Tools

EPlan

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

SCADA

Job description

NSF NOIRLab is seeking an Electrical Systems Engineer for the Mayall 4-meter Telescope in Tucson, AZ. The role focuses on assessing, maintaining, and upgrading electrical infrastructure to ensure reliable power delivery to critical telescope systems.

Responsibilities include designing backup power strategies, leading upgrades, documenting systems, and coordinating with engineering, facilities, safety, and operations teams onsite at Kitt Peak Summit.