Specialty Trades Technician

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 57,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Chapel Hill, NC seeks an Argus Array Integration and Metrology Technician to fabricate, assemble, integrate, and test the Argus Array components, starting at UNC and continuing on site at the observatory.

The role requires hands-on mechanical/electromechanical assembly, proficiency with laser tracker metrology, and the ability to troubleshoot issues while supporting extended integration and testing.

Qualifications

• Hands-on fabrication, assembly, and machine shop experience.
• Willingness to spend significant time at a remote observatory for extended integration and testing periods.
• Ability to lift/move 40+ pounds and work at heights up to 30 feet.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate, assemble, integrate, and test the Argus Array components.
• Develop into the project’s subject matter expert for laser tracker metrology operation.
• Work with the team to troubleshoot complex technical issues during integration and testing.

Skills

Independent work

Hands-on fabrication

Laser metrology

Geometry and trigonometry

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Leica AT500 laser tracker

Job description

Department:

Physics and Astronomy-319000

Career Area:

Research Professionals

Is this an internal only recruitment?:

No

Posting Open Date :

07/30/2026

Application Deadline:

08/31/2026

Position Type:

Permanent Staff (SHRA)

Position Title:

Specialty Trades Technician - Journey

Salary Grade Equivalent:

NC10 / GN10

Working Title:

Specialty Trades Technician

Position Number:

20077666

Vacancy ID:

P021244

Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited:

Full-Time Permanent

Hours per week:

40

Work Schedule:

These activities are usually accomplished in a standard 40- hour week schedule.
Ability to work extended hours during critical testing phases, including potential night work

Work Location:

CHAPEL HILL, NC

Position Location:

North Carolina, US

Hiring Range:

$56,965-$65,509

Pay Band Information:

To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.

Notice to Applicants:

This position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship.

Be a Tar Heel!:

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit:

In the Department of Physics and Astronomy at UNC Chapel Hill, graduate education and research advances frontiers of knowledge at the two extremes of space and time, from the very small (the realm of particle physics) to the very large (the realm of astronomy), while expanding the boundaries of knowledge in the many subfields spanning length scales between. Forefront physics and astronomy research requires access to well-equipped laboratories and extensive computing capabilities; it also must be supported by comprehensive and accessible library collections. Again, in research at this advanced level, the bridging aspect of physics provides basic interdisciplinary insight for many other sciences.

The Argus Array will be the largest optical telescope array ever assembled, with a collecting area comparable to the largest monolithic telescopes in the world. The Array will push our observations of the universe into a new regime, scanning the sky 100,000x faster than current nightly-cadence sky surveys. Argus will capture a continuous multi-color, 122-gigapixel movie of the night sky, shared with the entire astronomical community in real-time through public transient alerts, images, and light curves with millions of epochs for hundreds of millions of stars.

Position Summary:

The Argus Array Integration and Metrology Technician will serve as a hands-on technical contributor to fabrication, assembly, integration, and testing of the array, first during integration at UNC Chapel Hill and then on site at the observatory. This position requires hands-on experience building and assembling complex mechanical and electromechanical systems. A central part of this role is to develop into the project’s subject matter expert for laser tracker metrology operation. The successful candidate will become the primary operator of the Leica AT500 laser tracker (or similar system) used to precisely align and orient critical system components and will work with the project team to troubleshoot complex technical issues and serve as a technical resource throughout integration and testing.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

High school diploma or equivalency and two years of experience related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience.

Management Preferences:

• Ability to work independently on complex technical projects.
• Extensive hands-on experience in fabrication, assembly, and machine shop operations, AND/OR experience in physics, astronomy, engineering, or a related technical field, or an equivalent combination of advanced technical training and hands-on experience
• Working knowledge of basic geometry and trigonometry.
• Willingness to spend significant time at a remote observatory for extended integration and testing periods.
• Willingness to work at height, in various weather conditions, and in varying temperatures and outdoor environments.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements :

• Ability to lift/move 40+ pounds and work at heights up to 30 feet, including comfort working on ladders and elevated platforms.
• Ability to work alternate schedules during critical commissioning phases, including potential night work.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities:

Not Applicable.