Technical Specialist III-IV

National-Radio-Astronomy-Observatory; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 46,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Albuquerque/Socorro, NM is seeking a Technical Specialist to aid in design, development, operations and maintenance of radio telescopes and support systems. The role covers testing, fabrication and data analysis within a mission-driven team.

The ideal candidate has an associate degree in electronics and substantial RF/microwave experience, with strong attention to detail and teamwork. Travel and field work may be required.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in electronics or closely related field.
• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or related field preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in design, manufacture, and/or maintenance of antennas and RF systems.
• Experience with ADC/DAC, oscillators, amplifiers, and mixers.

Responsibilities

• Support electronic design, layout, assembly, testing and troubleshooting with engineers.
• Procurement and testing of microwave components and circuits.
• Fabricate, assemble, and test prototype and production units.
• Utilize test apparatus to conduct functional, environmental, and reliability testing.
• Analyze and interpret test data and publish results.
• May assist in field installation and maintenance of units.

Skills

Electrical/Electronics theory

RF/microwave design

Test data analysis

Documentation and reporting

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Strong communication skills

Education

Associate’s degree in electronics

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Spectrum Analyzers

Network Analyzers

RF test equipment

PCB testing

Job description

Position Description:

Position Summary

The 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 universe.

At NRAO, we are recruiting a Technical Specialist to assist in the design, development, operations and maintenance of radio telescopes and associated support systems including environmental monitoring and water vapor radiometers.

The position will be based in either Albuquerque, NM or Socorro, NM.

What You Will be Doing:

• Support electronic design, layout, assembly, testing and troubleshooting in collaboration with engineers and other technical staff.
• Procurement and testing of microwave components and circuits including polarizers, couplers, amplifiers, cables, and printed circuit boards.
• Fabricate, assemble, and test prototype and production units.
• Utilize standard test apparatus or devise test equipment set-ups to conduct functional, operational, environmental, and reliability performance of prototype and production units.
• Analyze and interpret test data. Document and publish test results.
• May assist in the field installation and maintenance of prototype and production units.
• Other duties may be assigned for all positions based on the applicant’s skills and the Observatory’s needs.

Work Environment

Work is mission driven, team oriented and typically performed in an office setting within a research or development environment. The successful candidate may occasionally be required to work outdoors or climb on antenna to heights greater than 40 feet above the ground. Candidate may be required to travel domestically and internationally by air carrier and to travel by car between NRAO sites.

Who You Are:

Education

• Associate’s degree in electronics or a closely related field

• While not required, a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or closely related field is preferred

Experience

• Minimum of ten years of experience in design, manufacture, and/or maintenance and repair of some or all the following technical areas: Antennas, Microwave and RF circuits and systems including oscillators, amplifiers and mixers, and ADC/DAC devices.
• While not required, fifteen years of experience in technical areas as described above is preferred

Skills and Competencies

• High level of competency in Microsoft software products and web-based systems, Visio and SharePoint.
• Attention to detail is critical
• Highly organized
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Problem solving skills
• Ability to work well in a team environment
• A strong foundation in electrical or electronics engineering technology
• Knowledge of RF, analog, and digital circuit design along with specific test and measurement techniques
• Use of various types of electronics test equipment and familiarity with automated test setups to support general test and measurement

Additional Requirement

• Must hold and maintain a valid New Mexico driver’s license.

Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B Visas for this position.

Safety Sensitive

The 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 results.

Total Rewards:

Compensation

The starting salary/hourly rate of this position is between $33.66-$39.65 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 conditions.

Benefits:

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 employment.
• AUI’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement, please visit https://public.nrao.edu/careers/. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to [e-mail].