ngVLA Technical Project Manager in Albuquerque, New Mexico at National Radio Astronomy Observatory

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 NRAO is continuing the design and construction of a Next-Generation Very Large Array (ngVLA). This future large area array of radio antennas is optimized to perform imaging of thermal emission down to milli-arcsecond scales and will open up new discovery space from proto-planetary disks to distant galaxies. It is envisioned to have ten times the sensitivity and spatial resolution of the Very Large Array (VLA) and Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA). It will operate from 1.2 GHz to 116 GHz, and include a dense core of antennas on kilometer scales for high surface brightness sensitivity and imaging. The ngVLA will be located in the southwest USA, centered near the present location of the current VLA site.

Recently, a ngVLA pathfinder instrument – the High-Resolution Subarray (HRS) has been considered by the ngVLA partners. The HRS pathfinder instrument is being planned to implement several core ngVLA technologies at selected sites across the United States, with development/construction planned in parallel with ngVLA in coming years.

The NRAO is seeking a Technical Project Manager (TPM) to lead the technical/engineering aspects of the ngVLA and HRS efforts through completion of the design phase and into construction. The TPM supervises the technical execution of the project, ensures the project follows project management best practices, and manages relationships with project stakeholders. The ngVLA TPM is a leading member of the ngVLA Project Office, and reports to the ngVLA Project Director.

The location for the position will be based at the NRAO facility in Albuquerque, NM. A domestic partial teleworking arrangement will be considered

What You Will be Doing:

• Leads the ngVLA/HRS Project Office technical efforts and oversees the ngVLA Product Teams through the instrument design phases, and ultimately into the construction of the HRS and ngVLA.
• Supervises the execution of project scope, monitors adherence to schedule, oversees budget, analyzes risks, establishes contingency plans, identifies risk trigger events, and has the responsibility for initiating mitigating actions.
• Implements project management standards, processes, tools, techniques, and support services in the project using best practices.
• Manages relationships with project stakeholders, to include funding agencies, domestic and international partners, and vendors.

Work Environment

Work is typically performed in a research and development environment, but work outdoors may occasionally be required. Must be able to travel both domestically and internationally by air carrier.

Who You Are:

Education

• bachelor's degree in engineering (mechanical or electrical preferred), astronomy, physical science, or a closely related field.

Experience

• Minimum of 15+ years of experience in actively leading and managing technical projects.

Skills and Competencies

• Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Strong leadership ability is required, and attention to detail is critical.
• Must have a high level of competency in Microsoft software products and web-based systems, Visio, and SharePoint.

• Knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred:
  • Astronomical telescopes; radio telescopes; RF, microwave or millimeter wave systems; photonics; high-speed digital electronics.

Additional Requirement

• PMI PMP certification and INCOSE ASEP (or higher) certification are highly desirable.

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

Total Rewards:

Compensation

The starting salary/hourly rate of this position is between $144,000-$180,000 per year. 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.
• Click Total Rewards for more information.

Application Instructions:

Select the “Apply” button above. Please combine your resume, a bibliography if applicable, and a cover letter into one PDF file and attach to your NRAO application. As part of the screening process, you should be prepared to provide the names and contact information of three individuals, who are familiar with your experience and abilities, for letters of reference.

For full consideration, applications must be received by June 30th 2026; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please email inquiries to careers@nrao.edu, Human Resources.

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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 resumes@nrao.edu. PM20