Electronics Engineer II at National Radio Astronomy Observatory – CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia

National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Title: Electronics Engineer II

Location: NRAO Central Development Lab, 1180 Boxwood Estate Rd, CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia, United States of America

Requisition Number: 151

Job Family: Electronics Engineer

Pay Type: Salary

Required Education: ENG

Position Description:

Position Summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is an exciting and prestigious research facility that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. The Observatory operates a variety of radio telescopes that span the globe, including the famous Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico, the Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia, and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile. These telescopes are among the most advanced in the world, allowing astronomers to explore the universe in unprecedented detail.

The Central Development Laboratory (CDL) at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is the largest engineering team in the US dedicated to the development of radio astronomy technology. The CDL is a hub for technological and scientific collaboration and has the mission to develop state-of-the-art technology for use in radio telescopes used by the international scientific community.

The CDL seeks an Electronics Engineer to join the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) project’s Photonics Group, responsible for the fiber optic and laser-based microwave photonic equipment deployed at the site.

What You Will be Doing

Under broad assignment, and guidance of a senior engineer, you will be responsible for the carrying out and assisting in engineering diagnosis, analysis, and maintenance of photonics systems and components. Specifically, you will work with programmers and scientists to identify and solve problems remotely on fielded photonics and microwave photonics equipment at the ALMA site. You will review and execute necessary repair and maintenance on various photonics modules and complex assemblies (including fiber lasers, photonic amplifiers and receivers, optical switching equipment, optical line-length correctors, microwave photonic reference generators, etc.). Responsibilities also include recommendations, coordination and assisting in decisions on such aspects as design, procurement, manufacture, assembly, test and some degree of initial operation of new systems. Managing spares inventory and related databases would be another responsibility.

Work Environment

Work is mission driven, team oriented and typically performed in an office/lab setting within a research or development environment. The selected candidate may be occasionally required to work outdoors and at high altitudes.

Who You Are:

• You have a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, or similar
• You have at least one year of experience and/or training in related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• You are knowledgeable on Analog electrical circuit design, implementation, troubleshooting, and testing. Experience with Digital circuits (CPLD, FPGA) a plus
• You have test and troubleshooting experience in either analog RF or photonic circuits (transmitters, detectors, amplifiers, modulators…), experience with RF over fiber or telecom is desired.
• Attention to detail is critical for you
• You are highly organized
• You have excellent communication skills

Additional Requirement

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

Total Rewards:

Associated Universities Inc. (AUI) offers a comprehensive total rewards package for this position, subject to eligibility requirements. We are committed to serving our employees and their families with an extensive and competitive compensation and benefits package that supports our employees’ overall well-being and career growth.

Compensation

AUI strives to attract and retain dedicated, highly qualified, competent, and motivated employees by offering competitive compensation and recognition for performance.

Factors which may affect starting pay and level may include; education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions.

Benefits:

AUI’s benefits package addresses the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment. AUI provides excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days and 15 sick days, additional time off for doctor/dentist visits, and 8 weeks of paid parental leave). 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; we also offer an optional supplemental, tax-deferred plan for employee retirement contributions.

Application Instructions:

Select the “Apply” button. Please be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the position.

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