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 the GBO in Green Bank, West Virginia, we have an employment opportunity for an Electronics Engineer. The successful candidate will join the Electronics Division that is responsible for the operations, design, and maintenance of many of the GBT’s electronics systems, including telescope servo systems.

What You Will be Doing:

The electronics engineer will be involved in the design, testing, and maintenance of various digital systems for use in radio astronomy, including radio telescope servo systems, the GBT active surface system, embedded systems, digital signal processing systems, and instrumentation systems. This position requires a motivated person with a high level of organizational skills who is comfortable working in an academic rural environment.

Job Duties Summary

Develop embedded microcontroller systems.

• Develop and support telescope servo systems.
• Maintain various radio telescope electronic systems.
• Assists in preparing costs and time analysis of projects. Makes recommendations for procedures, equipment purchases, and other improvements.
• Provide leadership to technicians, cooperative education students and/or summer students.
• Proactive compliance with Observatory and government safety policies and procedures in own work area is expected.
• Other duties as assigned.

Work Environment

Work is primarily performed in a research environment consisting of desk time, bench work, and laboratory testing. Work involves troubleshooting and the repair of electrical and electronic equipment in the field. The candidate must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds. Occasional duties must be performed on work platforms and unprotected walkways at heights of up to 450 ft above ground level. Work involves power systems of up to 480 volts.

Who You Are:

• You have a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. An advanced degree in a related field is preferred.
• You may have, but not required, one year of relevant experience encompassing the following technical expertise:
• Knowledge of C, C++, Python, and PLC ladder logic programming.
• Knowledge of motor controllers and electro-mechanical systems.
• Knowledge of servo systems.
• Knowledge of common test equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and power meters.
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical and electronic systems to the component level from drawings using common test equipment.
• Fiber optic cable splicing
• Programming with Labview or similar computer software
• CAD software such as Autocad and Inventor

Competency:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to clearly convey technical information to software developers, engineers and scientists, interact with peers in a positive and respectful way and calmly resolve conflicts.

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.

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:

Compensation

For this open rank position, the starting hourly/salary rates for each level is between:

Position Level 1: $27.66-36.65 per hour

Position Level 2: $68,991-$96,588 annual salary

Factors which may affect starting pay within these ranges 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 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