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 a Technical Specialist. The successful candidate will join the Electronics Division that is responsible for the operations, design, and maintenance of the GBO telescope cryogenic systems, as well as other telescope electronics systems, including receivers.

What You Will be Doing:

The technical specialist will be involved in maintaining cryogenic systems for microwave receivers for use in radio astronomy. These cryogenic systems require maintenance of refrigerators, Helium scroll compressors, and cryogenic lines. The technical specialist will be involved in maintaining, fabrication, and testing of microwave receivers for use in radio astronomy where construction techniques require experimentation with a variety of materials. This position requires a motivated and methodical person who is comfortable working with a variety of research quality instruments.

Job Duties Summary

Maintain, investigate problems, and repair existing cryogenic system components.

• Repair and test Gifford-McMahon refrigerators and Helium scroll compressors.
• Maintain, investigate problems, modify and repair existing cryogenic receivers operating up to 115 GHz.
• Climb with safety harness to install prime focus receivers and inspect cryogenic stainless steel and flexible lines.
• Assist with construction of receivers operating at microwave frequencies.
• Recording and analyzing test data.
• Vacuum Dewar tests with Helium leak detector.
• Locate and order parts and equipment for the Cryogenics laboratory.
• Maintain detailed records of cryogenic systems maintenance and performance.

• Routinely meets predetermined schedules set by supervisors.
• Proactive compliance with NRAO and legal safety policies and procedures in own work area.
• Other duties as assigned.

Work Environment

Work is typically performed in a research or development environment, but employees may be occasionally required to work outdoors. Will be required to stand and sit; perform fine hand manipulation. Must be able to operate a personal computer. Must work near moving mechanical parts and/or with electrical equipment. Occasionally required to climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, and crouch. Occasionally work at high altitudes; and in high, precarious places and in outside weather conditions, and may be exposed to chemicals, or the risk of electrical shock. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color and depth perception.

Who You Are:

• Associate’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in related field
• Related experience required for the position includes mechanics, electrical/electronic technology, physics, welding, machining or field related to the applicable technical area.

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

The starting hourly rate for this position is between $22.54-$29.87 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.
• Click Total Rewards for more information.

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