Navy Precision Optical Interferometer (NPOI) Observer Technician

*Below is a partial job description. Please visit our employment page https://lowell.edu/about/employment/ for a complete job description and instructions on how to apply.*

Lowell Observatory is seeking to fill up to 2 Observer Technician (I – II) posts for the Naval Precision Optical Interferometer (NPOI).   NPOI is a partnership between Lowell Observatory, the Naval Research Laboratory, United States Naval Observatory-Flagstaff Station.  The OT primarily conducts observations and provides additional daytime and nighttime opto-mechanical engineering support at NPOI as specified by the end-user, generally an astronomer or engineer from one of the three partner institutions.  This position is responsible for the safety of equipment and personnel on-site during night operations.  Based on prior experience each candidate will be considered for both the OTI or OTII position and reports to the Night Operations Manager (NOM).

RESPONSIBILITIES

The responsibilities of the OTI include night-time setup and operation of the interferometer, the logging of entries and creation of data files required to document the observations, along with performing system closure and shutdown at the end of each observing night.  The OTI shall also perform first-level troubleshooting to resolve system problems, record diagnostic information needed by the daytime team members, and perform adjustment and alignments of optics as necessary for optimized data acquisition. 

Additional NPOI-related responsibilities include supporting the engineering, scientific, and site maintenance staff from the three partner institutions; support for upgrades to the array and its instrumentation; support for retrofits or servicing efforts; creation and maintenance of on-line procedures, checklists, and documentation.  The OTI shall be cognizant of system and facility malfunctions and safety issues and to report such items to Lowell Observatory or Navy staff.  When necessary, the OTI may be required to augment Lowell maintenance personnel to aid in performing site safety clearing measures such as snow removal and forest fire fuels abatement. 

The responsibilities of the OTII are the same as for the OTI position but may also include performing alignments, adjustments, and maintenance of NPOI optical and mechanical systems under the directions of Lowell Observatory, NRL, or NOFS astronomers and/or engineers.  The OTII may also be required to perform training of additional staff or act as an on-call troubleshooter when the Night Operations Manager is not available. 

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS

•             Strong technical and communication skills

•             Strong proficiency with varied computer systems including Windows, Linux, and MAC OSX based

               systems.  Raspbian and other more recent OS’s are desirable but not required.

•             Past user experience with Linux systems is desirable.

•             A demonstrated willingness and ability to learn new systems

•             Demonstrated history or experience with troubleshooting technically complex systems.

•             Strong attention to detail.

•             Ability to reliably work remotely and independently, and in a safe and efficient manner.

•             Self-motivated

•             Demonstrated professional oral and written communication skills.
 

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Qualified candidates for the OTI post should possess a Bachelor’s degree in Astronomy, Physics, Computer Science, Engineering, or a closely related STEM field; though candidates with at least 2-3 years of hands-on experience with operations of computer-based control systems and holding an Associate’s degree (or equivalent) will be considered.

Preparation must include a demonstrated understanding of astronomical coordinate systems and time keeping, and prior experience with Linux based multi-window computer-based control systems and/or experience operating telescopes, astronomical instrumentation.  Experience operating an optical interferometer is a strong plus.  Also, experience with maintaining astronomical instrumentation, along with gathering and reducing astronomical data, will be considered positively.

Qualified candidates for the OTII post must have a Bachelor’s degree in Astronomy, Physics, Computer Science, Engineering, or a closely related STEM field, and a minimum of 2 years of observational astronomy experience and experience with Linux based multi-window computer control systems. Alternatively, candidates with a Master’s Degree in an appropriate field (Astronomy, STEM, Aviation, and Instrumentation) will be considered.  Experience with maintaining astronomical instrumentation, and gathering and reducing interferometric data will be considered positively.

Due to the remote nature of the facility, the candidate must have a valid AZ driver’s license or be able to acquire an AZ state driver’s license upon acceptance of this position.

Applications received by August 23rd 2020 will receive full consideration. The position will remain open until filled.