Electrical/Electronics Technician

The National Solar Observatory (NSO) Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) project is seeking an Electrical/Electronics Technician to provide support to the Technical Operations team for the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) Observatory as directed by the Electrical/Electronics Technician Group Leader. The Electrical/Electronics Technician will be an integral part of the Technical Operations team, responsible for operation and maintenance of DKIST equipment ranging from drives and motors to precision optics and instruments to thermal and HVAC systems. The Electrical/Electronics Technician will also participate in the design, fabrication, installation, testing, and commissioning of new observatory equipment and systems. 

Essential Functions: 

• Perform installation, checkout, operation, and maintenance of electrical and electronic components, systems, and equipment under the direction of a supervisory engineer.
• Perform technical activities including basic design, selection of components, assembly, troubleshooting, modification, and repair of observatory systems.
• Execute observatory system maintenance; assist in the development and performance of planned maintenance on commissioned and new sub-systems.
• Prepare the observatory for scientific and engineering operations by means of safety and pre-move inspections. Support operations by means of monitoring system performance, performing ad-hoc debugging and repairs, implementing improvements, and completing maintenance
• Prepare drawings, checklists, and material takeoffs. Identify discrepancies in existing documentation, procedures, and reports for updating/correction.
• Ensure that laboratory facility bench stock, consumables, spares, tools, and test equipment are maintained.

 General Functions:

• Assist in solving problems as required, achieving assigned objectives with proficiency and quality workmanship.
• Solve coordination problems of a technical nature directly or in conjunction with other members of a project team.
• Support other technical personnel as necessary.
• Comply with technical requirements and approved time schedules of assigned work.
• Monitor and report results of activities and note unusual situations.
• Work in accordance with applicable safety standards (including NEC). Ensure safety of operations in areas under purview. Report any unsafe conditions and practices.
• Prepare technical documentation for use by technicians, operators, engineers, and scientific staff.
• All AURA employees are responsible for the proper management and control of all AURA property within their work area, whether assigned to them or someone else. This responsibility includes reporting any known missing, stolen, or non-working property in their work area to their supervisor or the AURA Property Officer.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position or subordinates of this position as defined in the Vela Award Management system 

 Other Functions: 

• Other duties as assigned

 Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities: 

• Associate’s degree, military schools, or college level courses in Electronics, Electrical Engineering Technology or equivalent combination of trades/skill training and demonstrated work experience sufficient to meet job requirements.
• 2-5 years of relevant work experience
• Experience with relevant technology or engineering support functions.
• Ability to fine pitch solder, wire cable connectors, assemble electronics boards and circuit assemblies using hand tools and soldering iron.
• Ability to interpret and generate electronics schematics.
• Ability to test, troubleshoot, and repair digital and analog electronic circuits to component level using a range of test equipment including oscilloscopes, signal generators, and multimeters.
• Ability to speak and write effectively, including preparation and presentation of reports.
• Ability to thrive in a culturally diverse team environment.
• Willingness to actively participate in team safety meetings and adhere to (and advocate for) safety procedures and protocols.
• Sensitive to and respectful of cultural and environmental issues.
• Basic computer skills 

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities: 

• 5-10 or more years of relevant work experience
• Aptitude for work with electro-mechanical, electro-optical, and electronic systems across a broad range of operation, maintenance, repair, and upgrade activities.
• NFPA 70E Electrical Safety Certification, Certified Electrical Safety Worker (CESW), or similar
• Familiarity with National Electric Code (NEC)
• Familiarity with NFPA79 Electrical Standard for Industrial Machinery and/or UL508 Standard for Industrial Control Panels
• Broad range of experience/interest in areas such as:
  • single phase and medium voltage three phase electrical systems
  • working in an astronomical or scientific laboratory environment
  • motion control, digital, and analog servo systems
  • infrared arrays and/or CCDs and controllers
  • programmable logic controllers (PLC)
  • surface mount technology (SMT) assembly and repair
  • HVAC/R systems
  • CAT5/CAT6 cable termination
  • fiber optics termination
  • Ethernet networks and other communication networks and fieldbuses
  • servicing and repair of high vacuum cryogenic scientific instruments
  • optical mirror handling, cleaning, and/or coating
  • experience working in a cleanroom environment
  • CAD 

This position is covered by the NSO Substance Abuse Prevention and Testing policy and pre-employment testing is required.

Please list 3 professional references in your application and attach a CV or resume (PDF files preferred) to your application. Please name any attachments with the following format:  LastnameDocname. Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to [email protected]

AURA will accept and review applications until the position is filled. Qualified internal candidates will be given preference.

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), is a consortium of over 40 US institutions and four international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. AURA is responsible for managing the operations of the NSF’s National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory, the National Solar Observatory, and the construction of the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope and the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope under cooperative agreements with the National Science Foundation and operations of the Space Telescope Science Institute under contracts with NASA.  

AURA, as a leader in the astronomical community, is committed to diversity and inclusion. AURA develops and supports programs that advance our organizational commitment to diversity, broaden participation, and encourage the advancement of diversity throughout the astronomical scientific workforce. Learn more at http://www.aura-astronomy.org/diversity

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA and all of the centers, do not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. 

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at [email protected]