Electrical Engineer - Hobby Eberly Telescope

McDonald Observatory at The University of Texas at Austin, has an opening for an Electrical Engineer at the Hobby-Eberly Telescope (HET); a state-of-the-art optical telescope facility located in the Davis Mountains of West Texas, 16 miles from Ft. Davis, Texas (440 miles west of UT Austin campus). This position is responsible for modifying, repairing or reconfiguring the HET electrical, electro-optical and electro-mechanical subsystems throughout the facility. This includes the robotic top end of the telescope consisting of 14 servo controlled motion axis’ directing the telescope’s pointing and focus. Also on the telescope’s top is the Prime Focus Instrument Package (PFIP) containing an additional 13 servo controlled motion systems to control telescope guiding and collection of photons. Other responsibilities include, VFD drives, induction motors, PLC systems, pneumatic actuators and controls, clean room air flow/pressure actuators and controls and other control/measurement systems through the facility.  Required qualifications: Master's degree in electrical engineering and two years of related experience, or Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and four years of related experience; equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate. Candidates should have the work ethic and drive to maximize the scientific output of the telescope.  Preferred qualifications: Knowledge and/or working experience in motion controls and industrial controls. Knowledge of electrical code and industry standards for control systems, enclosures, and rotating equipment. Knowledge and experience with designing and maintaining electronics at the board and component level. Additional desired skillsets include PCB design, ability to design, build and program PLC systems, and experience with Astronomical Instrumentation.  To view a complete job description visit: https://utaustin.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UTstaff/job/MCDONALD-OBSERVATORY/HET-Electrical-Engineer_R_00007262 for a complete job description. For more information about the telescope and McDonald Observatory visit http://www.as.utexas.edu/mcdonald/het/het.html. Security sensitive position; conviction verification on applicant will be conducted. The University of Texas at Austin is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.