Haleakalā Site Engineer

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Friday, August 12, 2022
Archive Date: 
Friday, September 23, 2022
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Other
Institution Classification/Type: 
Other
Institution/Company: 
Las Cumbres Observatory
City: 
Kula
State/Province: 
Maui
Country: 
United States of America
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO) operates a global network of robotic telescopes for scientific research and educational outreach.  The network consists of 25 telescopes at seven sites around the world.  We are looking for a site engineer based in Maui at our Haleakalā site.  The Haleakalā Observatory hosts LCO’s 2-meter telescope Faulkes Telescope North and three 0.4m telescopes. This is a full-time, salaried position. The LCO engineering and telescope operations team is composed of ~10 people, with the majority based at LCO headquarters in Goleta, CA, plus one in Australia, one in the UK, and one in Hawaii (this position).

Culturally, environmentally, and scientifically Haleakalā is a significant site and holds cultural significance to Maui’s native community. We are looking for a staff member who respects and honors this significance.

Duties include:

  • Monitor day to day operation of the observatory at Haleakalā 
  • Perform or oversee the performance of maintenance tasks for LCO’s Haleakalā telescopes on a regular schedule. Electrical and mechanical systems include compressed air, hydraulics, electrical control systems, and HVAC
  • Monitoring telescopes at other LCO sites, as they perform night-time operations during the Maui working day, using a set of specially developed web-tools
  • Help define and improve monitoring procedures and tools utilized for all LCO sites.
  • Oversee local service and supply contracts
  • Respond to system alarms and operation issues outside normal working hours
  • Perform or oversee implementation of various construction and improvement projects
  • Host and support LCO teams traveling to Haleakalā for maintenance and upgrades
  • Occasional travel to other LCO sites to assist engineering maintenance or upgrade activities
  • Build relationships with the University of Hawaii staff that support the observatories on Haleakalā, as well as other local community organizations
  • Participate in other tasks and projects as a member of the global LCO engineering and operations team

Required Qualifications:

  • Self-motivated and able to work independently
  • Five years experience with observatory operations
  • Be able to assemble and install complex assemblies and subsystems
  • Be medically and physically able to work at altitude
  • Possess a strong commitment to safety and pragmatic decision making
  • Ability to work with a small group of globally distributed technical support staff
  • Able to work on ladders 
  • Able to lift 50 pounds
  • Able and willing to travel domestically and internationally without restrictions

Application Details

Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter describing relevant experience.  References will be requested upon completion of a successful interview. 

The successful applicant will need to pass a high-altitude medical exam (paid for by LCO) prior to starting employment. 

The application deadline is September 23, 2022.  

LCO offers a competitive salary, great vacation time, and generous benefits. 

LCO is an Equal Opportunity employer. We are actively engaged in building and nurturing a culture that is welcoming and inclusive of people from diverse backgrounds with regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability and veteran status.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. Please let us know if you would like to disclose a need for accommodation in connection with the recruitment and hiring process. If so, you may contact Sarah Rettinger, Director of Human Resources.

Application Deadline: 
Friday, September 23, 2022
Selection Deadline: 
Friday, September 23, 2022
Current Status of Position: 
Accepting Applicants
Apply to Job
Attention To: 
Sarah Rettinger
Title: 
Director, Human Resources