Job Description

Position Description: 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. Position Summary The Engineering Services Division of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory announces an opportunity for a full-time Telescope Mechanic at the Very Large Array (VLA). Under direct supervision, the Telescope Mechanic provides routine maintenance service to scientific investigations through the construction, installation, test, repair and maintenance of a radio telescope and associated equipment used to collect radio astronomical data for a variety of observers. The appointment is expected to be made at the level of Telescope Mechanic I; in exceptional cases, a higher rank will be considered. This is a Safety Sensitive position. The position is based at the VLA, 50 miles west of Socorro, New Mexico. What You Will be Doing: Responds to routine maintenance, installation, testing, calibration, repair, and troubleshooting of mechanical, electrical, and limited electronic components issues on all telescopes and related equipment. Provides limited assistance, as qualified, in the operation and testing of telescope and operating equipment, when required. Assists in the functional evaluation of newly installed equipment to evaluate system performance under actual operating conditions. May assist Telescope Operators with receiver/equipment changes. Assists in taking and maintaining inventory of parts. Maintains records of maintenance activities, uses PC as required. Assists with indoor/outdoor painting, when required. Maintains tools and equipment in safe operating condition. Assists other maintenance and support personnel as assigned. Uses hand and power tools; works from verbal or written instructions, sketches and prints Proactive compliance with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures in own work area is expected. Other duties may be assigned. Work Environment While performing the duties of this job, the employee works both outdoors on buildings and indoors in a shop. The employee works in high places, outside in all weather conditions, near moving mechanical parts and electrical equipment. Work is performed at a high altitude (7000 ft.) environment. Must be able to work in a high noise area with PPE’s. Who You Are: Education High School diploma or GED Experience Minimum of two years of experience as a radio telescope mechanic or comparable experience in the industrial maintenance field. Skills and Competencies Ability to read and interpret documents such as schematics, blueprints, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and Material Safety Data Sheets. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. A working knowledge of machine shop, welding, and electrical techniques and procedures is desirable. Must have a good working knowledge of rigging and material handling techniques. Must be able to operate a personal computer. Additional Requirement Must hold and maintain a valid New Mexico driver’s license. (Class A CDL preferred) Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B Visas for this position. Physical Demands The ability to climb antenna stairs and ladders to heights of above 100 feet, lift equipment up to 50 pounds (unassisted) is essential. Must possess visual acuity (corrected is acceptable) and manual dexterity to be able to perform work on small pieces or areas of work material, and hearing acuity in order to perform work safely with instructions and guidance being given over hand-held radios and/or during operations of loud machinery. Work is performed outdoors, at heights and near moving machinery. 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. Total Rewards: Compensation The starting salary/hourly rate of this position is between $22.75-$32.31 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. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement, please visit 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 #J-18808-Ljbffr National-Radio-Astronomy-Observatory

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