VLBA Specialist II-III

VLBA Station Specialist The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) announces an VLBA Station Specialist. The VLBA Station Specialist is a hands-on technical staff member skilled and experienced in multiple areas such as digital and analog electronics, mechanical hardware, HVAC systems, general site maintenance, and operations support. NRAO is seeking an employee willing to climb a large radio telescope antenna, troubleshoot and fix problems there or in the site building, and otherwise keep the site operational to enable astronomical data to be continuously received, processed, and delivered for scientific study. This is a rewarding opportunity, where the tenure of Specialists is typically measured in decades due to the interesting work and the Observatory's great benefits and work-life balance. In general, the Specialist, along with another Specialist, is responsible for installation, repairs, and maintenance at the Very Long Baseline Array Station located in Kitt Peak, AZ. The station includes the 25-meter antenna and support infrastructure and is part of a 10-antenna array, spread across the US, all capturing radio astronomical data delivered to a centrally located correlator. The Specialist will interact with other personnel at these sites and at the correlator site. The Specialist must respond to emergency repair situations as dictated by the impact on the station's ability to perform intended functions. The employee typically works with the other Specialist, but is occasionally solo when schedule issues arise and is on-call on alternating weekends. The position performs maintenance, inspection, testing, troubleshooting, repair, data delivery and other work on the Very Long Baseline Array Station, including the 25-meter Antenna. The station includes Radio Frequency receiver and cryogenic systems, data and communications equipment, data recorders, recording media, servo control systems, mechanical drive equipment, and weather stations. Routine duties include: Using standard electronic test equipment, recording effects on unit performance, inspection, and adjustment and/or replacement of defective system components. Performing scheduled maintenance, lubrication and mechanical and electronic inspections. Monitoring and maintenance of all systems for proper operation. This includes the emergency power generating equipment, fire alarms, and HVAC systems. Consultation with the other VLBA Specialist assigned to this site and with NRAO technicians and engineers located elsewhere in formulating and planning corrective actions. Other preventive and corrective maintenance on hardware, test equipment, and peripheral equipment, including inspection against specifications or for quality. Use of electronics test equipment such as digital multimeters, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, signal generators, and power supplies. Use of hand tools for mechanical work or repair. Upkeep of the site and facilities. Additional duties include: Writing technical reports and developing charts, graphs, and schematics to describe equipment's operating characteristics, malfunctions, deviations from design specifications, and functional limitations. This includes documentation of work performed. Recommendation of changes required to achieve functional requirements of the units. Maintenance and servicing of facilities and equipment, including creation of records and reports. Proactive compliance with all NRAO policies and procedures is required. Other duties may be assigned. May be asked to travel to other VLBA sites to support maintenance. Personnel management responsibilities include: Providing staff prioritization, performance evaluation, mentoring of employees, coaching, team building, and conflict resolution. Reviewing timesheets and periodic performance reviews, including interacting with the Human Resources and Business departments of the Observatory when necessary. With guidance, support and training from the Observatory Human Resource Department, timely addresses personnel matters, ensuring compliance with applicable policies such as conduct, recruitment, diversity and inclusion, employee development, performance management, and regulatory compliance. Interpreting, implementing, developing and/or recommending changes to rules, regulations, policies and procedures set forth by the Observatory. Complying with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures in group's area of work. The Specialist frequently works in high places, up to 100 feet, in outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee works near moving mechanical parts and is exposed to electrical hazards. These and other situations mean the employee is often responsible to perform lockout/tag out to create a safe work environment.