Electronics And Computer Or Mechanical Engineering Technician/Assistant Engineer

AURA and the National Solar Observatory are looking to add an Electronics and Computer or Mechanical Engineering Technician/Assistant Engineer to the team. This role will assist in maintaining a network of solar telescopes around the world. This may include mechanical, opto-mechanical, electro-mechanical system, the hardware and software for data acquisition and analysis, monitoring, tracking, and trending of major telescope operation and data acquisition systems. The Technician/Assistant Engineer will participate in defining maintenance requirements; troubleshooting, root cause analysis; preparing detailed corrective maintenance instruction for complex or critical telescope systems. This will include remote and/or on-site support for telescope operations, remote systems monitoring and troubleshooting, and working with other members of the scientific and engineering teams to support NISP operations activities. The responsibilities include occasional domestic and international travel to perform repairs and maintenance at the telescope sites. Due to somewhat stringent travel requirements (travel on a short-notice to visa-free countries), the position is currently open to US citizens only.

• (Mechanical Engineering Technician/Assistant Engineer) Assist in converting heritage 2D CAD designs to SOLIDWORKS and maintaining SOLIDWORKS assembly models for the facilities.
• Assist in monitoring, tracking, and trending of major telescope operation and data acquisition systems. This includes remote support for telescope operations, remote systems monitoring and troubleshooting, identifying potential issues and working with the supporting staff at each remote site on resolving the issues. Occasional rotating weekend coverage for remote monitoring and support of the NSO Integrated Synoptic Program (NISP) network operations.
• Assist in maintaining telescope mechanical, opto- and electro-mechanical and/or the data acquisition and analysis systems including onsite maintenance or emergency repairs. This requires occasional domestic and international travel to telescope sites (on average about two 15-day trips a year).
• Work with the scientific and engineering teams to support NISP operations activities including new instrument concept development.

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Software development experience should include C++, shell scripting (BASH), Make, and Python
• Demonstrate sound technical understanding of engineering or system engineering typical for astronomical/physical laboratory instrumentation facility operations
• Sensitive to, and respectful of, cultural and environmental issues
• Demonstrate working experience/education in engineering including design, commissioning, troubleshooting, and technical baseline maintenance
• Education/experience in software development with emphasis on Linux development; as well as understanding of electronics and their applications to software interfacing
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Engineering Technology from an ABET-accredited College or University. Equivalent education and experience may be considered.
• Ability to work within an established software framework
• Commitment to stay abreast of current-market hardware and software evolution
• Basic level of networking knowledge (TCP/IP, Firewalls, sendmail, etc.)
• Demonstrate ability to communicate well, both written and verbally
• Specific for Electronics and Computer Engineering Technician/Assistant Engineer
  • Education/experience in software development with emphasis on Linux development; as well as understanding of electronics and their applications to software interfacing
  • Software development experience should include C++, shell scripting (BASH), Make, and Python
  • Ability to work within an established software framework
  • Basic level of networking knowledge (TCP/IP, Firewalls, sendmail, etc.)

Desirable Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge and/or experience with PLC’s or real-time systems (i.e. VxWorks, RTLinux, etc.) desirable.
• Desirable for candidate to be familiar with data analysis tools, such as IRAF, Jupiter Notebooks, Excel, Spice, etc.
• Experience in version control for software development, such as GIT, SVN (Subversion), and/or CVS (Concurrent Versions System) is desired.
• Specific for Mechanical Engineering Technologist/Assistant Engineer.
  • Working knowledge of SOLIDWORKS; Familiarity with SOLIDWORKS Simulation (FEA software) and SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation (CFD software) is a plus.
• Specific for Electronics and Computer Engineering Technologist/Assistant Engineer:
  • Experience in version control for software development, such as GIT, SVN (Subversion), and/or CVS (Concurrent Versions System) is desired.
  • Knowledge and/or experience with PLC’s or real-time systems (i.e. VxWorks, RTLinux, etc.) desirable.
  • Desirable for candidate to be familiar with data analysis tools, such as IRAF, Jupiter Notebooks, Excel, Spice, etc.
• Working knowledge of Windows and Apple computers is desired, though strong preference towards Linux based systems and development is preferred.
• An interest, knowledge, or hobby in, or of, Astronomy and Astronomical instruments (such as telescopes and peripheral equipment) would be helpful and desirable.
• Working knowledge of SOLIDWORKS; Familiarity with SOLIDWORKS Simulation (FEA software) and SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation (CFD software) is a plus.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors, and ability to adjust focus and distinguish colors.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk, climb stairs and ladders; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or feel.
• Must possess sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to reach upward, sideways, downward to work with paper files and sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, copiers, and other office machines.
• The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Must possess: 1) ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform job; 2) sufficient visual capacity to perform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than eye contacts or eye glasses; 3) sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid; and 4) ability to impart information orally so that others understand and can respond appropriately.
• Ability to work regularly at 11,500’ elevation, sometimes during inclement weather.
• This position may require occasional domestic and international travel.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $72,000-$82,000. The salary is dependent upon qualifications and experience.

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

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 47 US institutions and 3 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories for the National Science Foundation and NASA. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. In addition, AURA is deeply committed to public and educational outreach, and to diversity throughout the astronomical and scientific workforce. AURA carries out its role through its astronomical facilities.

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off, health and welfare benefits, and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/employee-benefits-guide/

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 does 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. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.