Control Systems Electronics Engineer, McDonald Observatory

University of Texas at Austin•Austin, TX

39d•$71,000•Onsite

About The Position

This position is a research support staff role that contributes to the performance and scientific operations of fielded instrumentation systems, including both newly introduced systems during commissioning and existing research systems. This support involves assessing the science needs, expected results, and operational limits of the system as a whole, while quickly developing field-friendly modifications to complex systems. These modifications must preserve the core scientific requirements and be feasible in the field to prevent disruptions to research activities. The systems range in age from 1939 to 2025, covering several generations and technology nodes. Examples include motion-control systems used for operating observing subsystems such as the dome, dome shutters, enclosure-related controls, safety interlocks, status reporting systems like indicator panels, decade counters, encoders, and control interfaces on observing subsystems, including scientific instruments. The electrical environment involves low-voltage DC, low-voltage AC, and medium-voltage three-phase motor control components, contacts, motor starters, and voltage/current monitoring interfaces. Performs preventive maintenance, inspections, diagnostic testing, and repairs of electronic, electrical, and electromechanical systems related to instrumentation, control infrastructure, and telescope operations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in electronics, controls, or a related field with experience maintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting scientific instruments and/or electronic systems in an astronomical research or optical lab environment.
Four years of journey-level experience with the installation, repair, maintenance and operation of electrical, electronic and electro-mechanical instrumentation and control systems.
Associates degree in electronics, controls, or a related field with six years of journey level experience in the installation, repair, maintenance and operation of electrical, electronic, and electro-mechanical instrumentation and control systems.
Hands-on experience with machine tools and workshop equipment. Ability to work with precision measuring tools.
Good mechanical aptitude.
Ability to organize and prioritize work to meet deadlines and expectations.
Demonstrated ability to respond to troubleshooting inquiries.
Excellent computer literacy skills, including experience with Microsoft Office products.
Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to work hard.
Self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision.
Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills with the ability to communicate with various audiences, i.e., science users, engineers, educators, nighttime staff, and administrative staff.
Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment and in a professional manner.
Demonstrated ability to develop and document procedures, update the information to a database, and create reports of equipment status
Open to innovative procedures and learning new skills or methods.
Safety conscious and adheres to safety rules and regulations.
Competencies for this position include accuracy and attention to detail, decision-making and critical thinking, effective communication, initiative, interpersonal relationships, problem-solving, and service excellence.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Nice To Haves

Basic computer-aided design (CAD) skills, and ideally expertise in the use of ECAD systems, Altium Designer, Solidworks, AutoDesk Inventor, or similar design and schematic tools.
International Society of Automation Certified Controls Systems Technician (ISA CCST) Level 1 certification.
TDLR Electrical, Electrical Sign, or HVAC license.
Experience working with precision mechanical systems requiring fine motor coordination and a light touch.
Experience in a scientific research field with electrical systems.
Experience working on chillers, HVAC, cooling systems, air compressors, and electro-mechanical systems.

Responsibilities

Responds to trouble calls, communicates with customers, troubleshoots electronic, electrical, and electro-mechanical control systems and components to ensure reliable operation of observing systems.
Performs preventive maintenance and calibrates electronic, electrical, and electro-mechanical controls and sensors to prevent failures, ensure the observing environment operates at optimal performance, and maximize operational availability.
Interprets and works from drawings, specifications, and sketches for assigned projects to ensure university standards are maintained. Commissions control systems for new and renovation construction projects to ensure final control installation meets standards and functional requirements. Performs work independently from written or verbal instructions and in accordance with established safety procedures to complete tasks promptly.
Researches and recommends repair components and test equipment to assist in procuring components. Creates material lists and acquires materials to support efficient work. Keeps accurate records of materials used and maintains daily time reports to complete tasks efficiently and document details of the functions performed. Maintains accurate, up-to-date documentation for all systems.
Renovates and upgrades control systems to ensure efficient operation of the observing environment and to support evolving scientific needs.
Assists others as needed to troubleshoot observing subsystems and other equipment, aiming to minimize equipment downtime and address concerns about the stability of the observing subsystems.
Gathers data on electronics, electrical, and electro-mechanical systems to support analysis and enhance control system performance. Participates in the On-Call Program.
Supports other shops and team members in achieving shop goals related to key performance indicators. Assists external entities as needed. Provides prompt and courteous customer service, keeps supervisors informed about daily work order status to ensure clear, concise, and effective communication, and meets customer expectations. Driving University vehicles to job sites may be required for this role and other duties. Performs other duties as requested to meet business needs.

Benefits

Competitive health benefits (Employee premiums covered at 100%; family premiums at 50%)
Vision, dental, life, and disability insurance options
Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
Teachers Retirement System of Texas (a defined benefit retirement plan)
Additional voluntary retirement programs: tax sheltered annuity 403(b) and a deferred compensation program 457(b)
Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses

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