Electronics Technician Lead

W. M. Keck Observatory

4d • $73,134 - $87,300 • Onsite

About The Position

Elevate your career as an Electronics Technician Lead… Literally!

If your idea of a great day includes solving electronics mysteries, mentoring teammates, and working where the clouds are below you, then this role might be your next adventure. At W. M. Keck Observatory we’re looking for an Electronics Technician Lead who’s ready to lead the charge at 13,000 feet, supporting instruments that help explore the universe. So, if you’re excited about combining technical mastery with leadership and love the idea of supporting world‑class science from a mountaintop, we’d love to meet you. Bring your expertise, your problem‑solving mindset, and a warm jacket. The summit is calling.

Why Choose W. M. Keck Observatory:
Competitive starting salary ranging from $73,134 to $87,300.
Generous benefits package, including 4 weeks of annual paid vacation.
A robust 8% 403(b) employer contribution (with a 4% employee contribution).
Tuition assistance for dependent children grades K-12 attending private school on Hawai’i Island.
Comprehensive, employer provided health insurance.
Be a part of a dedicated team working on the frontiers of astronomy.

The Mission of an Electronics Technician Lead:
As the Electronics Technician Lead, you’ll be the trusted expert responsible for keeping our observatory’s electronic systems running reliably in a truly unique environment. Much of your time will be spent diving into advanced troubleshooting on sensitive scientific equipment, performing detailed calibrations, and completing precision board-level repairs. You’ll monitor system performance closely and step in whenever a piece of equipment starts acting a little “altitude‑grumpy,” applying your experience and creativity to bring everything back in line.

As the Electronics Technician Lead, you’ll also mentor and guide the Electronics Technician and other staff, sharing knowledge, coaching newer team members, and helping them grow their confidence and abilities. You’ll assist in prioritizing daily tasks and ensuring the team’s efforts align with operational goals. Collaboration is a big part of the job, so you’ll frequently work with engineering staff, operations personnel, and other summit teams to keep everything coordinated. You’ll also document system updates, repair notes, configuration changes, and improvement ideas so that knowledge is shared effectively and nothing gets lost in the clouds.

Requirements

• Associate degree in Electronics or equivalent technical training or experience.
• Five (5) or more years of experience in a highly technical or scientific operations environment.
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting complex electronic and control systems.
• Experience working around sensitive optics, instrumentation, or large technical systems.
• Advanced troubleshooting and diagnostic skills for electronic and control systems.
• Ability to interpret and implement complex schematics and technical documentation.
• Basic programming or control-system configuration experience.
• Ability to provide technical guidance and mentoring to other technicians.
• Microsoft Office proficiency.
• Strong knowledge of analog and digital electronics, control systems, and electronic communications.
• Proficiency with electronic test equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and power analyzers.
• Ability to analyze, diagnose, and implement solutions for complex electronic circuits and systems.
• Valid driver's license and clean abstract.

Responsibilities

• Diving into advanced troubleshooting on sensitive scientific equipment
• Performing detailed calibrations
• Completing precision board-level repairs
• Monitoring system performance
• Mentoring and guiding the Electronics Technician and other staff
• Sharing knowledge, coaching newer team members, and helping them grow their confidence and abilities
• Assisting in prioritizing daily tasks and ensuring the team’s efforts align with operational goals
• Working with engineering staff, operations personnel, and other summit teams to keep everything coordinated
• Documenting system updates, repair notes, configuration changes, and improvement ideas

Benefits

• Competitive starting salary ranging from $73,134 to $87,300.
• Generous benefits package, including 4 weeks of annual paid vacation.
• A robust 8% 403(b) employer contribution (with a 4% employee contribution).
• Tuition assistance for dependent children grades K-12 attending private school on Hawai’i Island.
• Comprehensive, employer provided health insurance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree