Engineer Group Lead, VLA

Associated Universities Inc.

1d • $123,000 - $153,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), managed and operated by Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation, is seeking an Engineering Lead to provide managerial and operational support for the Very Large Array (VLA) engineering group. The role has broad oversight responsibility for the VLA site and provides engineering support to the VLA, Next Generation Very Large Array (ngVLA), and Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA). The position is based at the VLA radio telescope site, 50 miles west of Socorro, New Mexico.

The Engineering Lead manages, coordinates, schedules, budgets, trains, and supervises a small engineering team, including the VLA mechanical engineering group, machine shop, and electrical engineer. The role provides technical guidance across antenna mechanics, painting, electrical and electronic equipment, HVAC, computer hardware and software, automotive mechanics, railroad maintenance, plumbing, carpentry, and facilities maintenance. It leads engineering analysis, design, and execution of major projects and systems, and makes decisions concerning design, procurement, manufacture, erection, testing, and initial operation.

The position directs engineering and technical personnel in fabrication and testing, ensures manufacturing, construction, installation, and operational testing meet specifications, and coordinates equipment operation, maintenance, and repair. It also executes a maintenance program that includes repairs, preventive maintenance, and tracking failure patterns. The lead establishes and guides safe work procedures, corrects unsafe practices, enforces PPE use, reports incidents and accidents, maintains a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) program, and complies with the NRAO safety plan.

Work is divided approximately 50/50 between office-based design and engineering and field work with radio antennas and support equipment. The successful candidate may travel domestically and internationally by air and between NRAO sites by car. The position involves working near moving mechanical parts and electrical equipment; occasional climbing to heights of up to 100 feet; and possible work at high altitudes, in precarious locations, and outdoors in varying weather. Exposure to chemicals and risk of electrical shock may occur.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (civil, mechanical, or electrical).
• At least seven years of relevant engineering experience.
• At least three years of experience leading a technical group of at least three people.
• A successful record of completing projects on schedule and within budget.
• Capabilities in responsible engineering leadership.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs and engineering management software tools.
• Working knowledge of 3D modeling CAD.
• Valid driver’s license; the engineer may be required to drive Observatory vehicles.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States; the Observatory cannot currently sponsor H-1B visas for this position.

Nice To Haves

• Equivalent relevant experience and/or training may be considered, including demonstrated engineering leadership evidenced by an advanced degree, professional license, publications, or original work.
• Strong interest in RF applications and radio telescopes.

Responsibilities

• Manage, coordinate, schedule, budget, train, and supervise the VLA mechanical engineering group, machine shop, and electrical engineer.
• Organize approaches to solving complex and unique engineering problems.
• Lead engineering analysis, design, and execution of major projects and systems, including decisions concerning design, procurement, manufacture, erection, testing, and initial operation.
• Use computer-assisted engineering and design software and equipment to design equipment, components, systems, or structures for radio telescopes and related systems.
• Modify existing software and hardware to add features and improvements or correct original design problems.
• Direct engineering and technical personnel in fabrication and testing, determine testing methods and procedures, and ensure manufacturing, construction, installation, and operational testing conform to functional specifications and requirements.
• Work with engineers, technical specialists, and scientists to identify and solve problems.
• Determine repair and maintenance needs and coordinate and direct the operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment, systems, and structures.
• Execute a maintenance program for repairs and routine preventive maintenance, and identify and track failure patterns.
• Recommend procedures, equipment purchases, and other improvements.
• Supervise Engineers, Technical Specialists, Technicians, cooperative education students, and/or summer students, including hiring, training, planning, assigning, and directing work, addressing complaints, and resolving problems.
• Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with Observatory policies and applicable law.
• Proactively comply with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures; establish and guide safe procedures, correct unsafe practices, enforce PPE use, report incidents and accidents, and maintain a JSA program.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Paid time off, including 13 holidays and annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans effective on the first day of employment, subject to eligibility requirements.
• Retirement benefit equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay, with no required employee contribution.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior