Servo-Fiber, Technician I-III

Associated Universities Inc.

3d • $18 - $27 • Onsite

About The Position

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is seeking a technician to support operations, maintenance, and fabrication of antenna motion control electronics and fiber optic hardware. The position involves repairs, maintenance, and upgrades to the Very Large Array and Very Long Baseline Array Servo and Fiber Optic systems. Work is performed both at a bench and in the field, including climbing the 25-meter antennas at the VLA site. Training in fiber optics and electronics can be provided after six months of satisfactory employment.

The position is based at the Very Large Array site, 50 miles west of Socorro, New Mexico. Under immediate to minimum supervision from a technical manager and technical staff, the technician supports or performs assembly, testing, and troubleshooting of Antenna Control Units, data and communications equipment, servo systems, motors, on-antenna weather stations, and fiber optic infrastructure. The technician must be willing to respond to emergency call-outs during inclement weather, weekends, late nights, or early mornings.

The role requires work in an electronics shop and outdoors, including in inclement weather and at heights. Candidates must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, work at heights of 150 feet, and spend sustained periods working at a bench while sitting or standing. Work occurs at the VLA site, approximately 7,000 feet in elevation. A valid driver's license and authorization to work in the United States are required. The selected candidate must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug screen.

Requirements

• High school diploma or high school equivalency.
• Interest in electronics and fiber optics.
• Ability to work independently and reliably with minimal supervision.
• Good organizational skills.
• Ability to distinguish colors properly.
• Ability to operate a personal computer.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and communicate technical information clearly, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to communicate in English.
• Valid driver's license.
• Pass any applicable knowledge or skills tests during the first six months; tests may include soldering, cable assembly, and working with fiber optics.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and work at heights of 150 feet.
• Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather and at heights, and to work at a bench while sitting or standing for sustained periods.
• Ability to pass a post-offer, pre-employment/pre-placement drug screen.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Learn to construct, adapt, and calibrate assigned equipment.
• Learn to troubleshoot, correct, and repair malfunctioning equipment.
• Record, analyze, and interpret test data as needed.
• Use electronic test equipment to measure unit performance and inspect, adjust, or replace defective system components.
• Use hand tools for assembly work and mechanical repairs.
• Monitor, inspect, and maintain assigned Servo and Fiber Optic systems.
• Follow project schedules set by supervisors.
• Comply proactively with NRAO policies and procedures.
• Respond to emergency call-outs during inclement weather, weekends, late nights, or early mornings as required.
• 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: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED