Specialty Trades Technician

UNC-Chapel Hill • Chapel Hill, NC

33d • Onsite

About The Position

The Argus Array will be the largest optical telescope array ever assembled, with a collecting area comparable to the largest monolithic telescopes in the world. The Array will push our observations of the universe into a new regime, scanning the sky 100,000x faster than current nightly-cadence sky surveys. Argus will capture a continuous multi-color, 55-gigapixel movie of the night sky, shared with the entire astronomical community in real-time through public transient alerts, images, and light curves with millions of epochs for hundreds of millions of stars. The Argus Array On-Site Technical Operations Technician will serve as a technical contributor responsible for the integration, testing and operation of specialized commissioning procedures and equipment for the array. This position requires knowledge of research techniques applicable to experimental astronomical instruments, or equivalent experience. The successful candidate will work with the project team to troubleshoot complex technical issues, and serve as a technical resource while supporting integration and testing activities.

Requirements

• ability to work independently on complex technical projects
• Experience in physics, astronomy, engineering, or related technical field, AND /OR equivalent combination of advanced technical training and extensive hands-on experience
• Willingness to spend significant time at a remote observatory for extended integration and testing periods is required.
• Must be willing to work at height and in various weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with telescope commissioning projects or developing procedures for astronomical instrumentation.
• Knowledge of optical systems and precision alignment techniques.
• Experience constructing and commissioning experimental scientific instruments.
• Ability to translate research requirements into technical specifications and operational procedures.
• Experience managing technical documentation for complex systems.
• Experience with mechanical systems design, precision manufacturing, or specialized equipment development.
• Experience in fabrication, machine shop operations, and/or implementing safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• integration
• testing
• operation of specialized commissioning procedures and equipment for the array
• troubleshoot complex technical issues
• serve as a technical resource while supporting integration and testing activities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees