Technical Assoc I, II, or III
About The Position
The National Solar Observatory (NSO) is seeking a skilled Technical Associate to support two cornerstone solar observing programs: the Global Oscillation Network Group (GONG) and Synoptic Optical Long-term Investigations of the Sun (SOLIS), which are the major elements of NSO’s Integrated Synoptic Program (NISP). We are hiring at the Technical Associate I, II, or III level, depending on the selected candidate’s experience, technical skills, and demonstrated capability. This is a hands-on, mission-critical role supporting observatory infrastructure and instrumentation that enables continuous solar observations from a globally distributed network. ABOUT THE ROLE Technical Associate I The Technical Associate I provides entry-level technical and maintenance support for observatory infrastructure, instrumentation, and systems. This role performs routine tasks under close supervision while developing foundational skills in troubleshooting, repair, and preventive maintenance in support of continuous operations. Technical Associate II The Technical Associate II provides experienced technical and maintenance support for observatory infrastructure, instrumentation, and systems. This role independently performs troubleshooting, repair, and preventive maintenance while collaborating with engineering and scientific teams to ensure continuous operations. Technical Associate III The Technical Associate III serves as a senior technical expert and leader, providing advanced troubleshooting, system-level diagnostics, and strategic improvements across distributed observatory systems. This role leads complex maintenance efforts, mentors staff, and contributes to long-term reliability and lifecycle planning. All roles participate in 24/7/365 operational coverage, including occasional weekend and on-call support.
Requirements
- 1–2 years of experience in a technical, mechanical, electrical, laboratory, or related support role, or equivalent education.
- support role, or equivalent of education and experience.
- Basic knowledge of mechanics, electronics, instrumentation, or computer systems.
- Ability to follow detailed procedures and safety requirements.
- Basic proficiency with MS Windows/MS Office or Apple Mac/Libre Office.
- Effective verbal communication skills and developing written documentation ability.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a technical team.
- Minimum 5 years of diverse technical or engineering support experience.
- Demonstrated ability to resolve technical problems in mechanics, electronics, instrumentation, or computer systems.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency with MS Windows/MS Office or Apple Mac/Libre Office.
- Strong collaborative and interpersonal skills.
- 8–10+ years of progressively responsible technical or engineering experience.
- Demonstrated expertise resolving complex, system-level technical challenges.
- Strong analytical, diagnostic, and problem-solving capability.
- Excellent technical documentation and communication skills.
- Proven ability to mentor and lead technical staff.
- Proficiency with MS Windows/MS Office or Apple Mac/Libre Office.
Nice To Haves
- Associate degree or higher in engineering, physics, electronics, computer science, or related technical field.
- Experience supporting scientific, observatory, aerospace, or complex industrial systems.
- Experience working with geographically distributed systems.
- SolidWorks (3D mechanical modeling and documentation)
- DraftSight (2D mechanical/electrical documentation in .dwg format)
- Altium heritage schematic capture software (PCAD 200X)
- Familiarity with reliability engineering, preventive maintenance programs, or configuration management (Level III emphasis)
Responsibilities
- Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical, electrical, electronic, and computer-based system issues (level-appropriate complexity).
- Perform assembly, modification, repair, and preventive maintenance of observatory equipment.
- Provide remote and on-site support for telescope operations and systems monitoring.
- Monitor system performance, collect data, and document work performed.
- Follow and contribute to technical procedures, standards, and safety requirements.
- Collaborate with engineering, scientific, and international site teams.
- Perform routine technical tasks following established procedures and instructions.
- Assist senior technical staff with maintenance, testing, and repairs.
- Support inventory control, tool preparation, and materials handling.
- Participate in training and skill development activities.
- Lead complex diagnostics and root cause analyses.
- Provide technical leadership across distributed systems.
- Mentor and guide Technical Associate I and II staff.
- Serve as a technical liaison with vendors and international partners.
- Contribute to lifecycle management and reliability improvement initiatives.
Benefits
- AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment.
- Details on benefits can be found at Benefits by Location - Aura Human Resources [https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/benefits-by-location/]
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
Number of Employees
501-1,000 employees
