Electronics Technician I

NSF’s NOIRLab is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. NOIRLab is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) which operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs: Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Chile and Hawai’i. The mission of NOIRLab is to enable breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing and operating state-of-the-art ground-based observatories and providing data products and services for a diverse and inclusive community.

The Electronics Technician is responsible for the maintenance, repair, construction, installation, commissioning, and operation of the various systems and subsystems for the telescopes and labs at the Kitt Peak National Observatory as part of the Engineering Services team.

Transportation is provided from NOIRLab’s base facility, located on the University of Arizona campus if needed.   Employees may drive or share an AURA vehicle from the base facility to Kitt Peak (driving an AURA vehicle requires a valid state driver’s license and an AURA issued GSA license).

 Essential Functions:

• Troubleshoot, repair, assemble, maintain, and operate to a component or system level the various systems for the multiple telescopes, labs, and facilities.
• Utilize and maintain test equipment in order to accomplish the assigned task or project.
• Build, maintain, troubleshoot and/or repair electronic components, equipment and systems such as wiring, cables, connectors, PCBs, control panels and related assemblies.
• Troubleshoot, repair, assemble, and disassemble electronic, electro-mechanical, opto-mechanical, and other equipment on telescope systems and subsystems.
• Perform facility safety walk-through inspections and daily checks and set-ups of telescope systems for night operations.
• Use schematics, drawings, and procedures to carry out relevant tasks and projects and red-lining and/or correcting documentation as required.
• Participate in brainstorming conceptual technical issues and potential solutions or improvements.
• Adhere to safety procedures, LOTO protocols, and standard practices while responsible for safety of own operations and for reporting unsafe practices or conditions.
• Foster a diverse and inclusive workplace culture and expect all employees to act with respect and kindness.

 Other Functions:

• Other duties as assigned

 Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Associate’s degree in electronics technology or additional equivalent experience
• 1 to 4 years’ work experience as an electronics or controls technician.
• Familiarity with electronic test equipment such as voltmeters, oscilloscopes, and network analyzers.
• Ability to use knowledge of electronics and electrical principles to be able to carry out assignments and tasks.
• Must possess practical knowledge of mechanical skills and be able to use basic hand tools and precision measuring devices correctly.
• Must possess basic computer skills as required to correspond and communicate information clearly including the ability to use spreadsheet and word processing programs, such as Word or Excel.
• Ability to communicate effectively through written summaries or reports.
• Ability to multitask and execute assigned work as directed by the supervisor with minimal supervision.
• Must be familiar with LO/TO, NFPA standards, and other safety standards.
• Must demonstrate dexterity, safety, and attention to detail.
• Must be able to work effectively at heights and at high altitude.
• Must have a valid state driver’s license with no restrictions and ability to obtain a valid GSA permit issued by NOIRLab.

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Associate’s degree and/or college level courses in electronics, engineering, or science.
• Experience with vacuum systems, vacuum pumps and liquid nitrogen cooled CCDs.
• Experience and knowledge of fiber optic systems.
• Knowledge and experience with PLC programming and/or computer programming languages.
• Ability to safely operate manlifts, overhead cranes, forklifts, and 4 wheel drive vehicles.
• Experience and/or interest working on astronomical and/or scientific laboratory equipment.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk, or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl.
• The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 30 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Must possess – sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) reach upward, sideways, downward to work with paper files; b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, fax machines, copiers, and other office machines.
• Must possess – 1) ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform job; 2) sufficient visual capacity to perform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than eye contacts or eye glasses; 3) sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid; and 4) ability to impart information orally so that others understand and can respond appropriately
• Must possess sufficient mobility, strength or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) grasp, push, pull, turn or otherwise manipulate tools and mechanisms; b) push, shove, pull or otherwise safely and efficiently manipulate tools or mechanisms; c) lift, hold, maneuver, objects of 50 lbs or more; d) maintain balance while performing work; e) remove parts, systems, tools of 50 lbs or more
• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, scaffolding, and catwalks to gain access to areas that are not accessible by other means. This may include work at heights up to 150ft from the ground utilizing Personal Fall Protection Equipment (PPE).
• Some travel may be necessary in or outside the contiguous United States.
• Kitt Peak: Ability to work at 6,800’ and may be required to extend worktime and/or stay overnight at Kitt Peak based on emergency operational and/or safety needs.

Salary Range: $48,500 – $55,800. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications, experience and job location. 

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 https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/employee-benefits-guide/

Working hours are generally 13-hour days for three days a week.  Final work schedule to be determined between supervisor and incumbent. 

Preference will be given to qualified internal candidates and qualified Native Americans living on or near the Tohono O’odham reservation.

The position will remain open until it is filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by April 28, 2024.

• Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname Docname. 
• Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to employment@aura-astronomy.org.
• Please enter 3 professional references in your application (references will only be contacted later in the recruitment process). 

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 47 US institutions and 3 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories for the National Science Foundation and NASA. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. In addition, AURA is deeply committed to public and educational outreach, and to diversity throughout the astronomical and scientific workforce. AURA carries out its role through its astronomical facilities. 

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.