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Aura Astronomy

Mechanical Technician

Aura Astronomy, Houston, Texas, United States,


Responsibilities:Performs preventative maintenance and corrective maintenance of telescope systems: chilled water, compressed air, hydrostatic bearing oil pumping, gaseous helium system, domestic water system, air handling, exhaust fans, and enclosure systems. May perform ice and snow removal from the enclosure and facility.Works with design engineers to assemble, test, trouble-shoot, and maintain observatory mechanical systems.Maintains inventory spares on plumbing, mechanical equipment, and hardware.Works with the Mechanical Engineering Group to troubleshoot and correct problems on mechanical systems that occur during nighttime operations.Provides mechanical support for engineering periods and telescope upgrades.Supports other day crew groups with instrument changes, parts fabrication, machining, or modifications.Cooperates and coordinates closely with other personnel involved with assigned projects or processes.Complies with applicable safety standards and ensures safety of operations in areas under purview; correct and/or report unsafe conditions and practices.Demonstrates for all audiences a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.All AURA employees are responsible for the proper management and control of all AURA property within their work area, whether assigned to them or someone else. This responsibility includes reporting any known missing, stolen, or non-working property in their work area to their supervisor or the AURA Property Officer.Responsible for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position or subordinates of this position as defined in the Vela Award Management system.Other Functions:Other duties as assigned.Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:Accredited technical degree in mechanics or equivalent previous experience maintaining large mechanical equipment, with some plumbing and mechanical fabrication experience desirable.Must be a good problem solver.Must be a good listener and willing to ask questions.Must demonstrate dexterity, safety, and attention to detail.Full English verbal, reading and writing fluency.Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary and diverse international environment as a committed team member.Possess some knowledge of PC based computer programs.Must be able to work effectively at heights and at high altitude.Must possess a valid State of Hawai’i driver’s license and a clean driving record and be able to drive a 4-WD vehicle.Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:Three or more years of work experience in a similar mechanical technician or maintenance position.Basic welding and cutting.Aligning motors to pumps and fans.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 10 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 the ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform the job.Some travel may be necessary in or outside the contiguous United States.Maunakea: Must be able to sit for long periods of time; be able to drive a 4-WD vehicle and possess a clean driving record; ability to work at 14,000’ in a cold environment for 10-hour shifts. Longer shifts and working during inclement weather occasionally required. Required to pass High Altitude medical examination (post-offer and at specified intervals while employed).Salary Range:

$28-$35 per hour. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications, and experience.The position will remain open until it is filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by

November 15, 2024.Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname Docname.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 49 US institutions and 3 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories for the

National Science Foundation

and

NASA .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/ .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.

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