National Solar Observatory
Electrical/Electronics Technical Associate
National Solar Observatory, Hilo, HI, United States
DKIST is seeking an Electrical/Electronics Technical Associate to join its team in Maui, Hawaii. The Electrical/Electronics Technical Associate will provide support to the Technical Operations team for the DKIST Observatory as directed by the Electrical/Electronics Technician Group Leader. The Electrical/Electronics Technician will be an integral part of the Technical Operations team, responsible for operation and maintenance of DKIST equipment ranging from drives and motors to precision optics and instruments to thermal and HVAC systems. The Electrical/Electronics Technician will also participate in the design, fabrication, installation, testing, and commissioning of new observatory equipment and systems.
- Shift is at 6am - 4:30pm, 4-day work week, days may vary between Monday - Sunday.
- Perform installation, checkout, operation, and maintenance of Electrical and Electronics components, systems, and equipment under the direction of a supervisory engineer.
- Perform technical activities including basic design, selection of components, assembly, troubleshooting, repair.
- Execute observatory system maintenance; assist in the development and performance of planned maintenance on commissioned and new sub-systems.
- Prepare the observatory for scientific and engineering operations by means of safety and pre-move inspections. Support operations by means of monitoring system performance, performing ad-hoc debugging and repairs, implementing improvements, and completing maintenance
- Prepare drawings, checklists, and material takeoffs. Identify discrepancies in existing documentation, procedures, and reports for updating/correction.
- Ensure that laboratory facility bench stock, consumables, spares, tools, and test equipment are maintained.
- Assist in solving problems as required, achieving assigned objectives with proficiency and quality workmanship.
- Solve coordination problems of a technical nature directly or in conjunction with other members of a project team.
- Support other technical personnel as necessary.
- Comply with technical requirements and approved time schedules of assigned work.
- Monitor and report results of activities and note unusual situations.
- Work in accordance with applicable safety standards (including NEC) and for safety of operations in areas under purview. Report any unsafe conditions and practices.
- Other tasks as directed by management.
- Associate’s degree, military schools, or college level courses in Electronics, Electrical Engineering Technology or equivalent combination of trades/skill training and demonstrated work experience sufficient to meet job requirements.
- 2-5 years of relevant work experience or educational equivalent
- Experience with relevant technology or engineering support functions.
- Demonstrated aptitude for fine pitch solder, wire cable connectors, assemble electronics boards and circuit assemblies.
- Demonstrated aptitude in interpreting and generating electronics schematics.
- Demonstrated aptitude to test, troubleshoot, and repair digital and analog electronic circuits to component level using a range of test equipment including oscilloscopes, signal generators, and multimeters.
- Ability to speak and write effectively, including preparation and presentation of reports.
- Ability to thrive in a culturally diverse team environment.
- Ability to work safely around voltages up to 480V.
- Ability to obtain a Federal Driver's License.
- Willingness to actively participate in team safety meetings and adhere to (and advocate for) safety procedures and protocols.
- Sensitive to and respectful of cultural and environmental issues.
- Basic computer skills
- Relevant work experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Power Distribution and Electrical Safety
- Familiarity with National Electric Code (NEC)
- NFPA 70E Electrical Safety Certification, Certified Electrical Safety Worker (CESW), or similar
- Single-phase and medium voltage three-phase electrical distribution systems
- Optical / Instrumentation
- Experience with optical mirror handling, cleaning and or coating
- Experience working in a clean room environment
- Working in an astronomical or scientific laboratory environment
- Precision alignment and metrology (e.g. micrometer, dial indicator, theodolite, laser tracker)
- Servicing and repair of high vacuum cryogenic systems.
- Infrared arrays and/or CCDs and controllers
- HVAC/R
- Certification in Refrigerant Handling, EPA608 or equivalent
- PLC’s / Motion Control
- Motion control, digital, and analog servo systems.
- Programmable logic controllers (PLC).
- Electronics & Network Systems
- Surface mount technology (SMT) assembly and repair
- CAT5/CAT6 cable termination
- Fiber optics termination.
- Training
- Experience with craning and slinging of equipment.
- OSHA/ANSI Fall Protection Authorization
- Forklift operator
- Aerial work platform operator
- CAD
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.
- The position will be based at the Haleakala (DKIST) facility and ability to work at 10,000’ elevation, sometimes during inclement weather, is required.
- 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, ability to differentiate colors, 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 contact lens or eyeglasses; 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
- There will be occasional working at height utilizing PPE.
- Occasional travel between the mainland US and Hawaiian Islands may be necessary.
- Availability to work varying shifts, which may include occasional early mornings, nights, holidays and/or weekends.
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/
The position will remain open until it is filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by October 25, 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).
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’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.
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/
Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)