Electronics Engineer II-IV (4639)

Company: National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Location: Socorro
Posted on: August 7, 2022

Job Description:

National Radio Astronomy ObservatoryPosition Description: Position SummaryThe National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is pleased to announce an opportunity for a full-time electronics engineer experienced in monitor and control of complex systems. The NRAO is responsible for developing, maintaining, and operating the Very Large Array, the Very Long Baseline Array, and the proposed Next Generation Very Large Array (ngVLA). Experience in working with similar systems and within the radio astronomy community is highly desirable.The NRAO is committed to maintaining its existing Observatories while developing new technology to enable forefront research into the universe at radio wavelengths. This development of many technical systems occurs in an open, collaborative environment involving technicians, hardware and software engineers, and scientists working together. By joining NRAO, an employee has a direct contribution to expanding the Observatorys state-of-the-art facilities and equipment used by scientists around the world.This position is based in Socorro, New Mexico at the Domenici Science Operations Center on the campus of New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (www.nmt.edu). Socorro is a small, historical city in the Rio Grande Valley, 75 miles south of Albuquerque.In addition to competitive pay, NRAO provides excellent paid time off benefits (vacation and sick leave). Medical, dental and vision plans are effective first day of employment. NRAOs retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participants base pay. No contribution is required of the employee; we also offer an optional supplemental, tax-deferred plan for employee retirement contributions. Job Duties SummaryThe engineer will work both independently and within a dynamic team environment to support existing telescope electronics hardware and development projects. This development involves Monitor and Control hardware and firmware interface subsystems across a wide range of radio astronomy instrumentation.Routine Duties:Assist with or lead design, documentation, and development and of ngVLA Monitor & Control (M&C) hardware, software, and firmware interface subsystems.Collaboration with other teams in order to develop requirements and M&C solutions.Participation in VLA and VLBA design, development, and maintenance activities across multiple subsystems such as Weather Stations, Antenna Control Units, and Monitor and Control sub-systems.Investigations into system performance problems, involving complex interactions and limited monitoring tools, and determination of recommended corrective actions.Troubleshooting, repairing, and testing of PCBs, electronic assemblies, and antenna array subsystems.Proactive compliance with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures in own work area.Other duties may be assigned based on the applicants skills and the Observatorys needs.Work EnvironmentWork is typically performed in a research or development environment; will be required to stand and sit, and perform fine hand manipulation. Must work near moving mechanical parts and/or with electrical equipment. Occasionally required to climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, and crouch. May occasionally work at high altitudes, and in high, precarious places and in outside weather conditions, and may be exposed to chemicals, or the risk of electrical shock. Some travel may be required to other NRAO sites.Position Requirements: Minimum EducationBS Electrical Engineering or related field.Preferred EducationAdvanced degree in Electrical Engineering or related fieldMinimum ExperienceOne or more years of experience in the development of monitor and control solutions for complex systems.Preferred ExperienceFive or more years of directly related experience and demonstrated competencies in some or all of the following areas:Familiarity with SPI, I2C. Ethernet, USB, UART and similar interfacesExperience with Analog- Digital (ADC) and Digital-Analog Converters Experience in analog and digital design including schematic capture and board layout Experiencing programming in C, C++, and/or PythonFPGA Development using VHDL or VerilogExperience with REST and/or NETCONF protocolsCompetency SummaryThe Successful candidate will have skills and demonstrated competencies in the following areas:Experienced in board bring-up, subsystem and system integration, verification, and validationBasic understanding of controls, including PID, state machines, and similar systemsSolid understanding of OPC-UA protocol and implementationUse of various electronics test equipment and familiarity with automated test equipmentExcellent Problem-solving skillsAbility to work well in a team environmentGood documentation and communication skillsExperience in custom design vs. COTS implementation trade-offsPhysical DemandsMost work is typically performed on a computer at a desk or at a lab bench for extended periods but may include field work on radio astronomy telescopes. Will occasionally be required to lift and carry heavy lab equipment (up to 40 pounds) for relocation or installation of test apparatus, and to squat, kneel, or crawl to reach electrical/physical connections in tight spaces behind racks of under lab benches.Additional RequirementsThe Observatory requires staff to be fully vaccinated against covid-19 to access our facilities. An offer of employment will be considered contingent until the selected applicant provides proof of vaccination. A selected applicant may request consideration for an accommodation for a disability or for a sincerely held religious belief.Application Instructions: Select the Apply button below. Please be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a letter of application describing interest and suitability for the position. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:AUI is an equal opportunity employer. Women, Minorities, Vietnam-Era Veterans, Disabled Veterans, Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. To view our complete statement, please visit http://jobs.jobvite.com/nrao/jobs. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, you may submit your request by sending an email to resumes@nrao.edu. PM20The NRAO is an equal opportunity employer (M/F/D/V)PI187626279

Keywords: National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Albuquerque , Electronics Engineer II-IV (4639), Engineering , Socorro, New Mexico