Telescope Mechanic I-II

Company: National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Location: Socorro
Posted on: April 7, 2026

Job Description:

National Radio Astronomy Observatory Title: Telescope Mechanic I-II Location: Old Hwy 60, New Mexico, USA- NRAO Very Large Array, 183 VLA RD, Magdalena, New Mexico, United States of America Requisition Number: 175 Job Family: Telescope Mechanic Pay Type: Hourly Required Education: CRA Position Description: Position Summary The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is an exciting and prestigious research facility that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. The Observatory operates a variety of radio telescopes that span the globe, including the famous Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico, the Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia, and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile. These telescopes are among the most advanced in the world, allowing astronomers to explore the universe in unprecedented detail. The Engineering Services Division of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory announces an opportunity for a full-time Telescope Mechanic at the Very Large Array (VLA). Under direct supervision, the Telescope Mechanic provides routine maintenance service to scientific investigations through the construction, installation, test, repair and maintenance of a radio telescope and associated equipment used to collect radio astronomical data for a variety of observers. The appointment is expected to be made at the level of Telescope Mechanic I; in exceptional cases, a higher rank will be considered. This is a Safety Sensitive position. The position is based at the VLA, 50 miles west of Socorro, New Mexico. What You Will be Doing: * Responds to routine maintenance, installation, testing, calibration, repair, and troubleshooting of mechanical, electrical, and limited electronic components issues on all telescopes and related equipment. * Welding and fabricating in a shop or outdoors in inclement weather, such as cold or hot temperatures. * Expected to weld stick, mig and tig. Different types of metal such as mild steel, aluminum and stainless. * Provides limited assistance, as qualified, in the operation and testing of telescope and operating equipment, when required. * Assists in the functional evaluation of newly installed equipment to evaluate system performance under actual operating conditions. * May assist Telescope Operators with receiver/equipment changes. * Assists in taking and maintaining inventory of parts. * Maintains records of maintenance activities, uses PC as required. * Assists with indoor/outdoor painting, when required. * Maintains tools and equipment in safe operating condition. * Assists other maintenance and support personnel as assigned. * Uses hand and power tools; works from verbal or written instructions, sketches and prints * Proactive compliance with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures in own work area is expected. * Other duties may be assigned. Work Environment While performing the duties of this job, the employee works both outdoors on buildings and indoors in a shop. The employee works in high places, outside in all weather conditions, near moving mechanical parts and electrical equipment. Work is performed at a high altitude (7000 ft.) environment. Must be able to work in a high noise area with PPE's. Who You Are: * You have a high school diploma, general education degree (GED) or high school equivalency. * You have two years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience. Preferred Experience Mechanic work, industrial or other; maintenance of heavy equipment; industrial spray painting. Additional Requirement * Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. * Must hold and maintain a valid NM Driver's license (Class A CDL preferred). Competency Summary Strong verbal communication skills are necessary for effective consultations with coworkers and the ability to participate effectively as a member of a team. Must be able to use the NRAO online time reporting and requisition system. Ability to read and interpret documents such as schematics, blueprints, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. A working knowledge of machine shop, welding, and electrical techniques and procedures. Physical Demands The ability to climb antenna stairs and ladders to heights of above 100 feet, lift equipment up to 50 pounds (unassisted) is essential. Must possess visual acuity (corrected is acceptable) and manual dexterity to be able to perform work on small pieces or areas of work material, and hearing acuity in order to perform work safely with instructions and guidance being given over hand-held radios and/or during operations of loud machinery. Work is performed outdoors, at heights and near moving machinery. Safety Sensitive The selected candidate must successfully pass a post-offer, pre-employment/pre-placement drug screen. Failure to pass the Screen will disqualify the candidate from employment consideration for a period of six months from the date of the results. Total Rewards: Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) offers a comprehensive total rewards package for this position, subject to eligibility requirements. We are committed to serving our employees and their families with an extensive and competitive compensation and benefits package that supports our employees' overall well-being and career growth. Compensation AUI strives to attract and retain dedicated, highly qualified, competent, and motivated employees by offering competitive compensation and recognition for performance. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include; education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions. Benefits: AUI's benefits package addresses the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment. AUI provides excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days and 15 sick days, additional time off for doctor/dentist visits, and 8 weeks of paid parental leave). Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment. AUI's retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant's base pay with no required employee contribution; we also offer an optional supplemental, tax-deferred plan for employee retirement contributions. Application Instructions: Select the "Apply Now" button. Please be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the position Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement, please visit https://public.nrao.edu/careers/ . If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to resumes@nrao.edu . PM20 PI372e257802a0-29400-39977775

Keywords: National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Albuquerque , Telescope Mechanic I-II, Engineering , Socorro, New Mexico