VLA Operations Specialist I-II

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

Job Description:

National Radio Astronomy Observatory Title: VLA Operations Specialist I-II Location: Old Hwy 60, New Mexico, USA Requisition Number: 167 Job Family: Operations Specialist Pay Type: Hourly Required Education: NET 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 NRAO is seeking an Operations Specialist to join our Operations team at the Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico. The Operations Specialist provides skilled technical assistance, under limited supervision, in the execution of astronomical observing programs, basic analysis and archiving of data. The Operations Specialist operates an array of 27 telescopes as one system ensuring the acquisition of data from the instrument delivers a high level of data quality while ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment. Candidates with preferred experience and education will be considered for a higher-level Operation Specialist ranking; duties and responsibilities increase with each level. This is a "Safety Sensitive" position as described in the Position Requirements below. The position is based at the VLA, 50 miles west of Socorro, NM. Socorro is a small, historical town in the Rio Grande Valley, 75 miles south of Albuquerque What You Will be Doing: The essential responsibilities of an Operations Specialist include: * Operating and monitoring telescopes and supporting equipment; * Cross training to operate the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA); * Troubleshooting and taking corrective action when errors and faults occur; * Communicating with personnel working on the array and tracking activity, notifying personnel of dangerous weather conditions, monitoring fire alarm systems and responding to emergencies; * Initiating telescope control and preparing the antenna, receivers, clocks, recording systems, and other hardware/software for operation; * Receiving observing instructions from on-site or remote observers and executing observing programs including, but not limited to, processing incoming observe files, verifying against published schedules, annotating files on the observation schedule, executing observing programs, and sending pointing results to observers; * Aiding and accommodating requests from, observers, scientific staff, engineers, and technicians in regards to basic commands for telescope controls and data analyses; * Monitoring readings and alerts on multiple computer screens to detect unsafe equipment conditions and ensuring all systems are configured correctly and operating normally; * Monitoring fringe amplitude readings and data flagging codes to check data quality; * Performing system tests to measure values used to finely tune each antenna. Verifying antenna functionality and receiver performance and updating system parameters, following antenna moves or a major hardware upgrade, in consultation with a system expert; * Taking prescribed actions to protect telescope equipment; * Making necessary personnel call-outs when equipment safety is compromised and/or when major problems occur; * Maintaining an accurate observing log of failures, abnormal conditions, significant events, equipment status changes, procedural changes, or special instructions from observers or staff; * Writing detailed maintenance reports for hardware and software problems; * Documenting operational procedures and assisting with their upkeep; * Collecting meteorological data for the National Weather Service; * Driving daily shuttles to/from the VLA and the NRAO facility in Socorro; * Proactive compliance with all NRAO policies and procedures is required; * Other duties may be assigned. Additional responsibilities of an Operations Specialist II include: * Providing advanced troubleshooting support and corrective actions when errors and faults occur; * Performing ongoing analysis of operator's tools and methods, and documenting improvements; * Developing procedures and documentation for new equipment based on technical information supplied by engineers or supervisors; * Writing technical reports to describe operating characteristics, abnormal conditions, and functional limitations; * Providing input/feedback on related and proposed hardware/software developments/issues and assisting in troubleshooting any detected problems; * Training new operators; * Assisting scientists in basic data analysis; Work Environment The Operations Specialist will work as part of a team that supports a 24 hour / 7-day rotating shift pattern consisting of day, evening and night shifts. A typical workweek is 4/10hr days with days off between shift changes. The work is indoors at a console with multiple computer terminals. Operators must be available for emergency call out and may be required to work overtime to cover vacant shifts or in emergencies until relieved. The employee will work at high altitudes and self-drive an Observatory vehicle to the VLA site. The Operator may be required to drive at night and possibly in adverse weather conditions. Who You Are: * You have an Associate's degree (A. A.) or equivalent from an accredited two-year college or technical school in math, physics, science or a related technical field. * While not required, you may have a bachelor's degree in a related field and three or more years of experience in operating an industrial-sized astronomical telescope is preferred. Competency Summary * Must be able to follow procedures and policies. * Be able to handle emergencies calmly. * Able to express yourself clearly both verbally and in writing, be attentive to detail, and able to work well with others, sometimes in stressful situations. * Must be able to operate a computer using process control software applications, and able to use a Windows computer and word processing and spreadsheet software. * Must have experience with a LINUX/UNIX operating environment. * Must have demonstrated ability to read and interpret documents such as schematics, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. * Attention to detail is critical * Highly organized and able to multitask * Excellent communication skills Additional Requirement The Operations Specialist is required to hold and maintain a valid NM Driver's License. Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. Physical Requirements The physical demands and the work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color and depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to hear instructions and warnings. All Operators must be available for emergency call out and may be required to work extended shifts of up to 14 hours, when needed. Hearing acuity is required in order to perform work safely with instructions being given over radios and to respond to system alarms; visual acuity is required to read and understand written/graphic/data material on a computer screen and determine colors displayed on a computer monitor 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. The NRAO 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 PIe69d830808f0-29400-39718993

Keywords: National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Albuquerque , VLA Operations Specialist I-II, Engineering , Socorro, New Mexico