Servo-Fiber Technician III-IV / Technical Specialist I-II (4700)

Company: National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Location: Socorro
Posted on: March 18, 2023

Job Description:

National Radio Astronomy Observatory

Position Description:

Position Summary
NRAO is seeking a qualified individual to support operations, maintenance, and fabrication work on antenna motion control and fiber optic hardware. This position is responsible for repairs, maintenance, and upgrades to the Very Large Array and Very Long Baseline Array Servo and Fiber Optic systems. This includes bench work and working on the 25-meter antennas and support equipment. Work performed is often considered independent. The final position and job grade will be determined based on the candidates education and experience. This is a Safety Sensitive position.

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 Summary
Under general to minimum supervision from engineers and technical staff, the position supports or performs assembly, testing, troubleshooting, and training for Antenna Control Units (ACUs), data and communications equipment, servo systems, motors, on-antenna weather stations and other equipment. The candidate must be willing to respond to emergency call-outs during inclement weather, late night and or early morning hours. Other duties may be assigned.

The Technician position:

Constructs, adapts and calibrates assigned equipment.
Trouble shoot, correct and repair malfunctioning equipment.
Conduct various tests or experiments which may require modifications in test setups or procedures.


May record, analyze, and interpret test data.
Uses standard electronic test equipment, such as power supplies, digital multimeters, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, signal generators, fiber optic power meters, fiber optic light sources and OTDRs, to record equipment performance, for inspection, adjustment, and/or replacement of defective system components.
Uses hand tools for mechanical work or repair.
Is responsible for monitoring, inspection, and maintenance of assigned Servo and Fiber Optic group systems for proper operation.


The Technical Specialist position will also:

Discuss the design, layout, assembly, testing and troubleshooting procedures and problems with engineers and technical staff.
May devise design details and functional requirements of assemblies.
Fabricates, assembles, and tests prototype or production units.
Sets up standard test apparatus or devises test equipment to conduct functional, operational, environmental, and life tests to evaluate the performance and reliability of prototype or production units.
Locates and orders parts and equipment, locates and evaluates substitute parts for functional equivalence of any obsolete/non-obtainable components or parts.
Writes technical reports and develops charts, graphs, and schematics to describe and illustrate an assembly's operating characteristics, malfunctions, deviations from design specifications, and functional limitations.


Either position:

Recommends changes required to achieve functional requirements of the equipment.
Follows project schedules set by supervisors.
Demonstrates proactive compliance with all NRAO policies and procedures.
May have other duties as assigned.



Competency Summary
Must have the ability to work independently and reliably with general to minimal supervision. Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Must be able to operate a personal computer. Must have the ability to work effectively in a team and clearly communicate technical information both in writing and orally. Ability to communicate in English is required. Must have a valid drivers license.

Work Environment
Work typically takes place in an electronics shop; employees are also required to work outdoors in inclement weather and at heights when accessing an antenna. Candidate must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds and work at heights of 150 feet. Candidate must be able to work at bench either sitting or standing for sustained periods. Visual acuity (corrected is acceptable) and manual dexterity is necessary to perform work. Work is done at the VLA site, which is approximately 7,000 in elevation.

Position Requirements:

Minimum Education
An Associates Degree (AA) of Engineering Technology; or a High School diploma or GED and equivalent combination of education and experience.


Preferred Experience
Highly qualified candidates with three or more years of experience specializing in servo and/or fiber support may be considered for the Technical Specialist I or II grade.

Physical Requirements
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. Will be required to stand and sit; perform fine hand manipulation. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color and depth perception. Must have the visual acuity, color perception, manual dexterity, hearing, and physical ability to perform satisfactorily all essential duties and responsibilities.

Additional Requirements
Must have received or be willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine two weeks prior to their start date to be considered for U.S.-based vacancies.

Skills and Abilities
Must possess a valid driver's license. Good vision is required, may be correctable. Must pass any applicable knowledge/skills tests including soldering small components using a microscope and ability to work with fiber optics.

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.

Application Instructions:

Click the Apply button below. You will need to 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. PM20

The NRAO is an equal opportunity employer (M/F/D/V)
PI206657509

Keywords: National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Albuquerque , Servo-Fiber Technician III-IV / Technical Specialist I-II (4700), IT / Software / Systems , Socorro, New Mexico