Radio Telescope Specialist

1 week ago

Socorro, New Mexico, United States National Radio Astronomy Observatory Full time

Job Summary:

We are seeking a skilled Telescope Mechanic to join our team at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing routine maintenance, installation, testing, and repair of radio telescopes and associated equipment.

About Us:

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a world-renowned research facility that plays a vital role in advancing our understanding of the universe. Our team operates some of the most advanced radio telescopes globally, including the Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico, the Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia, and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Perform routine maintenance, installation, testing, and repair of radio telescopes and associated equipment.
  • Assist in the operation and testing of telescope and operating equipment when required.
  • Evaluate system performance under actual operating conditions after installing new equipment.
  • May assist Telescope Operators with receiver/equipment changes.
  • Take and maintain inventory of parts.
  • Maintain records of maintenance activities using PC as required.
  • Assist with indoor/outdoor painting when required.
  • Maintain tools and equipment in safe operating condition.
  • Assist other maintenance and support personnel as assigned.
  • Use hand and power tools; work from verbal or written instructions, sketches, and prints.

Requirements:

To be considered for this position, you must have a high school diploma, general education degree (GED), or high school equivalency. Two years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience are also required. Preferred experience includes mechanic work, industrial or other; maintenance of heavy equipment; some welding; industrial spray painting; mechanical and electrical troubleshooting.

Working Environment:

This position is based at the VLA, 50 miles west of Socorro, New Mexico. The Observatory provides shuttles from Socorro and Magdalena, NM. The ability to climb antenna stairs and ladders to heights of above 100 feet, lift equipment up to 50 pounds (unassisted), is essential. You must possess visual acuity (corrected is acceptable) and manual dexterity to perform work on small pieces or areas of work material and hearing acuity to perform work safely with instructions and guidance being given over hand-held radios and/or during operations of loud machinery.

Salary: The estimated annual salary for this position is $70,000-$90,000 depending on qualifications and experience. This is a Safety Sensitive position, and the selected candidate must successfully pass a post-offer, pre-employment/pre-placement drug screen.

Benefits:

NRAO 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 overall well-being and career growth. This includes excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days, and 15 sick days), medical, dental, and vision plans effective on the first day of employment, and a retirement benefit contributing 10% of a qualified participant's base pay with no required employee contribution.

  • Electronics Systems Specialist for Radio Astronomy

    1 week ago

    Socorro, New Mexico, United States National Radio Astronomy Observatory Full time

    Job OverviewThe National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a leading research facility in the study of the universe, operating various radio telescopes globally. We are seeking an experienced Electronics Systems Specialist to support operations, maintenance, and fabrication work on antenna motion control electronics and fiber optic hardware.Salary...

  • Senior Radio Astronomy Research Scientist

    1 week ago

    Socorro, New Mexico, United States National Radio Astronomy Observatory Full time

    Company OverviewThe National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a leading research and development organization that plays a vital role in the study of the universe.We operate a variety of radio telescopes around the world, including the Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico, the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) across North America, and the Atacama Large...

  • Radio Astronomy Research Expert

    4 weeks ago

    Socorro, New Mexico, United States National Radio Astronomy Observatory Full time

    Company OverviewNational Radio Astronomy Observatory is a leading research and development organization that plays a crucial role in the study of the universe. We operate a variety of radio telescopes across the globe, including the Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico, the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) across North America, and the Atacama Large...

  • Astronomical Equipment Specialist

    1 week ago

    Socorro, New Mexico, United States National Radio Astronomy Observatory Full time

    Job OverviewThe National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a world-renowned research facility that plays a vital role in the study of the universe.We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Telescope Mechanic to join our team at the Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico. As a key member of our Engineering Services Division, you will provide routine...

  • VLBA Site Technical Specialist

    1 month ago

    Socorro, New Mexico, United States National Radio Astronomy Observatory Full time

    **Job Title:** VLBA Site Technical Specialist**Job Summary:** The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is seeking a highly skilled and motivated individual to join our team as a VLBA Site Technical Specialist. This role will support the maintenance, repair, and operation of radio astronomy equipment at our Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) station in...

  • Observatory Technician

    1 week ago

    Socorro, New Mexico, United States Associated Universities Full time

    About the JobThe National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) seeks an experienced Telescope Mechanic to provide routine maintenance, repair, and installation services for the Very Large Array (VLA) and associated equipment.Key ResponsibilitiesRespond to routine maintenance, installation, testing, calibration, repair, and troubleshooting of mechanical,...

  • Education Program Developer

    1 week ago

    Socorro, New Mexico, United States National Radio Astronomy Observatory Full time

    OverviewThe National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a leading research facility dedicated to advancing our understanding of the universe. With a strong commitment to education and outreach, we are seeking an experienced Education Specialist to join our STEAM Education team in Socorro, New Mexico.

  • Research Associate

    4 weeks ago

    Socorro, New Mexico, United States Associated Universities Full time

    Astronomy Instrumentation SpecialistThe National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is seeking an Astronomy Instrumentation Specialist to work on testing a prototype ngVLA 18m reflector antenna. The Specialist will be responsible for planning and executing test observations, developing necessary data analysis procedures, and interacting with other engineers...

  • Radio Astronomy Equipment Specialist

    1 week ago

    Socorro, United States National Radio Astronomy Observatory Full time

    Job Summary">We are seeking a skilled Telescope Mechanic to join our team at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) in New Mexico.">The successful candidate will provide routine maintenance, installation, testing, calibration, repair, and troubleshooting of mechanical, electrical, and limited electronic components issues on all telescopes and...

  • Senior Software Project Coordinator for Large-Scale Scientific Data Processing Initiatives

    3 days ago

    Socorro, United States National Radio Astronomy Observatory Full time

    Company OverviewThe National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a world-renowned research facility that plays a vital role in the study of the universe.We operate a variety of cutting-edge radio telescopes globally, including the famous Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile. These...

  • Research Scientist

    4 weeks ago

    Socorro, United States National Radio Astronomy Observatory Full time

    Job Title: Research AssociateJob Summary:The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a research institution dedicated to advancing the field of astronomy. We are seeking a highly skilled Research Associate to join our team and contribute to the development of a new telescope antenna.Job Responsibilities:Plan and execute test observations to...

  • Facilities Maintenance Associate

    1 week ago

    Socorro, United States National Radio Astronomy Observatory Full time

    The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a leading research facility that plays a vital role in advancing our understanding of the universe.We are seeking a skilled Facilities Maintenance Associate to join our team at the Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico. As a key member of our Engineering Services Division, you will be responsible for...

  • Family Practice

    1 month ago

    Socorro, United States Ascend Medical Staffing Full time

    Locums Family Medicine - rural NM (within 1 hr of Albuquerque) Beautiful country, with a large array of art, music, theater, golfing, biking, hiking, rock hounding, rock climbing, gallery hopping, wildlife refuges, radio telescopes, mineral museum, historical mission church, and the home of the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. Plenty to do, but...

  • 1st Shift GP

    4 weeks ago

    Socorro, United States Ascend Medical Staffing Full time

    Locums Family Medicine - rural NM (within 1 hr of Albuquerque) Beautiful country, with a large array of art, music, theater, golfing, biking, hiking, rock hounding, rock climbing, gallery hopping, wildlife refuges, radio telescopes, mineral museum, historical mission church, and the home of the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. Plenty to do, but...

  • Family Practice

    24 hours ago

    Socorro, United States SimplyApply Full time

    Locums Family Medicine - rural NM (within 1 hr of Albuquerque) Beautiful country, with a large array of art, music, theater, golfing, biking, hiking, rock hounding, rock climbing, gallery hopping, wildlife refuges, radio telescopes, mineral museum, historical mission church, and the home of the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. Plenty to do, but...

  • Family Practice

    4 days ago

    Socorro, NM, United States Ascend Medical Staffing Full time

    Locums Family Medicine - rural NM (within 1 hr of Albuquerque) Beautiful country, with a large array of art, music, theater, golfing, biking, hiking, rock hounding, rock climbing, gallery hopping, wildlife refuges, radio telescopes, mineral museum, historical mission church, and the home of the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. Plenty to do,...