Technical Specialist III

Position Description:

Position Summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is hiring a full-time technician to join the Millimeter/Submillimeter Receiver (MSMRx) group at the Central Development Laboratory (CDL) in Charlottesville, VA.

The NRAO is a diverse, exciting, and prestigious research facility that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. The Observatory operates a variety of radio telescopes across the globe, including the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile, the iconic Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico, and the Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia. These state-of-the-art telescopes enable astronomers to explore the universe in unprecedented detail.

This group designs and builds cryogenic receivers for radio telescopes and is currently designing the next generation receiver for ALMA which uses about 70 receivers.

This position requires experience operating cryogenic receiver measurement systems for radio astronomy as well as building new subassemblies to enhance these systems. Assembly and testing of microwave components using vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and power meters is also required. Some assembly under a microscope may be required, and the components are extremely ESD sensitive.

What you will be doing:

Test cryogenic millimeter-wave receivers:

• Use custom-built receiver test systems to measure noise temperature, gain, beam patterns, and the amplitude and phase stability of cryogenic radio astronomy receivers.

Test millimeter-wave and microwave components:

• Use commercial VNAs to measure S-parameters of custom and commercial millimeter-wave and microwave components, at either room temperature and/or in a cryogenic environment.

Construct and characterize new subsystems for receiver measurement systems

• Build new subsystems housed in rack chassis for these measurement systems
• Build cable assemblies that carries bias and RF between the rack chassis and cryostat
• Modify schematics and block diagrams drawn by engineers to document these new systems

Record and analyze test data:

• Maintain detailed records of test results, assembly procedures, and performance characteristics.
• Document measurement conditions, test setups, and any observed anomalies.

Monitor, track, and maintain laboratory inventory:

• Monitor inventory levels of critical lab supplies, including electronic components, adhesives, wire bonding materials, and test equipment accessories.

Collaborate with engineers to refine assembly and testing procedures:

• Collaborate with engineers, scientists, and other technical personnel to refine assembly and test procedures.

• Provide feedback to engineers to improve test systems and their measurement procedures.

Work Environment

The work is primarily in a laboratory environment, and the candidate must be able to sit or stand at a bench for sustained periods.

Who You Are:

Minimum Education

• You have an Associate's Degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• You have a minimum of 3 years of experience in a related field.

While not required, you may have:

• A Bachelor's degree in a related field.

• Professional experience fabricating radio frequency or microwave components or systems.
• Experience with common RF and microwave measurement equipment.
• Experience assembling millimeter-wave components.

Competency Summary

Applicants must be methodical, motivated team players who are comfortable in a diverse R&D environment. Good writing and communication skills are required to keep records and document the work. All applicants must be comfortable using MS Word and Excel to manage and graph measurement results as well as JIRA to document progress.

Physical Requirements

The candidate must be able to sit or stand at a bench for sustained periods. Visual acuity and manual dexterity are required, and this position requires lifting and carrying 50 pounds.

To be considered, you must be a United States citizen or permanent resident as this position is not eligible for work authorization sponsorship.

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

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