DKIST Observatory Electrical Technician I

DKIST is seeking an Electrical/Electronics Technical Associate to join its team in Maui, Hawaii. The Electrical/Electronics Technical Associate will provide support to the Technical Operations team for the DKIST Observatory as directed by the Electrical/Electronics Technician Group Leader. The Electrical/Electronics Technician will be an integral part of the Technical Operations team, responsible for operation and maintenance of DKIST equipment ranging from drives and motors to precision optics and instruments to thermal and HVAC systems. The Electrical/Electronics Technician will also participate in the design, fabrication, installation, testing, and commissioning of new observatory equipment and systems.

The Electrical/Electronics Technical Associate will provide support to the Technical Operations team for the DKIST Observatory as directed by the Electrical/Electronics Technician Group Leader. The Electrical/Electronics Technician will be an integral part of the Technical Operations team and will train in the operation and maintenance of DKIST equipment ranging from drives and motors to precision optics and instruments to thermal and HVAC systems. The Electrical/Electronics Technician will also gain hands-on experience in the design, fabrication, installation, testing, and commissioning of new observatory equipment and systems.

Shift is at 6am - 4:30pm, 4-day work week, days may vary between Monday - Sunday.

Essential Functions:

Specific Functions:

• Perform basic tasks, with guidance and training provided, related to installation, checkout, operation, and maintenance of Electrical and Electronics components, systems, and equipment under the direction of a supervisory engineer.
• Perform basic tasks, with guidance and training provided, related to technical activities, including basic design, selection of components, assembly, troubleshooting, and repair.
• Support observatory system maintenance; assist in the development and performance of planned maintenance on commissioned and new sub-systems.
• Help prepare the observatory for scientific and engineering operations by means of safety and pre-move inspections. Learn to monitor system performance, identify potential issues, and assist in repairs and improvements as directed.
• Assist in preparing drawings, checklists, and material takeoffs while learning to identify discrepancies in existing documentation, procedures, and reports for updating/correction.
• Help maintain laboratory facility bench stock, consumables, spares, tools, and test equipment to ensure readiness for operations.

General Functions:

• Identify and address issues as required, achieving assigned objectives with proficiency and quality workmanship.
• Help solve coordination problems of a technical nature directly or in conjunction with other members of a project team.
• Provide assistance to other technical personnel as necessary.
• Comply with technical requirements and approved time schedules of assigned work.
• Monitor and report results of activities and note unusual situations.
• Work in accordance with applicable safety standards (including NEC) and for safety of operations in areas under purview. Report any unsafe conditions and practices.
• Expected to take initiative in their professional development by seeking feedback, improving skills, and identifying areas for personal growth. This includes participating in training opportunities and development programs provided by the organization.
• Contribute to a collaborative, respectful, and productive workplace by maintaining open communication, supporting team efforts, and fostering a sense of belonging within the team.
• Other tasks as directed by management.
• All AURA employees are responsible for the proper management and control of all AURA property within their work area, whether assigned to them or someone else. This responsibility includes reporting any known missing, stolen, or non-working property in their work area to their supervisor or the AURA Property Officer.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position or subordinates of this position as defined in the Vela Award Management system, https://cas.aura-astronomy.org/Awards.

Other Functions:

• Other duties as assigned

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• High school diploma.
• 0-2 years of relevant work experience or educational equivalent.
• Demonstrated aptitude for fine-pitch solder, wire cable connectors, assemble electronics boards, and circuit assemblies.
• Demonstrated aptitude in interpreting and generating electronics schematics.
• Demonstrated aptitude to test, troubleshoot, and repair digital and analog electronic circuits to component level using a range of test equipment, including oscilloscopes, signal generators, and multimeters.
• Ability to speak and write effectively, including preparation and presentation of reports.
• Ability to thrive in a team environment.
• Ability to work safely around voltages up to 480V.
• Ability to obtain a Federal Driver's License.
• Willingness to actively participate in team safety meetings and adhere to (and advocate for) safety procedures and protocols.
• Sensitive to and respectful of different perspectives and environmental issues.
• Basic computer skills

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Associate’s degree, military schools, or college level courses in Electronics, Electrical Engineering Technology or equivalent combination of trades/skill training and demonstrated work experience sufficient to meet job requirements.
• Relevant work experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Power Distribution and Electrical Safety
  • Familiarity with National Electric Code (NEC)
  • NFPA 70E Electrical Safety Certification, Certified Electrical Safety Worker (CESW), or similar
  • Single-phase and medium voltage three-phase electrical distribution systems
• Optical / Instrumentation
  • Experience with optical mirror handling, cleaning and or coating
  • Experience working in a clean room environment
  • Working in an astronomical or scientific laboratory environment
  • Precision alignment and metrology (e.g. micrometer, dial indicator, theodolite, laser tracker)
  • Servicing and repair of high vacuum cryogenic systems.
  • Infrared arrays and/or CCDs and controllers
• HVAC/R
  • Certification in Refrigerant Handling, EPA608 or equivalent
• PLC’s / Motion Control
  • Motion control, digital, and analog servo systems.
  • Programmable logic controllers (PLC).
• Electronics & Network Systems
  • Surface mount technology (SMT) assembly and repair
  • CAT5/CAT6 cable termination
  • Fiber optics termination.
• Training
  • Experience with craning and slinging of equipment.
  • OSHA/ANSI Fall Protection Authorization
  • Forklift operator
  • Aerial work platform operator
  • CAD

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The position will be based at the Haleakala (DKIST) facility and ability to work at 10,000’ elevation, sometimes during inclement weather, is required.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl.
• The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, ability to differentiate colors, and ability to adjust focus.
• Must possess - sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) reach upward, sideways, downward to work with paper files; b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, fax machines, copiers, and other office machines.
• Must possess – 1) ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform job; 2) sufficient visual capacity to perform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than contact lens or eyeglasses; 3) sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid; and 4) ability to impart information orally so that others understand and can respond appropriately.
• Must possess sufficient mobility, strength or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) grasp, push, pull, turn or otherwise manipulate tools and mechanisms; b) push, shove, pull or otherwise safely and efficiently manipulate tools or mechanisms; c) lift, hold, maneuver, objects of 50lbs or more; d) maintain balance while performing work; e) remove parts, systems, tools of 50lbs or more
• There will be occasional working at height utilizing PPE.
• Occasional travel between the mainland US and Hawaiian Islands may be necessary.
• Availability to work varying shifts, which may include occasional early mornings, nights, holidays and/or weekends.

Salary Range: $48,500-$55,800. The final salary will depend on level of skills, qualifications, and experience.

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/employee-benefits-guide/

How to Apply:

The position will remain open until it is filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by March 25th, 2025.

• Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname Docname.
• Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to employment@aura-astronomy.org.
• Please enter 3 professional references in your application (references will only be contacted later in the recruitment process).

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/employee-benefits-guide/

Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org