DKIST Automation & Electronics Group Lead

The DKIST Automation and Electronics Group Lead has primary responsibilities for planning, leadership, coordination, and oversight of the Automation and Electronics (AE) Group. In addition, responsibility extends to cover electronic and automation aspects of all systems and subsystems throughout the Observatory including the PLC-based safety system. The tasks and responsibilities will be accomplished in close collaboration with the Technical Operations Manager as well as Mechanical, Optical, Software, and IT group leads.

Team Leadership

• Line manage AE Engineering staff with responsibility for proper selection, utilization, training, performance management of subordinates and recommendation for advancement.
• Guide and direct employees and subcontractors in assigned activities to ensure all appropriate functional, performance and quality objectives are achieved.

Collaboration

• Work in close collaboration with Observatory Managers and Lead Engineers to plan and coordinate planned, unplanned maintenance and upgrades of observatory processes, components, hardware, and utilities.
• Provide the Technical Operations Manager and other site management support in reconciling and coordinating the EA Staff.
• Review and participate in Operations planning activities, including development of budgets and schedules.
• Participate in upgrade Design and Acceptance Reviews with responsibility for automation and electronics implementation, ensuring they meet performance requirements and are fit-for-purpose.
• Perform other tasks as directed.

Automation and Electronics Systems Management

• Provide performance analyses of integrated automation and electronics systems with respect to operation, optimization and availability.
• Design and Implement automation strategies appropriate to Observatory operational modes and continuous improvement in reliability and availability.
• Manage configuration control of automation systems (i.e., PLC hardware & code) appropriate to system complexity, importance and stage of lifecycle.
• Plan, execute and oversee engineering activities on varied new and existing technical problems and platforms with a focus on automation and electronics.
• Diagnose causes and develop solutions for system malfunctions, ensuring corrective actions meet requirements.
• Develop and maintain test regimes (and records) for both the functional and safety automation systems within the observatory.
•  Maintain the as-built documentation pertaining to the automation systems throughout the major Observatory systems.

Compliance and Safety

• Comply with all applicable electrical and electronics safety standards. Correct and/or report unsafe conditions or practices.
• 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.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in relevant engineering field such as electronics, electrical, mechanical, computer science or systems engineering.
• 10 years of experience in Automation and Electronics Engineering with progressively increasing responsibility and complexity in engineering and development of technical apparatus.
• 5 Years Experience in PLC system programming such as Rockwell Automation /Allen Bradley, Beckhoff Automation TwinCat, B&R Industrial Automation
• 3 years of experience in engineering project management, the development of Key Performance indicators (KPIs) to measure progress, and the use of management tools like MS Project, and MS 365 Office suite.
• Staff management and development experience including supervision and mentoring of automation/electronics/electrical engineers and technician level employees.
• Experience in operations, maintenance, integration and commissioning of complex automation systems.
• Ability to resolve technical problems by application of general engineering, scientific, or mathematical techniques.
• Knowledge and experience with electromechanical systems.
• Familiarity with codes and standards applicable to Electrical and Electronics Engineering and Safety including but not limited to NFPA 70E Electrical Safety, National  Electrical Code, NFPA 79 Electrical Standard for Industrial Machinery, and/or UL508 Standard for Industrial Control Panels.
• Experience in development of operations and maintenance documentation.
• Ability to speak and write effectively, including preparation of comprehensive technical reports.
• Sensitive to and respectful of cultural and environmental issues.

Preferences:

• Master’s Degree in Automation or Controls related field.
• Experience in HMI development.
• Experience in complex sequential or state logic system design and coding.
• Experience in astronomical observatories or research facilities. ● Knowledge and experience with scientific instruments.
• Knowledge and experience with servo motor, mechanical and thermal systems.
• Experience with cryogenic and high vacuum systems.
• Project management experience.

Work Environment:

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.

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.
• Occasional need to move about inside the office environment to access files, office tools, attendance in a meeting room, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity tools that require fine motor skills, such as a calculator, copy machine, computer printer, etc.
• May occasionally need to position self to maintain computer and related tools.
• Seldomly needed to move objects up to 10 pounds.
• Constant communication with other individuals. Must be able to discern and exchange information as appropriate to the situation.
• Constant need to distinguish, discern, and identify a variety of objects and fine details with accuracy.
• Some travel may be necessary in or outside the contiguous United States including travel to the various observatory sites (Arizona, Chile and Hawai`i).
• Occasional work at high elevation summit sites may be required (summit elevations range from 6,800 feet to 14,000 feet)

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 eye contacts or eye glasses; 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.

• There will be occasional working at height utilizing appropriate PPE
• The position will be based at the Haleakala (DKIST) facility and ability to work at 10,000’ elevation, sometimes during inclement weather, is required.
• Occasional travel between the mainland US and Hawaiian Islands may be necessary.
• Willingness and availability to work varying shifts and call schedules, which will include occasional early mornings, nights, and/or weekends

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required by personnel so classified. This Institute promotes Equal Employment Opportunity workplace that includes reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified, disabled applicants and employees.

Salary Range:

$154,900.00- 188,210. The Final Salary will depend on skills, qualifications, experience and job location.

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/benefits-by-location/.

How to Apply: 

Apply by May 9, 2025 for priority consideration. This position will remain open until it is filled. 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. 

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

Salary : $154,900 - $188,210