Summary of the Position
The Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) Observatory near Safford, Arizona is seeking a motivated and talented junior engineer to join the team on the summit of Mount Graham, Arizona. This engineering position requires minimal observatory experience.
The LBT is the largest optical/infrared telescope in the world, with a number of unique, leading edge capabilities. In particular, the LBT’s unique binocular design and state-of-the-art adaptive optics technology provides diffraction-limited imaging capability with the resolution of a 22.8 meter telescope.
This is a junior level, multi-disciplined engineering position. The candidate will be responsible for improving, maintaining, documenting and troubleshooting observatory systems, including: PLC systems, cooling, instrumentation, HVAC, telemetry and drive systems involving electric motors. The position requires excellent communications skills. The ability to communicate technically complicated concepts, designs, and coordinate with mountain staff is critical. Familiarity with, and the ability to use standard electrical engineering tools (Oscilloscope, DVMs, Logic analyzers, etc.) is desirable.
This position will report to the Chief Observatory Engineer and all work is performed in concert with the Observatory Manager.
The position will be based in Safford, AZ, with most of the time spent at the observatory site on Mt Graham (3200m). Generally work will be scheduled on a 4 ten-hour days per week schedule, including some weekend shifts.
Travel to the Tucson-based observatory headquarters on the campus of the University of Arizona is occasionally required and deployments for on-site work are sometimes required which may last two to four days.
Duties and Responsibilities
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Minimum Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
More information on the UA Employee Benefits:
http://www.hr.arizona.edu/benefits
Resources for UA Prospective Employees: http://employment.arizona.edu/
The Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) Observatory near Safford, Arizona is seeking a motivated and talented junior engineer to join the team on the summit of Mount Graham, Arizona. This engineering position requires minimal observatory experience.
The LBT is the largest optical/infrared telescope in the world, with a number of unique, leading edge capabilities. In particular, the LBT’s unique binocular design and state-of-the-art adaptive optics technology provides diffraction-limited imaging capability with the resolution of a 22.8 meter telescope.
This is a junior level, multi-disciplined engineering position. The candidate will be responsible for improving, maintaining, documenting and troubleshooting observatory systems, including: PLC systems, cooling, instrumentation, HVAC, telemetry and drive systems involving electric motors. The position requires excellent communications skills. The ability to communicate technically complicated concepts, designs, and coordinate with mountain staff is critical. Familiarity with, and the ability to use standard electrical engineering tools (Oscilloscope, DVMs, Logic analyzers, etc.) is desirable.
This position will report to the Chief Observatory Engineer and all work is performed in concert with the Observatory Manager.
The position will be based in Safford, AZ, with most of the time spent at the observatory site on Mt Graham (3200m). Generally work will be scheduled on a 4 ten-hour days per week schedule, including some weekend shifts.
Travel to the Tucson-based observatory headquarters on the campus of the University of Arizona is occasionally required and deployments for on-site work are sometimes required which may last two to four days.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Diagnose and troubleshoot observatory systems;
- Maintain PLCs. Develop and modify software for PLC hardware;
- Maintain and update documentation including electrical drawings and schematics;
- Improve and optimization the operations of subsystems within the observatory;
- Develop and modify documentation and procedures;
- Develop and perform field tests of observatory subsystems;
- Specify and verify requirements;
- Participate in design team efforts for observatory subsystems;
- Promote a proactive safety culture by coordinating with the Safety Manager to identify and be responsive to safety issues.
- Maintain good working relationships with members of other organizations at the observatory site.
- Assist the Observatory Manager in operational tasks and planning when needed.
- Backup of the technical staff including some overnight stays at the facility.
- Report all potential problems and/or deviation from normal mountain procedures.
- Prepare or assist in the preparation of proposals for construction.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in engineering or physical sciences and a familiarity with complex mechanical systems;
- Valid Driver’s license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy;
- Ability to work at altitudes above 10,000 feet;
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in engineering or physical sciences and a familiarity with complex mechanical systems;
- Valid Driver’s license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy;
- Ability to work at altitudes above 10,000 feet
- Ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.
Preferred Qualifications
- Observatory facilities infrastructure experience is highly desired.
- Experience interacting with all levels of management and staff, as well as vendors, contractors and others, to accomplish the responsibilities of a position.
- Electro-mechanical experience;
- Experience working independently and in small teams on technical tasks;
- Experience with standard electrical engineering tools (Oscilloscope, DVMs, Logic analyzers, etc.);
- Experience with AutoDesk CAD software desirable, specifically electrical schematic modules
More information on the UA Employee Benefits:
http://www.hr.arizona.edu/benefits
Resources for UA Prospective Employees: http://employment.arizona.edu/