National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Title: Engineering Group Lead, Mechanical, Very Large Array (88)
Location: NRAO Very Large Array, Magdalena, New Mexico, United States of America
Requisition Number: 88
Job Family: Mechanical Engineer
Pay Type: Salary
Required Education: ENG
Position Description: Position Summary The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a n exciting and prestigious research facility that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. The Observatory operates a variety of radio telescopes that span the globe, including the famous Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico, the Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia, and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile. These telescopes are among the most advanced in the world, allowing astronomers to explore the universe in unprecedented detail.
The NRAO announces an opening for an experienced Mechanical Engineering to serve as the Engineering Group Lead/Supervisor for the Very Large Array's engineering team. This role provides mechanical engineering leadership, reliability oversight, and hands-on technical guidance across a wide range of industrial systems including heavy equipment, HVAC, electrical, Hydraulics and Facilities maintenance.
The Engineering Lead has broad overview responsibility for the VLA site, executes a maintenance program for repairs, routine preventative maintenance procedures and to identify and track patterns of failure. Takes a leadership role in establishing and guiding safe procedures, recognizing and correcting unsafe practices, enforcing the use of PPE, reporting incidents/accidents, establishing and maintaining a JSA program and complying with the NRAO safety plan.
Provides technical and supervisory engineering support to the VLA, Next Generation Very Large Array (ngVLA), and Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA). Responsible for the overall management, coordination, scheduling, budgeting, training and supervision of an engineering team. Provides technical guidance to the antenna mechanics, painting, electrical and electronic equipment, HVAC, computer hardware and software, automotive mechanics, railroad maintenance, plumbing, carpentry and facilities maintenance.
The position is based at the VLA radio telescope site, 50 miles west of Socorro, NM. Socorro is located in central New Mexico, 75 miles south of Albuquerque, offering a small-town community with access to outdoor recreation, low cost of living, and proximity to a major metropolitan area.
What You Will be Doing: The essential duties and responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
- Responsible for the overall management, coordination, scheduling, budgeting, training and supervision of the VLA mechanical engineering group, machine shop and electrical engineer.
- Regularly travel to VLBA sites and leads teams to make major repairs and improvements.
- Responsible for organizing the approach to solving complex and unique engineering problems.
- Responsible for engineering analysis, design, and execution of major projects and systems. Makes decisions and determinations in design, procurement, manufacture, erection, testing, and some degree of initial operation.
- Uses computer assisted engineering and design software and equipment to design equipment, components, systems or structures for radio telescopes and related systems. Modifies existing software and hardware to add new features and improvements, or correct original design problems. These software applications include; AutoCad Inventor, Autodesk Vault, JIRA, Confluence and FIIX.
- Directs other engineering and technical personnel in fabrication, assembly, and testing of mechanical and electrical systems, ensuring compliance with industrial and engineering standards.
- Works with engineers, technical specialists and scientists to identify and solve problems. Determines repair and maintenance needs. Coordinates and directs operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment, systems, and structures.
- Makes recommendations for procedures, capital equipment purchases, engineering process improvements, and facility upgrades.Supervise other Engineers, Technical Specialists, Technicians, cooperative education students and/or summer students including hiring, training, planning, assigning, and directing work, addressing complaints, and resolving problems.
- Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the Observatory's policies and applicable law.
- Proactive compliance with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures in own work area is expected.
- Other duties as assigned.
Work Environment: Work is will be split 50/50 between in office design and engineering and in the field working with radio antennas and support equipment. The successful candidate may be required to travel domestically and internationally by air carrier and travel by car between NRAO sites.
Who You Are: - You have either a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a combination of mechanical design experience and a bachelor's in a related engineering discipline.
- You have at least seven years of mechanical/industrial engineering experience with three years of of supervisory or team leadership experience.
- Equivalent relevant experience and/or training will be considered including demonstrated engineering leadership as evidenced by an advanced degree, professional license, publications or original work.
- Experience managing projects in industrial, plant operations, aerospace, defense, or large-scale facilities environments with a successful record of completing projects on schedule and within budget.
Competency Summary Must possess capabilities of responsible engineering leadership. Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Must be proficient with Microsoft Office programs and engineering management software tools. A working knowledge of 3D modeling CAD is required. Must possess a valid driver's license.
The following skills and experience are not required but are desirable.
- Hands-on engineering background with industrial systems to include electrical, plumbing, concrete, welding, hydraulics, engines, motors and transmissions.
- Machined parts design and manufacture.
- Ability to troubleshoot, maintain, and design mechanical systems in both legacy equipment and new production systems. Able to work on old existing designs and create new designs for production.
- FEA experience.
- Experience leading a team, working, and making decisions in the field.
Physical Demands Engineer will be required to stand and sit, and perform fine hand manipulation. Must work near moving mechanical parts and/or with electrical equipment. Occasionally required to climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, and crouch. May occasionally work at high altitudes, and in high, precarious places and in outside weather conditions, and may be exposed to chemicals, or the risk of electrical shock. Occasional travel to other Observatory sites is required and will include VLBA site visits.
Additional Requirements Must possess a valid driver's license as the engineer may be required to drive Observatory vehicles.
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" 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 . If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to . PM20
The NRAO is an equal opportunity employer (M/F/D/V) PIecd9f9fb220e-8622
