Technical Specialist III-IV

5651 Balloon Fiesta Pkwy, Albuquerque, NM 87113, USA

Posted Friday, July 10, 2026 at 6:00 AM | Expires Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 5:59 AM

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research and development organization that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) is a nonprofit organization that manages and operates the NRAO under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. The Observatory is a hub for technological and scientific collaboration, operating state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community.

The Observatory has been instrumental in the study of black holes, galaxies, and the early universe.

At NRAO, we are recruiting a Front End Technical Specialist III or IV.

The preferred location for the position will be based at Albuquerque BP office.

• Assist with design, layout, testing, problem solving, and troubleshooting procedures for systems, assemblies, sub-assemblies while working with engineers and technical staff.
• Conduct procurement and testing of RF and microwave components such as polarize rs, couplers, amplifiers, cables, and wave guides.
• Participate in regular Front End design, development, and future maintenance activities.
• Design, fabricate, assemble and test prototype or production receivers and support electronics.
• Set up standard test equipment, test fixtures, or devices to conduct functional, operational, and environmental tests to evaluate the performance and reliability of prototype or production units.
• Analyze and interpret test data.
• May assist in the first couple installations, then lead the subsequent installations of finished units at various antenna sites.
• Other duties may be assigned based on the applicant’s skills and the Observatory’s needs.

Work is mission driven, team oriented and typically performed in an office setting within a research or development environment. The successful candidate may occasionally be required to work outdoors or climb on antennas to heights greater than 40 feet above the ground. Candidate may be required to travel domestically and internationally by air carrier and to travel by car between NRAO sites.

• Associate’s degree in electrical engineering technology or an equivalent combination of education and Ten years of related experience.
• While not required, a Bachelor of science in electrical engineering technology or closely related field is preferred

• Minimum of ten years of experience in design, manufacture, and/or maintenance and repair of some or all the following technical areas: cryogenic receiver systems (front ends), antenna RF systems, and IF systems (e.g. oscillators and mixers)
• While not required, fifteen years of experience in technical areas as described above is preferred

• High level of competency in Microsoft software products and web-based systems, Visio and SharePoint.
• Attention to detail is critical.
• Highly organized.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• A strong foundation in electrical or electronics engineering technology.
• Knowledge of RF, analog, and digital circuit design along with specific test and measurement techniques.
• Use of various types of electronics test equipment and familiarity with automated test setups to support general test and measurement.

Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B Visas for this position.

The selected candidate must successfully pass a post-offer, pre-employment/pre-placement drug screen. Failure to pass the screen will disqualify the candidate from employment consideration for a period of six months from the date of the results.

The starting salary/hourly rate of this position is between $33.66-$43.62 per hour. 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.

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