Electronics Engineer III

Job Description

Posted Monday, January 12, 2026 at 5:00 AM

Employer: National Radio Astronomy Observatory

Carry out engineering analysis, design, and general implementation of a project or whole system. Recommend, coordinate and assist in decisions on design, procurement, manufacture, erection, test and initial operation of millimeter wave cryogenic receivers and their associated test systems to measure noise temperature. Use computer assisted engineering and design software and equipment to design electronic equipment, components, systems or structures for radio telescopes and related systems.

Modify existing software and hardware to add new features and improvements, or correct original design problems. Lead other engineering and technical personnel in fabrication and test of equipment, and determine methods, procedures, and conditions for testing. Ensure manufacturing, construction, installation, and operational testing conform to functional specifications and requirements. Work with software engineers and scientists to identify and solve problems.

Review and determine repair and maintenance needs for millimeter wave receivers and their associated test equipment. Assist in preparing costs and time analyses of projects. Make recommendations for procedures, equipment purchases, and other improvements. Provide leadership to 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.

Bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent in electronics or electrical engineering, or related field plus three years of relevant experience. Experience must include: engineering analysis, design, and execution of projects; coordinating design, procurement, manufacture, construction, test and operation of projects; detailed measurement of noise performance and characteristics of cryogenic mixers and amplifiers; micro-assembly; building, operating, and debugging electronic test systems; and familiarity with cryogenic receiver test systems.

Skill set does not need to be maintained over the full term of required experience. Travel two weeks in a year to visit ALMA telescope site in Chile and attend domestic or international scientific conferences.

NRAO Central Development Lab, 1180 Boxwood Estate Rd, CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia, United States of America