Systems Engineer

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is an 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 Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico, the Green Bank Telescope (GBT) in West Virginia, the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile, and the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA).

NRAO is currently also designing the Next Generation Very Large Array (ngVLA), a transformative astronomical observatory designed to deliver science-ready data products to a broad community of users. These telescopes are among the most advanced in the world and allow astronomers to explore the universe in unprecedented detail.

The North American ALMA Support Center, located at the NRAO headquarters in Charlottesville, VA, is working with ALMA partners to upgrade the ALMA Radio Telescope located in the Chilean Andes Mountains. Already the most capable millimeter-wave telescope ever built, ALMA is currently initiating a system-wide upgrade that will substantially increase its capabilities. We are seeking an experienced systems engineer for the NA ALMA program’s responsibilities.

You will have the opportunity to combine your extensive systems engineering expertise with your passion to contribute to the future of millimeter wave astronomy.

The location for this position will be at the NRAO HQ in Charlottesville, VA. International travel will be required ~10%.

• Oversee and participate in the implementation of systems engineering processes across the life cycle of multiple projects across the ALMA Wideband Sensitivity Upgrade (WSU) program
• Review and communicate system architecture, system requirements, subsystem designs, and other technical documents
• Develop and collaborate on integration, verification and validation plans, interface control documents, and similar documents
• Prepare and execute system reviews and assisting in managing subsystem design reviews, serve as member of project controls team
• Guide the systems engineering management processes, including configuration management, baselining, change management and document management processes and facilitate these processes across projects with our international partners
• Participate in system integration and testing activities

Work is typically performed in an office or laboratory environment. Occasional domestic and international travel will be required. The position will be on-site based at the NRAO Headquarters in Charlottesville, Virginia. A hybrid position with weekly on-site presence may be considered for exceptional candidates.

• You have a bachelor's degree in engineering, physical science, systems engineering, or related field;
  Significant, relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
• At least 10 years working as a systems engineer in integrated projects, preferably in scientific R&D environments
• Demonstrated experience with core systems engineering principles, including requirements capture, verification and validation plans, full project lifecycle planning, and scheduling and running effective meetings with geographically dispersed teams
• Experience working across life cycle phases from design to operations
• Exposure to the following technology domains: electromagnetic, RF, digital signal processing, mechanical, software engineering and civil engineering
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Proactive and independent work ethic
• Enthusiasm to work in a team with subject matter experts, engineers, and scientists across domains and projects

While not required, you may have:

• Experience in an application…