Technical Specialist - Assembly Technician

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 full-time technician to work in the Millimeter/Submillimeter receiver group. The technician will assemble microwave and millimeter-wave components for use in radio astronomy receivers. This position requires experience assembling electronic components under a microscope, in some cases assembling microcircuit chips with dimensions of a fraction of a millimeter as well as testing sensitive electronic devices.

The location for this position will be based at our Central Development Laboratory located in Charlottesville, Virginia.

• Assembly of millimeter wave and microwave circuits.

• Testing millimeter wave and microwave circuits and systems.

• Recording and analyzing test data.

• Track and maintain lab supplies and parts and reorder as necessary.

Work is mission driven, team oriented and typically performed in a laboratory within a research and development environment.

• You have an associate's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• While not required, a bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred.

You have 3 years of professional experience fabricating radio frequency or microwave components or systems.

While not required, you may have:

• Experience using a manually controlled wire bonder is desirable as well as experience with common RF and microwave measurement equipment.

• Must be a methodical, motivated team player comfortable in an R&D environment.

• Excellent writing and communication skills to keep records and documentation

• High level of competency in Microsoft software products to manage and graph measurement results as well as other web-based systems.

• Attention to detail is critical.

• Highly organized.

The candidate must be able to sit or stand at a bench for sustained periods. Visual acuity and manual dexterity are required, and this position requires lifting and carrying 50 pounds.

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

The starting salary/hourly rate of this position is between $27.44 - $39.65 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.

• Excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days)

• 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.

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AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement, please visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to resumes PM20