Electrical Technician

The NSF NOIRLab is the preeminent U.S. national center for ground‑based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. NOIRLab is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) that operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs:
Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC, with facilities in Arizona, Chile and Hawai‘i. The mission of NOIRLab is to enable breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing and operating state‑of‑the‑art ground‑based observatories and providing data products and services.

NOIRLab is hiring an Electrical Technician to support telescope electrical systems primarily at our summit facility on Maunakea and occasionally at our base facility in Hilo. The role is available at various levels, depending on experience, education, and demonstrated ability. All technicians work in a collaborative, team‑based environment supporting observatory operations and maintenance.

The Electrical Technician provides technical support with maintaining, operating, repairing, and upgrading telescopes, instruments, and observatory electrical and related systems, carrying out duties in a collaborative and team‑based environment. The Technician is expected to support other team members in adjacent fields, such as electronics and mechanics.

• Maintain, operate, and repair telescopes, instruments, and observatory electrical systems, and support development and upgrade projects aimed at improving the observatory’s performance with no supervision.
• Assemble and troubleshoot electrical components such as wiring, cables including conduits, electrical panels and their protections, and power distribution systems for telescopes and instruments.
• Utilize and maintain test equipment and keep certifications updated.
• Perform daily checks of observatory power network conditions with no supervision.
• Perform generator and UPS safety walk‑through inspections with no supervision.
• Perform operation and maintenance of the fire alarm system with no supervision.
• Perform periodic maintenance performance checks of electrical systems and issue regular performance reports.
• Create, modify, and update documentation of telescope and instrument electrical systems.
• Purchase materials, supplies, and equipment for the electronics laboratories and maintain them in good working order.
• Identify and order proper spares and components for telescope and instrument electrical systems and keep track of inventory lists.
• Create safety documentation such as Job Hazard Analysis, LOTO, and work procedures as necessary.
• Collaborate and work cooperatively with other staff, including cross‑training individuals when necessary. Supervise the work of other electrical technicians (if any).
• Operate equipment as necessary, maintain written and/or electronic records, maintain tools, and maintain clean and organized shared spaces and common areas, and provide general assistance to other staff members as required or requested.
• Comply with applicable safety standards, procedures, and practices and ensure safety of operations in areas under purview; correct and/or report unsafe conditions and practices.
• All AURA employees are responsible for the proper management and control of all AURA property within their work area, whether assigned to them or someone else. This responsibility includes reporting any known missing, stolen, or non‑working property in their work area to their supervisor or the AURA Property Officer.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position or subordinates of this position.

• Other duties as assigned.

• Degree in Electrical/Electronics technology (at least 2‑year study program).
• 5+ years of relevant professional experience in electrical technology.
• Journey Worker electrician (EJ) Hawaii certification.
• Able to perform work with no supervision.
• Possess basic knowledge of electronic principles and theory and practical knowledge and understanding of electrical and electronic circuits.
• Able to read blueprints, sketches and other drawings specifying job…