Electrical Technician

The NSF NOIRLab is the preeminent U.S. national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. NOIRLab operates as a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) and provides services across Gemini, Rubin, MSO, and CSDC. Its facilities are located 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.

The NSF NOIRLab is hiring an Electrical Technician, primarily at the summit facility on Maunakea and occasionally at the base facility in Hilo. The technician will maintain, support, and enhance the sophisticated facilities and telescope electrical systems that enable world-class astronomical research at the Gemini Observatory.

The position is available at various levels, depending on the candidate’s 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. The duties are carried out in a collaborative and team-based environment and include supporting 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, conduits, electrical panels, and power distribution systems to the telescope 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.
• Operate and maintain 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 different laboratories used by the Electronics group 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 with 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, maintaining written and/or electronic records, maintain tools, 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 a 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…