Servo​/Fiber Technician III-IV - Technical Specialist I-II

Old Hwy 60, New Mexico, USA

Posted Friday, August 21, 2026 at 6:00 AM | Expires Thursday, October 8, 2026 at 5:59 AM

Position

Description:

Position Summary

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 seeking an experienced candidate to support operations, maintenance, and fabrication work on our antenna motion control electronics and fiber optic hardware. This hands-on position is responsible for repairs, maintenance, and upgrades to the Very Large Array and Very Long Baseline Array Servo and Fiber Optic systems. Work happens both at the bench and in the field, where you will climb our world-famous 25-meter antennas at the VLA site.

The final position and job grade will be determined based on the candidate’s education and experience. Knowledge of electronic components and schematics is preferred. Training in fiber optics will be provided.

This position will be based at the Very Large Array (VLA) site, 50 miles west of Socorro, NM.

What You Will be Doing:

Under immediate to minimum supervision from engineers and technical staff, the position supports or performs assembly, testing, troubleshooting, and training for Antenna Control Units (ACUs), data and communications equipment, servo systems, motors, on-antenna weather stations and other equipment. The candidate will be required to be willing to respond to emergency call-outs during inclement weather, late night and or early morning hours.

Other duties may be assigned.

The Technician level:

• Construct, adapt and calibrate assigned equipment.
• Trouble shoot, correct and repair malfunctioning equipment.
• Conduct various tests or experiments which may require modifications in test setups or procedures
• May record, analyze, and interpret test data.
• Use standard electronic test equipment, such as digital multimeter, spectrum analyzes, oscilloscopes, signal generator, and power supplies, to record unit performance, for inspection, adjustment, and/or replacement of defective system components.
• Use hand tools for mechanical work or repair.
• Is responsible for monitoring, inspection, and maintenance of assigned Servo and Fiber Optic group systems for proper operation.

The Technical Specialist level will also:

• Discuss the design, layout, assembly, testing and troubleshooting procedures and problems of parts and modules with engineers and technical staff.
• May devise design details and functional requirements of assemblies.
• Fabricate, assemble, and test prototype or production units.
• Set up standard test apparatus or devise test equipment to conduct functional, operational, environmental, and life tests to evaluate the performance and reliability of prototype or production units.
• Locate and order parts and equipment, locate and evaluate substitute parts for functional equivalence of any obsolete/non-obtainable components or parts.
• Write technical reports and develop charts, graphs, and schematics to describe and illustrate an assembly's operating characteristics, malfunctions, deviations from design specifications, and functional limitations.

Either level:

• Recommend changes required to achieve functional requirements of the units.
• Follow project schedules set by supervisors.
• Demonstrate proactive compliance with all NRAO policies and procedures.
• May have other duties as assigned

Work takes place in an electronics shop environment; employees are also required to work outdoors, in inclement weather and at heights when accessing an antenna. Candidates must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds and work at heights of 150 feet. Candidates must be able to work at a bench, either sitting or standing, for sustained…