Control Systems Electronics Engineer, McDonald Observatory

Job Posting

Title:

Control Systems Electronics Engineer, McDonald Observatory

Hiring Department:

McDonald Observatory

Position Open To:

All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled

Hours:

40

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Earliest

Start Date:

Immediately

Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

Location:

MCDONALD OBSERVATORY

Job Details:

The McDonald Observatory is an astronomical observatory located 16 miles from Fort Davis, Texas, and 440 miles from the UT Austin campus. Residence in the Observatory's residential community is preferred. Work hours include occasional weekends, evenings, and holidays.

The University of Texas at Austin provides an outstanding benefits package to staff, including:

• Competitive health benefits (Employee premiums covered at 100%; family premiums at 50%)
• Vision, dental, life, and disability insurance options
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Teachers Retirement System of Texas (a defined benefit retirement plan)
• Additional voluntary retirement programs: tax sheltered annuity 403(b) and a deferred compensation program 457(b)
• Flexible spending account options medical and childcare expenses

For more details, please see: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). and -rewards

The position may be subject to "call-back" as an essential employee for emergencies or critical response situations. Must be eligible to work in the US full-time for any employer without sponsorship.

This position is a research support staff role that contributes to the performance and scientific operations of fielded instrumentation systems, including both newly introduced systems during commissioning and existing research systems. This support involves assessing the science needs, expected results, and operational limits of the system as a whole, while quickly developing field-friendly modifications to complex systems. These modifications must preserve the core scientific requirements and be feasible in the field to prevent disruptions to research activities.

The systems range in age from 1939 to 2025, covering several generations and technology nodes. Examples include motion-control systems used for operating observing subsystems such as the dome, dome shutters, enclosure-related controls, safety interlocks, status reporting systems like indicator panels, decade counters, encoders, and control interfaces on observing subsystems, including scientific instruments. The electrical environment involves low-voltage DC, low-voltage AC, and medium-voltage three-phase motor control components, contacts, motor starters, and voltage/current monitoring interfaces.

Purpose

Performs preventive maintenance, inspections, diagnostic testing, and repairs of electronic, electrical, and electromechanical systems related to instrumentation, control infrastructure, and telescope operations.

Responsibilities

• Responds to trouble calls, communicates with customers, troubleshoots electronic, electrical, and electro-mechanical control systems and components to ensure reliable operation of observing systems.
• Performs preventive maintenance and calibrates electronic, electrical, and electro-mechanical controls and sensors to prevent failures, ensure the observing environment operates at optimal performance, and maximize operational availability.
• Interprets and works from drawings, specifications, and sketches for assigned projects to ensure university standards are maintained. Commissions control systems for new and renovation construction projects to ensure final control installation meets standards and functional requirements. Performs work independently from written or verbal instructions and in accordance with established safety procedures to complete tasks promptly.
• Researches and recommends repair components and test equipment to assist in procuring components. Creates material lists and acquires materials to support efficient work. Keeps accurate records of materials used and maintains daily time reports to complete tasks efficiently and document details of the functions performed. Maintains accurate, up-to-date documentation for all systems.
• Renovates and upgrades control systems to ensure efficient operation of the observing environment and to support evolving scientific needs.
• Assists others as needed to troubleshoot observing subsystems and other equipment, aiming to minimize equipment downtime and address concerns about the stability of the observing subsystems.
• Gathers data on electronics, electrical, and electro-mechanical systems to support analysis and enhance control system performance. Participates in the On-Call Program.
• Supports other shops and team members in achieving shop goals related to key performance indicators. Assists external entities as needed. Provides prompt and courteous customer service, keeps supervisors informed about daily work order status to ensure clear, concise, and effective communication, and meets customer expectations. Driving University vehicles to job sites may be required for this role and other…