R&D Electrical Engineer III, Steward Observatory

R&D Electrical Engineer III, Steward Observatory

Posting Number: req
26485

Department:
Steward Observatory

Department Website Link: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Location:

Tucson Campus

Address:
Tucson, AZ USA

Steward Observatory has an exciting opportunity for an R&D Electrical Engineer III to join our Mountain Operations team. The successful candidate will join a group of scientists, engineers, and technicians who maintain and upgrade optical telescopes operated in southern Arizona, including on Kitt Peak, Mt. Graham, Mt. Lemmon, and Mt. Bigelow.

In addition to providing engineering support for telescope maintenance and upgrades, the successful candidate will provide engineering support in a team environment for development projects. The position requires the ability to occasionally work long, irregular shifts and take after hours call-outs, including during nights, weekends, and holidays.

Steward Observatory is both a century-old observatory on the University of Arizona campus and one of the University’s oldest research units. Founded in 1918, the Observatory brings together students, staff, faculty, engineers, and technicians to explore the universe and share discoveries through world‑class research, education, and outreach. With more than 180 professionals supporting advanced facilities, laboratories, and observatories, Steward Observatory offers a collaborative environment where technical expertise plays a critical role in advancing ground- and space-based astronomy.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding UA benefits include:

• health, dental, and vision insurance plans
• life insurance and disability programs
• paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members
• retirement plans
• access to UA recreation and cultural activities
• and more!

• Support operations for telescopes operated by Steward Observatory in southern Arizona, including telescopes on Kitt Peak, Mt. Graham, Mt. Lemmon, and Mt. Bigelow.
• Identify complex operating and performance problems and implement solutions.
• Support operations including troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of equipment at telescope sites, providing guidance to telescope operators and other technical staff.
• Travel to operation sites with occasional overnight stays.
• Lead the engineering phase of projects, providing direction and coordination to engineers and technicians.
• Independently devise criteria for design, development, implementation, and commissioning of new electrical, electro‑mechanical, and control systems for the telescopes and facilities.
• Improve and optimize systems.
• Oversee and provide engineering design and analysis to other Steward Observatory projects.
• Additional duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of electrical engineering principles and electro‑mechanical systems.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work well within a multi-disciplinary team environment.
• Ability to communicate technical information effectively to multidisciplinary teams, translating complex engineering concepts into actionable guidance for technical and operational personnel.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently with minimal supervision, and adapt to changing operational needs in a research environment.
• Ability to work safely and effectively in remote field environments, including traveling to mountaintop observatories and supporting operations under varying environmental and weather conditions.
• Skill in diagnosing and resolving complex electrical, control system, and equipment performance issues.

• Ability to lift/transport up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to routinely climb stairs and ladders at various altitudes.
• Ability to work for extended periods of time at remote sites with elevations up to 11,000 feet.
• Ability to work in extreme mountain weather conditions.
• Ability to install snow chains and drive a 4x4 vehicle on mountain roads.
• Ability to work at heights.
• Ability to work long, irregular shifts and to take occasional after‑hours call‑outs, including during nights, weekends, and holidays.

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