Mechanical Engineer III

Position Description:

Position Summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is an exciting and prestigious research facility that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. The Observatory operates a variety of radio telescopes that span the globe, including the famous Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico, the Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia, and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile.

These telescopes are among the most advanced in the world, allowing astronomers to explore the universe in unprecedented detail.

At the Green Bank Observatory, we are recruiting a Mechanical Engineer to join the Telescope Operations Division to support upcoming projects to bring new capabilities to our telescopes. In this role, you will take on impactful assignments across the breadth of telescope operations to deliver new infrastructure while maintaining existing telescope systems. Tasks include performing engineering analysis, driving design innovation, and executing projects that provide solutions to keep our world-class telescopes at the forefront of science.

Your responsibilities will span the full project lifecycle: from design recommendations and procurement to manufacturing, construction, testing, and initial operations. This position requires a motivated person with high-level organizational skills who is comfortable working in an academic environment alongside engineers, scientists, and technical staff toward the overall mission of the Observatories.

This position will be based on site at the Green Bank Observatory in Green Bank, WV. The position is initially available for a two-year appointment but may be extended or converted to a non-term appointment with budget and mutual interest.

What You Will be Doing:

• Lead and contribute to the design, analysis, and integration of mechanical systems for major telescope subsystems, including thermal management, environmental enclosures, structural components, cable routing, and maintenance/access infrastructure
• Support the development, improvement, and deployment of mechanical assemblies associated with telescope instruments, receivers, and protective systems
• Coordinate with engineers, technicians, and cross-disciplinary teams to identify challenges, develop solutions, and ensure that designs meet functional, operational, and safety requirements
• Oversee or support the fabrication, installation, testing, and verification of mechanical systems, ensuring conformance with specifications, procedures, and quality standards
• Participate in observatory-wide engineering initiatives, contributing to both new development projects and the resolution of technical and operational issues
• Direct or collaborate with technical staff in the construction, maintenance, and repair of site equipment and support systems
• Assist in preparing project documentation including cost estimates, schedules, technical analyses, and recommendations for improvements or equipment procurement
• Maintain compliance with safety policies, identify and address unsafe conditions, and promote safe work practices
• Perform other engineering duties as assigned

Work Environment

Work is mission driven, team oriented and typically performed in an office setting within a research or development environment. Occasional field work in an industrial setting will be required.

Who You Are:

• You have a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• You have at least 3 years' experience in related field.
• While not required, you may have a Master's Degree in Engineering and/or 5+ years of relevant experience.

Competency Summary

• You are proficient in the use of computer and software packages such as Autocad and Inventor and be willing to learn such packages as Nastran (structural analysis software).

• You have high-level of competency in Microsoft software products and web-based systems, Visio and SharePoint.
• You have excellent communication skills - both verbally and in writing.
• You can apply critical attention to detail.
• You are highly organized.
• While not required, you may have experience with machining or manufacturing.

Additional Requirements

• Will be required to stand and sit and perform fine hand manipulation.
• Must be able to operate a personal computer.
• Must work near moving mechanical parts and/or with electrical equipment. Occasionally required to climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, and crouch.
• May occasionally work and in high, precarious places and in outside weather conditions, and may be exposed to chemicals, or the risk of electrical shock.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color and depth perception.

Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United…