Telescope Mechanic

Title: Telescope Mechanic I

Location: NRAO, PO Box 2, GREEN BANK, West Virginia, United States of America

Requisition Number: 218

Job Family: Telescope Mechanic

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research and development organization that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. The Observatory operates state‑of‑the‑art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. At the Green Bank Observatory (GBO), this full‑time Telescope Mechanic position is an entry‑level role in a four‑level progressive career path. The mechanic performs routine maintenance, installation, testing, repair, and calibration of telescopes and associated equipment used to collect radio astronomical data.

This safety‑sensitive position requires working at heights, outdoors, in all weather, and near moving parts.

• Respond to routine maintenance, installation, testing, calibration, repair, and troubleshooting of mechanical, electrical, and limited electronic components on all telescopes and related equipment.
• Provide limited assistance to telescope operators in operating and testing equipment when required.
• Assist in functional evaluation of newly installed equipment to evaluate performance under actual operating conditions.
• Assist telescope operators with receiver and equipment changes.
• Maintain inventory of parts.
• Maintain records of maintenance activities; use a PC as required.
• Assist with indoor and outdoor painting when required.
  
  Maintain tools and equipment in a safe operating condition.
• Assist other maintenance and support personnel as assigned.
• Use hand and power tools; work from verbal or written instructions, sketches and prints.
• Proactively comply with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures in own work area.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Mission‑driven, team‑oriented work requiring both outdoor work on buildings and the telescope and indoor work in a shop area. The position may involve working on open structures up to 500 feet tall, in all weather conditions, near moving parts and electrical equipment, in a high‑noise area. Protective equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) are required.

• Minimum of a high school diploma or general education degree (GED).

• Minimum of 2 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• Preferred experience includes mechanical work, industrial maintenance of heavy equipment, welding, or industrial spray painting; although not required.

• Strong verbal communication skills; ability to consult with coworkers and participate effectively in a team.
• Proficient with NRAO online time reporting and requisition system.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as schematics, blueprints, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Working knowledge of machine shop, welding, and electrical techniques and procedures.
• Physical ability to climb antenna stairs and ladders to heights above 100 feet, lift equipment up to 50 pounds unassisted, and possess adequate visual, manual, and hearing acuity for safe work.

• Must hold and maintain a valid West Virginia driver’s license.

The selected candidate must successfully pass a post‑offer, pre‑employment/pre‑placement drug screen. Failure to pass will disqualify the candidate from employment consideration for a period of six months.

Starting hourly rate: $20.98 to $24.23 per hour. Pay may vary based on education, experience, skills, competencies, and internal and external labor market conditions.

• Paid time off (13 holidays, up to 24 vacation days per year).
• Medical, dental, and vision plans effective on the first day of employment.
• AUI retirement benefit: 10% match of a qualified participant's base pay with no employee contribution.
• Refer to Total Rewards for more information.

AUI is an equal opportunity employer. The complete statement is available at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). For reasonable accommodation requests, contact resumes.