Division Head, New Mexico Electronics Division

Position Description:

Position Summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a vibrant, 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 Very Large Baseline Array (VLBA) distributed across the United States and its territories, 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.

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is seeking an engineering professional experienced in electrical engineering and management to lead the New Mexico Electronics Division. The division is primarily responsible for the operations, repair, maintenance, and upgrades of systems utilized on VLA and the VLBA. Division members also directly support operation and maintenance of ALMA and perform design and development for the proposed Next Generation Very Large Array (ngVLA). The Division Head is directly responsible for overall planning, coordination, direction, safety and management including development and administration of budgets, policies, procedures and practices necessary to achieve assigned goals. The position also helps facilitate continuous improvement initiatives and recommends changes to New Mexico Operations (NM Ops) management as needed.

The position is based in Socorro, NM at the NRAO Domenici Science Operations Center (DSOC) located on the campus of New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (www.nmt.edu). Socorro is a small, historic city in the Rio Grande Valley, 75 miles south of Albuquerque. With over 300 days of sunshine each year, Socorro offers ample access to outdoor recreation and an affordable cost of living.

What You Will be Doing

The position leads a large organization skilled in RF, analog, and digital electronics, servomechanisms, cryogenic cooling, distributed monitor and control networks, and system design.

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

• Operational performance of systems used on the VLA and VLBA
• Direct supervision of functional group leaders
• Overall management of the Electronics Division (approximately 70 employees)
• Coordination of engineering activities with other engineering and array operations groups
• Technical guidance to electrical engineers, technical specialists, and technicians
• Division resource allocation and division budget development and management
• Facilitating staff selection, training and development to ensure division meets current and future requirements
• Advocate change as part of continuous improvement initiatives
• Proactive compliance with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures
• Other duties as assigned, relevant to the scope of this role

Work Environment

Work is primarily performed in a research environment consisting of desk work and lab work.; will be required to stand and sit, and perform fine hand manipulation. 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 at high altitudes, and in high, precarious places and in outside weather conditions, and may be exposed to chemicals, or the risk of electrical shock.  Some travel may be required to other NRAO facilities.

Who you Are:

You will need

• A Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related engineering field. An Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering or closely related field is preferred.
• A minimum of seven years of experience (ten or more years preferred) in the following areas:

• Managing a large and widely skilled staff of engineers and technicians
• Electronics hardware design, maintenance and/or operations
• Budgeting and planning of programs, projects, and proposals
• Project leadership and management

• Additional preferred experience or qualifications include:

• Electronic systems used on radio interferometry
• Leading technical teams through requirements development and engineering reviews on requirements and designs
• Systems engineering
• PMP Project Management Professional Certification

Competency Summary

A good understanding of radio frequency electronics, analog electronics, digital electronics, and engineering practices and techniques with radio telescopes is required. Excellent presentation, oral and written skills is required to facilitate effective and efficient communication with colleagues. Must be proficient with Microsoft Office programs and engineering management software tools. Must be able to operate a personal computer and lab instruments. Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Total Rewards:

Associated Universities, INC (AUI) offers a comprehensive total rewards package for this position, subject to eligibility requirements. We are committed to serving our employees and their families with an extensive and competitive compensation and benefits package that supports our employees’ overall well-being and career growth.

Compensation

AUI strives to attract and retain dedicated, highly qualified, competent, and motivated employees by offering competitive compensation and recognition for performance.

Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include; education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions.

Benefits

AUI’s benefits package addresses the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment. AUI provides excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days and 15 sick days, additional time off for doctor/dentist visits, and 8 weeks of paid parental leave). Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment. AUI’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution; we also offer an optional supplemental, tax-deferred plan for employee retirement contributions.

Application Instructions:

Select the “Apply” button. Please be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the position.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement, please visit https://public.nrao.edu/careers/. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to resumes@nrao.edu. PM20