Division Head, New Mexico Electronics Division (121)

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.

NRAO is seeking an experienced engineering professional for an exciting opportunity leading the New Mexico Electronics Division. The division is primarily responsible for the operations, repair, maintenance, and design upgrades of an expansive range of technology utilized on VLA and VLBA radio telescopes. Division members are also contributing to the design and development of the Next Generation Very Large Array (ngVLA) and support operation and maintenance of ALMA subsystems. 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 identifies and facilitates continuous improvement initiatives and recommends changes to New Mexico Operations 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, mechanical engineering, and system design.

Essential duties and responsibilities include:
• Maintaining and enhancing operational performance of 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 divisions
• Technical guidance to electrical and mechanical engineers, technical specialists, and technicians
• Division resource allocation and division budget development and management
• Recognize, mitigate, and retire operational and project execution risks
• Facilitating staff selection, training and development to ensure division meets current and future requirements
• Identify opportunities and advocate change as part of continuous improvement initiatives
• Proactive compliance with NRAO and regulatory 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 with electrical equipment. Occasionally required to climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, and crouch. May occasionally work at high altitudes, in elevated and precarious places, in outside weather conditions, may be exposed to chemicals, and the risk of electrical shock. Some travel to other NRAO facilities, partner institutions, and vendors may be required.

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 and mechanical systems used on radio telescopes and interferometers
• Leading technical teams through the complete development lifecycle from requirements development through fabrication including facilitating robust design reviews
• Systems engineering
• PMP Project Management Professional Certification

Competency Summary
A good understanding of radio frequency electronics, analog electronics, digital electronics, and engineering practices and