Engineering Group Lead, Mechanical, Very Large Array (88)

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.

The NRAO announces an opening for an experienced Mechanical Engineering to serve as the Engineering Group Lead/Supervisor for the Very Large Array’s engineering team. This role provides mechanical engineering leadership, reliability oversight, and hands-on technical guidance across a wide range of industrial systems including heavy equipment, HVAC, electrical, Hydraulics and Facilities maintenance.

The Engineering Lead has broad overview responsibility for the VLA site, executes a maintenance program for repairs, routine preventative maintenance procedures and to identify and track patterns of failure. Takes a leadership role in establishing and guiding safe procedures, recognizing and correcting unsafe practices, enforcing the use of PPE, reporting incidents/accidents, establishing and maintaining a JSA program and complying with the NRAO safety plan.

Provides technical and supervisory engineering support to the VLA, Next Generation Very Large Array (ngVLA), and Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA). Responsible for the overall management, coordination, scheduling, budgeting, training and supervision of an engineering team. Provides technical guidance to the antenna mechanics, painting, electrical and electronic equipment, HVAC, computer hardware and software, automotive mechanics, railroad maintenance, plumbing, carpentry and facilities maintenance.

The position is based at the VLA radio telescope site, 50 miles west of Socorro, NM. Socorro is located in central New Mexico, 75 miles south of Albuquerque, offering a small-town community with access to outdoor recreation, low cost of living, and proximity to a major metropolitan area.
What You Will be Doing:
The essential duties and responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
• Responsible for the overall management, coordination, scheduling, budgeting, training and supervision of the VLA mechanical engineering group, machine shop and electrical engineer.
• Regularly travel to VLBA sites and leads teams to make major repairs and improvements.
• Responsible for organizing the approach to solving complex and unique engineering problems.
• Responsible for engineering analysis, design, and execution of major projects and systems. Makes decisions and determinations in design, procurement, manufacture, erection, testing, and some degree of initial operation.
• Uses computer assisted engineering and design software and equipment to design equipment, components, systems or structures for radio telescopes and related systems. Modifies existing software and hardware to add new features and improvements, or correct original design problems. These software applications include; AutoCad Inventor, Autodesk Vault, JIRA, Confluence and FIIX.
• Directs other engineering and technical personnel in fabrication, assembly, and testing of mechanical and electrical systems, ensuring compliance with industrial and engineering standards.
• Works with engineers, technical specialists and scientists to identify and solve problems. Determines repair and maintenance needs. Coordinates and directs operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment, systems, and structures.
• Makes recommendations for procedures, capital equipment purchases, engineering process improvements, and facility upgrades.Supervise other Engineers, Technical Specialists, Technicians, cooperative education students and/or summer students including hiring, training, planning, assigning, and directing work, addressing complaints, and resolving problems.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the Observatory’s policies and applicable law.
• Proactive compliance with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures in own work area is expected.
• Other duties as assigned.

Work Environment:
Work is will be split 50/50 between in office design and engineering and in the field working with radio antennas and support equipment. The successful candidate may be required to travel domestically and internationally by air carrier and travel by car between NRAO sites.

Who You Are:

• You have either a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a combination of mechanical design experience and a bachelor’s in a related engineering discipline.

• You have at least