Research Engineering/Scientist Associate IV

Job Posting Title:

Research Engineering/Scientist Associate IV

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Hiring Department:

Center for Space Research

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

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Location:

MCDONALD OBSERVATORY

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Job Details:

General Notes

Responsible for operating and maintaining associated systems. Uses drawings, task lists, instructions, and technical data to work on RF and GPS systems. Establishes and maintains effective site local operations procedures and system documentation identifying system connectivity, cables, and wire runs. Possible extended work hours/on-call/weekend/holiday work for rare equipment breakdowns and operational needs.  Live in the local area.  Relocation expenses not available. Interviews are conducted in Austin, Texas, and/or at McDonald Observatory, TX, preferably.

Purpose

Be a member of collaborative team working on rotating schedules to deliver engineering support for installing and commissioning McDonald Geodetic Observatory instrumentation and infrastructure as a full multi-technique Earth geodesy observatory.  Operate, maintain and troubleshoot Very Long Base Interferometer (VLBI) electronics, maser clock, and GPS/ RF receivers located at McDonald Geodetic Observatory (MGO). Provide engineering support during installation and troubleshooting of such systems.

Responsibilities

• Initialize and setup RF antenna for operations. Safely shut down and restart subsystems such as antenna equipment, RF receiver equipment, disk drives, detectors, and lasers.

• Perform functional tests, analyze performance and malfunctions.

• Remove, install, test, and troubleshoot electronic, electrical, mechanical and hydraulic assemblies, modules, and interconnecting cables.

• Operate and repair cryogenics systems, replace hoses, mylar covers and refrigerant.

• Able and certified to operate personnel lift, or willing to be trained and certified.

• Keep maintenance records. Perform field and limited sustainment maintenance of systems. Prepare reports about operating characteristics, malfunctions, design specifications deviations, and functional limitations.

• Other related functions as assigned.​

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with major coursework in the field of assignment and six years of related experience, or master's degree and four years of related experience, or Ph.D. degree and two years of related experience. 5-7 years’ experience operating and troubleshooting RF systems. Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

• Able to use specialized project equipment. Experience operating and maintaining RF antennas and receiver electronic equipment, including troubleshooting entire system at a moderate level.

• Familiar with antenna operating principles and measurement techniques, antenna control units/drives operation and maintenance process, and maintenance and preservation of large antenna’s structures.

• Capable of working with Windows/Linux/MacOS operating systems, applications and custom software. Capable of operating/configuring network equipment utilizing local operating procedures and/or manufacturer user manuals.

• Familiar with various types of test equipment including systems test sets and stands such as frequency meters, standing wave indicators, oscillators, ohmmeters, voltmeters, resistance bridges, and signal generators to localize faults at the box level and at the line replacement unit (LRU) level. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Applicable military experience can substitute for a bachelor's degree.

• Experience supervising and training new employees.

• At least 7-10 years’ experience operating and troubleshooting RF and/or optical/laser equipment.

• Capable of operating/configuring network equipment utilizing local operating procedures and/or manufacturer user manuals.

• Familiar with various types of test equipment to include systems test sets and stands such as frequency meters, standing wave indicators, oscillators, ohmmeters, voltmeters, resistance bridges, and signal generators to localize trouble by component unit, by circuit within a component, and by element of a circuit.

• Completed VLBI related training in VLBI system configuration, signal path and safety features; VLBI software operations; VLBI operating procedures; VLBI Preventive Maintenance procedures; operating in confined spaces, cryogenics handling, or similar.

• Completed safety training, first aid a