Electronics Engineer — WV at National Radio Astronomy

About the Organization

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research and development organization vital to the study of the universe. Managed by Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation, the Observatory serves as a hub for technological and scientific collaboration. It operates state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for the international scientific community and has been instrumental in groundbreaking discoveries regarding black holes, galaxies, and the early universe.

About the Role

We are seeking an Electronics Engineer to join the Electronics Division at the Green Bank Observatory (GBO) in Green Bank, West Virginia. This role is critical to the operations, design, and maintenance of the Green Bank Telescope's (GBT) electronics systems, including complex servo systems. The successful candidate will work in a unique academic rural environment, engaging in the design, testing, and maintenance of digital systems used in radio astronomy. This includes work on the GBT active surface system, embedded systems, digital signal processing, and instrumentation. The position offers the opportunity to contribute to the next generation of astronomical discovery while leading technicians and cooperative education students.

Work Environment

The role is primarily performed in a research environment involving a mix of desk time, bench work, and laboratory testing. The position requires troubleshooting and repairing electrical and electronic equipment in the field. Candidates must be comfortable working at heights of up to 450 feet on work platforms and unprotected walkways, handling power systems up to 480 volts, and lifting or carrying up to 50 pounds. A proactive commitment to Observatory and government safety policies is expected.

Hiring Process

To apply, please select the "Apply" button and upload your current CV/Resume along with a cover letter describing your interest and suitability for the position. Selected candidates must successfully pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug screen; failure to pass will disqualify the candidate from consideration for six months. Additionally, candidates must be authorized to work in the United States, as the Observatory cannot sponsor H-1B visas for this role.

Equal Opportunity

AUI is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants regardless of background. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please submit your request via email to resumes@nrao.edu.

Work location

Work model: On-site

Cooper Run Road, Pocahontas County, West Virginia, 24944, United States

West Virginia

Key Responsibilities

check_circleDevelop and support telescope servo systems and active surface systems
check_circleMaintain various radio telescope electronic and instrumentation systems
check_circleTroubleshoot and repair electrical and electronic equipment in the field
check_circleEnsure compliance with Observatory and government safety policies
check_circleDesign and develop embedded microcontroller systems for radio astronomy applications
check_circleLead technicians, cooperative education students, and summer students
check_circlePrepare project cost and time analyses with recommendations for improvements

Requirements

verifiedBachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field
verifiedAuthorized to work in the United States (no H-1B sponsorship)
verifiedPass post-offer drug screen

Nice to Have

Advanced degree in a related field. One year of relevant experience encompassing knowledge of C, C++, Python, and PLC ladder logic programming; motor controllers and electro-mechanical systems; servo systems; common test equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, power meters); troubleshooting electrical and electronic systems to the component level; fiber optic cable splicing; programming with Labview or similar software; and CAD software such as Autocad and Inventor.

Benefits & Perks

check_circleExcellent paid time off including 13 holidays and up to 24 vacation dayscheck_circleMedical, dental, and vision plans effective on the first day of employmentcheck_circleRetirement benefit with 10 percent employer contribution and no required employee contribution

Company

National Radio Astronomy Observatory

Industry

Research Services

Headquarters

Charlottesville, Virginia

Open Roles

The NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community.

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory operates as a premier research services entity headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia. Established in 1957 through a partnership between the National Science Foundation and Associated Universities, Inc., the organization provides cutting-edge radio facilities to support the global scientific community. Its core mission involves enabling high-level astrophysics research, training the next generation of scientists and engineers, and fostering a scientifically literate society while prioritizing staff diversity. The observatory manages and develops two major state-of-the-art radio telescope arrays that influence nearly every field of astrophysics. The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array, situated in the Atacama Desert of Chile, represents the largest ground-based global astronomy project in history. Comprising 66 high-precision antennas at a 5000-meter elevation, this international collaboration includes partners from North America, Europe, East Asia, and Chile. The associated Science Center operates from the headquarters in Charlottesville. The Jansky Very Large Array is located in central New Mexico at an elevation of 2124 meters. This facility features 25 radio telescopes that deliver significant scientific results ranging from the Solar System to distant galaxies, with operations managed from the Pete V. Domenici Science Operations Center in Socorro. Technology research and development for these instruments are conducted at the NRAO Central Development Laboratory in Charlottesville, aligning engineering efforts with the highest priority science goals of the astronomy community.

Skills, education and keywords

Skills: C, Python, PLC Ladder Logic, Motor Controllers, Electro-Mechanical Systems, Servo Systems, Oscilloscopes, Logic Analyzers, Spectrum Analyzers.

Education: Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.

Frequently asked questions about Electronics Engineer I-II at National Radio Astronomy Observatory

What does a Electronics Engineer I-II at National Radio Astronomy Observatory do?expand_more

A Electronics Engineer I-II at National Radio Astronomy Observatory is responsible for the following: Develop and support telescope servo systems and active surface systems; Maintain various radio telescope electronic and instrumentation systems; Troubleshoot and repair electrical and electronic equipment in the field; and Ensure compliance with Observatory and government safety policies.

What are the requirements for this Electronics Engineer I-II role?expand_more

To qualify for the Electronics Engineer I-II at National Radio Astronomy Observatory position, applicants should have: Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field; Authorized to work in the United States (no H-1B sponsorship); and Pass post-offer drug screen.

Where is the Electronics Engineer I-II role at National Radio Astronomy Observatory located?expand_more

Electronics Engineer I-II at National Radio Astronomy Observatory is based in Cooper Run Road, Pocahontas County, West Virginia, 24944, United States. This is a on-site role.

Is this Electronics Engineer I-II job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more

National Radio Astronomy Observatory has listed this Electronics Engineer I-II role as on-site.

How much experience is required for this Electronics Engineer I-II role?expand_more

Electronics Engineer I-II at National Radio Astronomy Observatory typically requires 1+ years of relevant experience at the mid level level.

What skills do you need for the Electronics Engineer I-II role at National Radio Astronomy Observatory?expand_more

Key skills for Electronics Engineer I-II at National Radio Astronomy Observatory include C; Python; PLC Ladder Logic; Motor Controllers; Electro-Mechanical Systems; Servo Systems; Oscilloscopes; and Logic Analyzers.

What education is required for Electronics Engineer I-II at National Radio Astronomy Observatory?expand_more

Educational requirements for this role: Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.

What category does the Electronics Engineer I-II role belong to?expand_more

Electronics Engineer I-II at National Radio Astronomy Observatory is part of the engineering job category on Recrutus.

About National Radio Astronomy Observatory

The observatory manages and develops two major state-of-the-art radio telescope arrays that influence nearly every field of astrophysics. The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array, situated in the Atacama Desert of Chile, represents the largest ground-based global astronomy project in history. Comprising 66 high-precision antennas at a 5000-meter elevation, this international collaboration includes partners from North America, Europe, East Asia, and Chile. The associated Science Center operates from the headquarters in Charlottesville.

The Jansky Very Large Array is located in central New Mexico at an elevation of 2124 meters. This facility features 25 radio telescopes that deliver significant scientific results ranging from the Solar System to distant galaxies, with operations managed from the Pete V. Domenici Science Operations Center in Socorro. Technology research and development for these instruments are conducted at the NRAO Central Development Laboratory in Charlottesville, aligning engineering efforts with the highest priority science goals of the astronomy community.

Browse more roles: All National Radio Astronomy Observatory jobs, engineering jobs on Recrutus.

Electronics Engineer I-II