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National Radio Astronomy Observatory · 1 month ago

Division Head, Engineering Services

NRAO Very Large Array, 183 VLA RD, Magdalena, New Mexico, United States of America

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

7+ years exp

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research facility dedicated to the study of the universe. They are seeking a motivated engineering professional to lead the Engineering Services Division at the Very Large Array, overseeing operations, maintenance, and a multi-million-dollar budget while managing a skilled team of engineers and technicians.

CommunitiesEducationInformation TechnologySatellite Communication

Work & Life Balance

No H1B

Responsibilities

Managing the VLA site, with an emphasis on maintenance and engineering activities but also including coordination of activities with scientific operations and Education & Public Outreach staff

Developing, coordinating, and maintaining a proactive maintenance and upgrade program within the Division to minimize equipment failures and resulting telescope downtime

Maintaining the Division’s operations budget, including authorizing requests for supplies and services or other purchases, and prioritizing tasks to ensure their completion within budget constraints

Implementing innovative engineering solutions to complex and unique engineering problems

Supervising engineers, technical specialists, technicians, and other staff to include hiring and training; planning, assigning, and evaluating work; and addressing and resolving personnel matters

Carrying out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with Observatory policies and applicable law. Recommending modifications to policies when necessary

Providing contributions to various reports (e.g. quarterly status updates, program operating plan, long range plan, risk register, etc.)

Supporting Next Generation Very Large Array (ngVLA) development activities involving the Division

Interpreting, implementing, developing and/or recommending changes to rules, regulations, policies and procedures set forth by the Observatory

Proactively complying with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures in Division work areas to ensure a safe working environment

Performing other duties as assigned

Qualification

Mechanical EngineeringOperations ManagementProject ManagementBudgetingStaff ManagementCommunication SkillsProblem SolvingSelf-Motivation

Required

A Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering field

A minimum of seven years of experience in the following areas: Managing a large and widely skilled staff of engineers and technicians, Operations and maintenance experience of large, complex facilities, Budgeting and planning of operations, programs, projects, and proposals, Project leadership and management

Direction and management of both salaried engineering and hourly technical staff

Maintenance and oversight of a combination of radio telescopes, facilities, medium voltage power infrastructure, and grounds

Lead engineering redesigns to retrofit obsolete subsystems

Use of software and other tools to accomplish activities listed above

Self-motivation, capable of inspiring continuous improvement, problem solving skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Must possess a valid driver's license

Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States

Preferred

An advanced degree in a discipline as described above

Ten or more experience in the areas described above

Experience with mechanical and electronic systems used in large radio telescopes and the supporting infrastructure

PMP Project Management Professional Certification

Benefits

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

Optional supplemental, tax-deferred plan for employee retirement contributions