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The University of Texas at Austin · 1 month ago

Control Systems Electronics Engineer, McDonald Observatory

Texas, United States

Full-time

Onsite

Mid Level

4+ years exp

The University of Texas at Austin is home to the McDonald Observatory, which is an astronomical observatory. The Control Systems Electronics Engineer will support the performance and scientific operations of instrumentation systems, performing maintenance, inspections, and repairs to ensure reliable operation of observing systems.

Corporate TrainingEducationHigher EducationUniversities

No H1B

Responsibilities

Responds to trouble calls, communicates with customers, troubleshoots electronic, electrical, and electro-mechanical control systems and components to ensure reliable operation of observing systems

Performs preventive maintenance and calibrates electronic, electrical, and electro-mechanical controls and sensors to prevent failures, ensure the observing environment operates at optimal performance, and maximize operational availability

Interprets and works from drawings, specifications, and sketches for assigned projects to ensure university standards are maintained

Commissions control systems for new and renovation construction projects to ensure final control installation meets standards and functional requirements

Performs work independently from written or verbal instructions and in accordance with established safety procedures to complete tasks promptly

Researches and recommends repair components and test equipment to assist in procuring components

Creates material lists and acquires materials to support efficient work

Keeps accurate records of materials used and maintains daily time reports to complete tasks efficiently and document details of the functions performed

Maintains accurate, up-to-date documentation for all systems

Renovates and upgrades control systems to ensure efficient operation of the observing environment and to support evolving scientific needs

Assists others as needed to troubleshoot observing subsystems and other equipment, aiming to minimize equipment downtime and address concerns about the stability of the observing subsystems

Gathers data on electronics, electrical, and electro-mechanical systems to support analysis and enhance control system performance

Participates in the On-Call Program

Supports other shops and team members in achieving shop goals related to key performance indicators

Assists external entities as needed

Provides prompt and courteous customer service, keeps supervisors informed about daily work order status to ensure clear, concise, and effective communication, and meets customer expectations

Driving University vehicles to job sites may be required for this role and other duties

Performs other duties as requested to meet business needs

Qualification

Control systems engineeringElectronics troubleshootingElectromechanical systemsScientific instrumentationComputer-aided design (CAD)Microsoft OfficeISA CCST certificationMechanical aptitudeTeam collaborationCommunication skillsProblem-solvingAttention to detail

Required

Bachelor's degree in electronics, controls, or a related field with experience maintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting scientific instruments and/or electronic systems in an astronomical research or optical lab environment

Four years of journey-level experience with the installation, repair, maintenance and operation of electrical, electronic and electro-mechanical instrumentation and control systems

Associates degree in electronics, controls, or a related field with six years of journey level experience in the installation, repair, maintenance and operation of electrical, electronic, and electro-mechanical instrumentation and control systems

Hands-on experience with machine tools and workshop equipment

Ability to work with precision measuring tools

Good mechanical aptitude

Ability to organize and prioritize work to meet deadlines and expectations

Demonstrated ability to respond to troubleshooting inquiries

Excellent computer literacy skills, including experience with Microsoft Office products

Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to work hard

Self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision

Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills with the ability to communicate with various audiences, i.e., science users, engineers, educators, nighttime staff, and administrative staff

Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment and in a professional manner

Demonstrated ability to develop and document procedures, update the information to a database, and create reports of equipment status

Open to innovative procedures and learning new skills or methods

Safety conscious and adheres to safety rules and regulations

Competencies for this position include accuracy and attention to detail, decision-making and critical thinking, effective communication, initiative, interpersonal relationships, problem-solving, and service excellence

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate

Preferred

Basic computer-aided design (CAD) skills, and ideally expertise in the use of ECAD systems, Altium Designer, Solidworks, AutoDesk Inventor, or similar design and schematic tools

International Society of Automation Certified Controls Systems Technician (ISA CCST) Level 1 certification

TDLR Electrical, Electrical Sign, or HVAC license

Experience working with precision mechanical systems requiring fine motor coordination and a light touch

Experience in a scientific research field with electrical systems

Experience working on chillers, HVAC, cooling systems, air compressors, and electro-mechanical systems