National Radio Astronomy Observatory · 1 day ago
Mechanical Engineer III
GREEN BANK, West Virginia
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
3+ years expThe National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is an exciting and prestigious research facility that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. In this role, you will support upcoming projects to bring new capabilities to our telescopes, performing engineering analysis and executing projects that provide solutions to keep our world-class telescopes at the forefront of science.
CommunitiesEducationInformation TechnologySatellite Communication
No H1B
Responsibilities
Lead and contribute to the design, analysis, and integration of mechanical systems for major telescope subsystems, including thermal management, environmental enclosures, structural components, cable routing, and maintenance/access infrastructure
Support the development, improvement, and deployment of mechanical assemblies associated with telescope instruments, receivers, and protective systems
Coordinate with engineers, technicians, and cross-disciplinary teams to identify challenges, develop solutions, and ensure that designs meet functional, operational, and safety requirements
Oversee or support the fabrication, installation, testing, and verification of mechanical systems, ensuring conformance with specifications, procedures, and quality standards
Participate in observatory-wide engineering initiatives, contributing to both new development projects and the resolution of technical and operational issues
Direct or collaborate with technical staff in the construction, maintenance, and repair of site equipment and support systems
Assist in preparing project documentation including cost estimates, schedules, technical analyses, and recommendations for improvements or equipment procurement
Maintain compliance with safety policies, identify and address unsafe conditions, and promote safe work practices
Perform other engineering duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
You have a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
You have at least 3 years' experience in related field
You are proficient in the use of computer and software packages such as Autocad and Inventor and be willing to learn such packages as Nastran (structural analysis software)
You have high-level of competency in Microsoft software products and web-based systems, Visio and SharePoint
You have excellent communication skills – both verbally and in writing
You can apply critical attention to detail
You are highly organized
Will be required to stand and sit and perform fine hand manipulation
Must be able to operate a personal computer
Must work near moving mechanical parts and/or with electrical equipment. Occasionally required to climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, and crouch
May occasionally work and in high, precarious places and in outside weather conditions, and may be exposed to chemicals, or the risk of electrical shock
Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color and depth perception
Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B Visas for this position
The selected candidate must successfully pass a post-offer, pre-employment/pre-placement drug screen. Failure to pass the screen will disqualify the candidate from employment consideration for a period of six months from the date of the results
Preferred
While not required, you may have a Master's Degree in Engineering and/or 5+ years of relevant experience
While not required, you may have experience with machining or manufacturing
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
Company
National Radio Astronomy Observatory
The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageRecent News
2026-01-12
PhysOrg.com
2026-01-07
2025-08-02
Company data provided by crunchbase