- Electronics Technician - MMT Observatory
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The MMT Observatory (MMTO), a joint venture of the University of Arizona and the Smithsonian Institution, is seeking an Electronic Technician III to join the MMTO team. The MMTO operates a 6.5-meter telescope atop the 8550' summit of Mt. Hopkins, which is approximately 40 miles south of Tucson. Additional details regarding the telescope and associated instrumentation may be found on the Observatory website at http://www.mmto.org.
The duty station for this position is located on the campus of the University of Arizona in Tucson. However, the successful applicant will typically be required to spend several days per month at the telescope site. During critical projects, additional time at the telescope and possibly some weekend and/or nighttime work will be required.
We are seeking a motivated hands-on person with both practical skills and experience to assist the MMTO's Electrical Engineering Group in troubleshooting, upgrading, and maintaining of a wide variety of existing equipment. They will also assist with the design, fabrication, testing, and implementation of new circuits and integrated systems with the goal of improving the overall performance, reliability, and efficiency of the Observatory. These systems include the primary and secondary mirror support electronics (force servos), the telescope motion control system (altitude, azimuth, rotator axis), facility instrumentation, weather sensors, and thermal control systems. Coordination with the mechanical and software engineers, Operations staff, scientists, and students will be required.
Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Troubleshoot, repair, modify, and maintain electrical and electronic equipment and subsystems based on engineering specifications.
- Set up test equipment and analyze the performance and reliability of electrical and electronic systems.
- Assist with the design (Altium, OrCAD, etc.), fabrication, testing, and installation of AC and DC systems such as power supplies, HVAC control devices, PLCs, and motion control systems.
- Inventory and requisition of components, materials, supplies, and equipment through interaction with vendors to obtain product and pricing information.
- Solve routine engineering problems using appropriate computational aids.
- Create and maintain technical documents.
- Communicate frequently with supervisors, peers, and telescope operators about Observatory operations and engineering problems.
- Assist with the fabrication, verification, and modification of PCBs.
- Assist with the fabrication and verification of various cable and connector types, including CAT6, BNC, DB9/25, and Mil Spec.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of basic engineering principles and theory.
- Knowledge of the tools, equipment, and materials used in electronic testing, fabrication, repair, and maintenance.
- Skill in detecting defects in electronic equipment and in control circuits and devices using laboratory test equipment (oscilloscope, function generator, etc.).
- Ability to read electronic schematics and wiring diagrams to test and troubleshoot circuits to the component level.
- Knowledgeable on writing Technical Documents, Procedures and Checklists.
- Ability to communicate effectively.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability and willingness to work at elevations of up to 8550' in occasionally very cold conditions and up to 60' above floor level.
Minimum Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent, or equivalent learning attained through experience required.
- Five years of relevant experience.
- Practical hands-on experience with digital and analog circuits.
- Experience soldering through-hole and surface mount components.
- The successful applicant will be required to spend several days per month at the telescope site.
- Weekend and/or nighttime work will be required, as needed.
- Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Associate's degree in electronics.
- Experience with mechanical equipment, plant equipment, and control systems.
- Experience working independently with minimal supervision on complex technical tasks.
Please apply at: https://arizona.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/4/home/requisition/21871?c=arizona
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