Electronics Engineer II - Military veterans preferred

Position Description:

Position Summary

Green Bank Observatory oversees the development and operation of the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT), the world’s largest fully steerable telescope, as well as numerous other smaller telescopes which are used for a variety of scientific and educational purposes. Working at wavelengths ranging from 100cm through 3mm, the GBT supports a diverse range of scientific research. Additionally, the GBT has an ongoing program of research and development projects which keeps the telescope at the cutting edge of science and technology.

At the GBO in Green Bank, West Virginia, we have an employment opportunity for an Electronics Engineer. The successful candidate will join the Electronics Division that is responsible for the operations, design, and maintenance of many of the GBT’s electronics systems, as well as developing state of the art wideband digital signal processing techniques.

What You Will be Doing:

The electronics engineer will be involved in the design, testing, and maintenance of various digital systems for use in radio astronomy, including radio telescope servo systems, the GBT active surface system, embedded systems, digital signal processing systems, and instrumentation systems. This position requires a motivated person with a high level of organization skills who is comfortable working in an academic rural environment.

Job Duties Summary

• Develop embedded microcontroller systems.
• Develop and support digital signal processing systems.
• Maintain various radio telescope electronic systems.
• Assists in preparing costs and time analyses of projects. Makes recommendations for procedures, equipment purchases, and other improvements.
• Provide leadership to technicians, cooperative education students and/or summer students.
• Proactive compliance with Observatory and government safety policies and procedures in own work area is expected.
• Other duties as assigned.

Work Environment

Work is primarily performed in a research environment consisting of desk time, bench work, and laboratory testing. Work involves troubleshooting and the repair of electrical and electronic equipment in the field. The candidate must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds. Occasional duties must be performed on work platforms and unprotected walkways at heights of up to 450 ft above ground level. Work involves power systems of up to 480 volts.

Who You Are:

• You have a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. An advanced degree in a related field is preferred.
• You have one to five years of relevant experience encompassing the following technical expertise:
• Knowledge of C, C++, Python, and PLC ladder logic programming.
• Knowledge of Xilinx FPGA development with Vivado, VHDL or Verilog.
• Knowledge of servo system maintenance.
• Knowledge of common test equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and power meters.
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical and electronic systems to the component level from drawings using common test equipment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to clearly convey technical information to software developers, engineers and scientists, interact with peers in a positive and respectful way and calmly resolve conflicts.

• Although not required, you may have experience in:
• Fiber optic cable splicing
• Experience with 3D modeling software CST, Microwave Office, or equivalent
• Knowledge of microwave system analysis, S parameters, waveguide and coaxial propagation
• Microwave circuit layout and fabrication
• Programming with Labview or similar computer software
• CAD software such as Autocad and Inventor

Additional Requirements:

Safety Sensitive

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.

Application Instructions:

Select the “Apply Now” button. Please be prepared to upload your current resume and a cover letter of interest and suitability for the position.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement, please visit https://public.nrao.edu/careers. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to resumes@nrao.edu. PM20