Electronics Technician - MMT Observatory

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!

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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.

• 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.