Posting Number

req14921

Department

MMT Observatory

Department Website Link

Location

Outside of Tucson

Address

Amado, AZ USA

Position Highlights

The MMT Observatory (MMTO) seeks an Astronomical Instrumentation Specialist (Research Engineering Mechanical Technician IV) to join the MMTO team to support the operation of a modern world-class optical/infrared astronomical observatory. The MMTO, a joint venture of The University of Arizona and the Smithsonian Institution, operates a 6.5-meter telescope located on the summit of Mt. Hopkins (elevation 8550 ft), approximately 40 miles south of Tucson, AZ. Additional details regarding the telescope and its instrumentation can be found at http://www.mmto.org

We are seeking a self-motivated, detail-oriented individual with a wide variety of experience and skills to join the MMTO’s Instrument Support Group (ISG). The incumbent will coordinate and participate in a wide variety of instrument related activities with the goal of maximizing the reliability and optimizing the performance of the MMTO’s astronomical instrumentation. This instrumentation includes imagers, spectrographs, adaptive optics systems, wavefront sensors, and calibration units. In addition to working with the engineering and scientific staff at the MMTO, the successful candidate will also collaborate with staff and scientists at the University of Arizona and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory.

This position is based on the summit of Mt. Hopkins with an official duty station at the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory (FLWO) basecamp at 670 Mt. Hopkins Rd in Amado, AZ. The typical work schedule will be four or five days per week with occasional weekend and nighttime shifts required to assist with instrument changes, system troubleshooting and repair, and integration, checkout, and performance analysis of new and existing hardware. Some projects and specific activities will require work at the MMTO’s University of Arizona campus labs or offices.

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; state and optional retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please visit talent.arizona.edu

Duties & Responsibilities

• General instrument preparation including vacuum pumping, liquid nitrogen cooling, and slit mask installation.
• Participate in astronomical instrument installation, checkout, and startup.
• Support troubleshooting of instrument issues.
• Participate in all instrument maintenance and repair activities.
• Control and maintain the inventory of astronomical instrumentation spare components.
• Support other non-instrument related activities at the Observatory.
• Help to maintain and improve instrument documentation.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• A demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical problems using engineering principles and techniques.
• The ability to communicate effectively and complete assignments with little oversight and a high degree of latitude.
• A commitment to the safety of personnel and equipment.
• The ability and willingness to work at elevations of up to 8550 ft. in occasional severe weather conditions.

Minimum Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of a two-year technical vocational or college program in the field of expertise with emphasis on math, science, engineering, or technology.
• Experience in a variety of positions involved with complex applied technology such as science projects, aerospace, nuclear power, or sophisticated instruments.
• Experience troubleshooting and repairing electronics.
• Experience with precision instrumentation.
• Experience with vacuum systems and cryogenics.
• Experience with opto-mechanical systems.
• Experience working at an astronomical observatory and/or with astronomical instrumentation.

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Full Time/Part Time

Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week

40

Job FTE

1.0

Work Calendar

Fiscal

Job Category

Research

Benefits Eligible

Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay

$25.50 - $31.88

Compensation Type

hourly rate

Grade

7

Career Stream and Level

OC4

Job Family

Research Engineering

Job Function

Research

Type of criminal background check required:

Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies

1

Target Hire Date

6/12/2023

Expected End Date

Contact Information for Candidates

Amanda Percy
apercy@mmto.org

Open Date

5/4/2023

Open Until Filled

Yes

Documents Needed to Apply

Resume and Cover Letter

Special Instructions to Applicant

Diversity Statement

At the University of Arizona, we value our inclusive climate because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. As a Hispanic-serving institution, we translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues, and constituencies. Because we seek a workforce with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. As an Employer of National Service, we also welcome alumni of AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service programs and others who will help us advance our Inclusive Excellence initiative aimed at creating a university that values student, staff and faculty engagement in addressing issues of diversity and inclusiveness.