Mechanical Technician at Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc. (AURA)

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of over 40 US institutions and four international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. AURA’s National Solar Observatory (NSO), Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) completed construction and started operations on November, 2021 on the summit of Haleakala. DKIST is the world's largest, most advanced solar telescope and will help resolve the fundamental interactions between solar magnetic fields and the dynamic atmospheric plasma on scales below 0.1 arcsec over entire active regions.

DKIST is seeking a Mechanical Technician to provide support to the Technical Operations team for the DKIST Observatory as directed by the Mechanical Technician Group Leader.  The Mechanical Technician will be an integral part of the Technical Operations team, responsible for operation and maintenance of DKIST equipment ranging from precision optics to pumps.  The Mechanical Technician will also participate in the design, fabrication, installation, testing, and commissioning of new observatory equipment and systems.

Specific Functions:

• Perform installation, checkout, operation, and maintenance of structural and mechanical components, systems, instrumentation, and equipment under the direction of a supervisory engineer and/or more senior technician.
• Perform technical activities including basic design, selection of components, fabrication, mechanical assembly, precision alignment, modification, troubleshooting, and repair of observatory systems.
• Utilize machine tools including but not limited to mill, lathe, band saw, drill press, and magnetic drill. Deploy techniques including welding, rigging/hoisting, and crane operation.
• Execution of observatory system maintenance as well as development of planned maintenance on new sub-systems.
• Participate in the site acceptance testing of sub-system equipment and any associated maintenance training.
• Ensure the mechanical workshop is kept operational; machine tools, consumables, spares, tools, and test equipment are organized and maintained.

General Functions:

• Assist in solving problems as required, achieving assigned objectives with proficiency and quality workmanship.
• Solve coordination problems of a technical nature directly or in conjunction with other members of a project team.
• Support other technical personnel as necessary.
• Comply with technical requirements and approved time schedules of assigned work.
• Monitor and report results of activities and note unusual situations.
• Work in accordance with applicable safety standards. Ensure safety of operations in areas under purview. Report any unsafe conditions and practices.
• All AURA employees are responsible for the proper management and control of all AURA property within their work area, whether assigned to them or someone else. This responsibility includes reporting any known missing, stolen, or non-working property in their work area to their supervisor or the AURA Property Officer.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position or subordinates of this position as defined in the Vela Award Management system,  https://cas.aura-astronomy.org/Awards .

 Other Functions:

• Other duties as assigned

 Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Associate’s degree, military schools, trade school, college level courses in Mechanical Engineering Technology, vocational training as a machinist, millwright, or equivalent combination of trades/skill training and demonstrated work experience sufficient to meet job requirements.
• Ability to speak and write effectively, including preparation and presentation of reports.
• Ability to thrive in a culturally diverse team environment.
• Willingness to actively participate in team safety meetings and adhere to (and advocate for) safety procedures and protocols.
• Sensitive to and respectful of cultural and environmental issues.
• Basic computer skills

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

2+ or more years of relevant work experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Machining / Fabrication
  • Ability to interpret Engineering Drawings
  • Experience in precision machining of small-medium sized mechanism parts and related components.
  • Experience in structural mechanical fabrication including welding and brazing a variety of materials
  • CNC machine operation and programing
  • Creating and modifying part and assembly models and drawings in CAD
• Optical / Instrumentation
  • Experience with optical mirror handling, cleaning and or coating
  • Experience working in a clean room environment
  • Working in an astronomical or scientific laboratory environment
  • Precision alignment and metrology (e.g. micrometer, dial indicator, theodolite, laser tracker)
  • Servicing and repair of high vacuum cryogenic systems
• HVAC/R
  • Familiarity with HVAC/R equipment which include pumps, heat exchangers, chillers, valves, and piping systems.
  • Certification in Refrigerant Handling, EPA608 or equivalent training.
• Pumps and Process Equipment
  • Experience with testing, maintenance, servicing, troubleshooting, and repair work on hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
  • Experience in pump maintenance including rebuild, alignment and vibration monitoring.
• Training
  • Experience with craning and slinging of equipment
  • OSHA/ANSI Fall Protection Authorization
  • Certified Rigger
  • Certified Overhead Crane Operator
  • Forklift operator
  • Aerial work platform operator

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl.
• The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Must possess - sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) reach upward, sideways, downward to work with paper files; b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, fax machines, copiers, and other office machines.
• Must possess – 1) ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform job; 2) sufficient visual capacity to perform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than eye contacts or eye glasses; 3) sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid; and 4) ability to impart information orally so that others understand and can respond appropriately
• Must possess sufficient mobility, strength or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) grasp, push, pull, turn or otherwise manipulate tools and mechanisms; b) push, shove, pull or otherwise safely and efficiently manipulate tools or mechanisms; c) lift, hold, maneuver, objects of 50 lbs or more; d) maintain balance while performing work; e) remove parts, systems, tools of 50 lbs or more
• There will be occasional working at height utilizing appropriate PPE
• The position will be based at the Haleakala (DKIST) facility and ability to work at 10,000’ elevation, sometimes during inclement weather, is required.
• Occasional travel between the mainland US and Hawaiian Islands may be necessary.
• Availability to work varying shifts, which will include occasional early mornings, nights, holidays, and/or weekends

Salary Range: $63,400 - $81,300. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications, experience and job location.

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off, health and welfare benefits, and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at  https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/benefits-by-location/

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org