Mechanical Technician

The NSF NOIRLab is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. NOIRLab is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) which operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs: Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Chile and Hawai’i. The mission of NOIRLab is to enable breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing and operating state-of-the-art ground-based observatories and providing data products and services.

The NSF NOIRLab is hiring for a Mechanical Technician who will play a vital role in maintaining, supporting, and enhancing the sophisticated facilities and telescope mechanical systems that enable world-class astronomical research at the Gemini Observatory on Maunakea.

The position is available at three levels (2, 3, or 4), depending on the successful candidate’s experience, education, and demonstrated ability. All technicians work in a collaborative, team-based environment supporting observatory operations and maintenance.

Essential Functions

All Levels

• Maintain and support telescope and observatory mechanical systems.
• Perform preventative and corrective maintenance activities according to approved procedures.
• Support telescope operations, upgrades, and engineering activities during the annual maintenance shutdown.
• Support the team during regular instrument exchanges, parts fabrication and machining.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and operational procedures.
• Keep accurate maintenance records and update CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System).
• Maintain tools, workspaces, and inventories of mechanical components.
• Collaborate, and cross-train, with other technicians, engineers, or scientists (within or outside the mechanical filed) in cross-functional work.

Level 2 – Mechanical Technician 2

• Performs basic preventive maintenance independently following written procedures.
• Participates in complex maintenance tasks under supervision.
• Provides input to improve maintenance procedures.
• Keeps consumable and spare parts inventory up to date, reporting usage and restocking needs.

Level 3 – Mechanical Technician 3

• Plans and executes preventive maintenance activities and implements corrective actions.
• Identifies improvement opportunities and makes recommendations to engineers and managers.
• Works independently on moderately complex maintenance and assembly tasks.
• Troubleshoots and corrects issues with telescope mechanical systems during operations.
• Operate and maintain lifting equipment (e.g., cranes, boom lifts) as certified.

Level 4 – Mechanical Technician 4

• Develops preventive maintenance plans and procedures.
• Mentors, trains and supervises new or early-career technicians during maintenance activities.
• Provides operability and maintainability feedback to design engineers.
• Assists in the design, review, testing, and upgrade of complex observatory mechanical systems.
• Coordinates inventory management for tools, spare parts, and hardware.

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Mechanical Technician 2
  • Associate’s or technical degree in a relevant field (mechanical, industrial maintenance, etc.) or 1–3 years of relevant experience.
• Mechanical Technician 3
  • Associate’s or technical degree or 3–5 years of relevant experience.
  • Demonstrated ability to perform preventive and corrective maintenance independently.
• Mechanical Technician 4
  • Associate’s or technical degree or 7–10 years of relevant mechanical technician experience, including 5 years of telescope or observatory experience.
  • Experience leading or training technical staff.

Required Skills and Certifications (All Levels)

• Knowledge of mechanical systems, maintenance practices, and safety procedures.
• Crane operator and confined space certification (for Levels 3 and 4; preferred for Level 2).
• Proficiency in Windows and PC-based applications.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record; ability to drive a 4-wheel-drive vehicle.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and maintenance documentation.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.

Work Environment

This position operates in a professional office environment handling and operating a variety of tools and machinery. Regularly works in outside conditions that may include inclement weather, heat, and humidity. This role may involve work during non-standard business hours, including overnight. The work environment may have exposure to loud sounds and involves working in close proximity to others.

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.

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.
• Constant need to move about inside the office environment to move objects, service machinery, and conduct maintenance services.
• Occasionally operates a computer and other office productivity tools that require fine motor skills, such as a calculator, copy machine, computer printer, etc.
• Constant need to position self to maintain building-specific machinery (including boilers) as well as general office tools.
• Frequently moves equipment weighing up to 50 pounds throughout office locations.
• Constant communication with other individuals. Must be able to discern and exchange information as appropriate to the situation.
• Constant need to distinguish, discern, and identify a variety of objects and details with accuracy.
• Ability to work at 14,000’ for 10 hour shifts. Longer shifts and working during inclement weather occasionally required.
• Required to pass High Altitude medical examination (post offer and potentially at specified intervals while employed if medically necessary).

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required by personnel so classified. This Institute promotes Equal Employment Opportunity workplace that includes reasonable

Salary Range

The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience.

• Level 2 - Mechanical Technician 2: $27.00 - $32.00/hour
• Level 3 - Mechanical Technician 3: $33.00 - $37.00/hour
• Level 4 - Mechanical Technician 4: $38.00 - $42.00/hour

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at Benefits by Location - Aura Human Resources.

How to Apply

Apply by November 14th for priority consideration. This position will remain open until it is filled. Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: LastName DocName.

Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org