Electronics - Technical Specialist II

NRAO, PO Box 2, GREEN BANK, West Virginia, United States of America Job Description Posted Friday, June 12, 2026 at 4:00 AM | Expires Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 3:59 AM Position Description: Position Summary The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research and development organization that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) is a nonprofit organization that manages and operates the NRAO under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. The Observatory is a hub for technological and scientific collaboration, operating state‑of‑the‑art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. The Observatory has been instrumental in the study of black holes, galaxies, and the early universe. At NRAO, we are recruiting a Technical Specialist II - Under general supervision from scientists and engineers, devises, layouts, fabricates, calibrates, tests, analyses, troubleshoots and/or repairs astronomical research related equipment such as computers, electronics, electrical, cryogenics, and lasers. Work performed is moderately independent. This is the intermediate level of four progressively more complex positions. This position is located on‑site at the Green Bank Observatory in Green Bank, WV. What You Will be Doing: Discusses the design, layout, assembly, testing and troubleshooting procedures and problems with engineers and technical staff. May draw sketches to clarify design detail and functional criteria of the units. Designs, fabricates, assembles, and tests prototype or production units. Sets up standard test apparatus or devises test equipment to conduct functional, operational, environmental, and life tests to evaluate the performance and reliability of prototype or production units. Analyzes and interprets test data. Locates and orders parts and equipment; identifies necessary components by using part numbers and/or standard color codes. Locates and evaluates substitute parts for functional equivalence of any obsolete/non‑obtainable components or parts. Writes technical reports and develops charts, graphs, and schematics to describe and illustrate the unit's operating characteristics, malfunctions, deviations from design specifications, and functional limitations. Recommends changes required to achieve functional requirements of the units. Follows project schedules set by supervisors. Records final test results and writes reports on proper fabrication techniques. May assist in the installation of the finished units. May check functionality of installed equipment to evaluate system performance under actual operating conditions. Exercises a high degree of initiative and judgment, requiring a broad technical background, in the form of considerable experience (and some education) in the field of work or in closely related fields. Performs miscellaneous functions, such as maintenance and servicing of facilities and equipment, records and reports. May perform preventive and corrective maintenance of test apparatus and peripheral equipment. May train and lead technicians and others in the performance of their duties. Proactive compliance with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures in own work area is expected. Other duties as assigned. Work is mission driven, team oriented and typically performed in a research or development environment, in a lab, shop or climate‑controlled environment. May also work at heights near mechanical and powered equipment. May be occasionally required to work outdoors. Who You Are: Education Associate's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience Five years. Experience Five years of related experience required for the position includes mechanics, electrical/electronic technology, physics, welding, machining or field related to the applicable technical area. Skills and Competencies Requires the skilled application of practical principles of mechanics, electrical/electronic technology, physics, or related fields. Must possess a working knowledge of the process, procedures, tools and equipment required to complete daily assignments. May be highly skilled in a mechanical craft or trade such as welding, machining, and/or electrical. Must pass any applicable knowledge/skills tests. Must possess leadership qualities. Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Advanced working knowledge of general office productivity software (MS Word, Excel, Adobe suite, etc.) as well as more specific tools like MS Project, Access, JIRA, CMMS, etc. Prior experience working with ERP Systems, preferred. Additional Requirement Must be able to stand and sit; perform fine hand manipulation. Must be able to operate a personal computer. Must work near moving mechanical parts and/or with electrical equipment. Occasionally required to climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, and crouch. May occasionally work at high altitudes; and in high, precarious places and in outside weather conditions, and may be exposed to chemicals, or the risk of electrical shock. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color and depth perception. Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H‑1B Visas for this position. 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. Total Rewards: Compensation The starting hourly rate of this position is between $30.43 and $35.85 per hour. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions. Associated Universities, Inc (AUI) offers a comprehensive benefits package addressing the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment, subject to eligibility requirements. AUI provides: Excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days) Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment. AUI’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement, please visit If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr