Electronics Engineer III

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 Front End Electronics Engineer III.

The preferred location for the position will be based at Albuquerque BP office. Selected candidate my have the option for a hybrid (remote and in office) schedule.

What You Will be Doing:

• Assist with design, development, construction, and documentation of cryogenically cooled receivers, ambient-temperature electronics, and integrated receiver test systems.
• Assist with procurement and testing of microwave polarizers, couplers, amplifiers, cables, and waveguides.
• Participate in regular Front End design, development, and future maintenance activities.
• Other duties may be assigned for all positions based on the applicants skills and the Observatorys needs.

Work Environment

Work is mission driven, team oriented and typically performed in an office setting within a research or development environment. The successful candidate may occasionally be required to work outdoors or climb on antenna to heights greater than 40 feet above the ground. Occasionally be required to lift and carry heavy lab equipment (up to 40 pounds) for relocation or installation of test apparatus, and to squat, kneel, or crawl to reach electrical/physical connections in tight spaces behind racks or under lab benches. Candidate may be required to travel domestically and internationally by air carrier and to travel by car between NRAO sites.

Who You Are:

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a closely related field.
• While not required, a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering or closely related field is preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of three years of experience in design, manufacture, and/or maintenance and repair of some or all the following technical areas: receiver systems, microwave antennas and feeds, local oscillators, and microwave/RF mixers and filters.
• While not required, five or more years of experience in technical areas as described above is preferred.

Skills and Competencies

• Attention to detail is critical
• Highly organized
• Excellent communication skills
• Good documentation skills with high level of competency in Microsoft 365
• Good problem-solving skills
• Ability to work well in a team environment
• A strong foundation in electrical or electronics engineering
• Knowledge of RF, analog, and digital circuit design along with specific test and measurement techniques
• Use of various types of electronics test equipment and familiarity with automated test setups to support general test and measurement

Preferred Skills and Competencies

• Experience with RF/microwave CAD tools such as Keysight ADS/Genesys, or AWR Microwave Office.
• Experience with EM simulation tools such as Ansys Electronics Desktop (HFSS) or CST Studio.
• Experience with PCB design tools such as Altium Designer.
• Experience with FPGA/firmware development tools such as Intel Quartus or AMD Vivado.

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 salary/hourly rate of this position is between $99,822-$120,837. 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.

Benefits:

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.
• AUIs retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participants base pay with no required employee contribution.
• Click Total Rewards for more information.

Application Instructions:

Select the Apply button above. Please be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the position.

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

Compensation details: 99822-120837 Yearly Salary

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