Machinist/Shop Technical Specialist IV

Position Description:

Position Summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is an exciting and prestigious research facility that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. The Observatory operates a variety of radio telescopes that span the globe, including the famous Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico, the Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia, and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile. These telescopes are among the most advanced in the world, allowing astronomers to explore the universe in unprecedented detail.

The NRAO, is recruiting a Machinist/Shop Technical Specialist to lead the work in the Very Large Array (VLA) Machine Shop. The machine shop uses Southwestern Industries TRAK, Hurco, and Mazak CNC machines as well as manual lathes and mills to produce parts and assemblies used at the VLA and on radio telescopes. The Lead Machinist is responsible for all work assigned in the shop, coordination with their Supervisor/Manager, and directs 1-2 shop employees including task assignment, training, direction, and control of work. The position oversees the inventory of tools, tooling, and supplies for efficient shop operation and works up costs and materials necessary for submitted projects. The position also gets hands-on and performs the role of technician level work when lead/supervisory tasks allow.

The position is based at the VLA, 50 miles west of Socorro, New Mexico.

What You Will be Doing

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Setting up, adjusting, maintaining, and operating a variety of precision tool room equipment including but not limited to mill, lathe and CNC machines.
• Ordering material and tooling.
• Scheduling and directing the work of subordinate machinists
• Preparing drawings and contact outside vendors for offsite machining
• Interpreting blueprints, sketches and drawings.
• Producing parts from a variety of raw materials.
• Must be able to meet specified tolerances.
• Understanding and using a variety of precision measuring equipment as part of QC metrology.
• Producing all types of surface finishes, as directed.
• Using a variety of chemicals including solvents and dyes.
• Working closely with other department members, Technicians and Engineers, as directed.
• Documenting changes necessitated during fabrication.
• Teaching and leading other Shop Technicians/Trainees.
• Leading Quality Assurance (QA) by looking for process and procedural refinements in the shop.
• Owning Quality Control (QC) by checking work products to print and documenting conformance.
• Must be effective customer service communicator.
• Working within and meets established deadlines.
• Using CAD/CAM software and performs CNC programming as required.
• Proactively complying with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures in own work area is expected.
• Other duties as assigned.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee works primarily indoors in a shop, but maybe required to do occasional work outside in the field. The employee may be required to work in high places, near moving mechanical parts and electrical equipment. Work is performed at a high altitude (7000 ft.) environment. Must be able to work in a high noise area with PPE's.

Who You Are:

• You have a high school diploma or high school equivalency
• You have at least ten years of experience.

Competency Summary

Strong verbal communication skills are necessary for effective consultations with coworkers and the ability to participate effectively as a member of a team. Must be able to use the NRAO online time reporting and requisition system. Ability to read and interpret documents such as schematics, blueprints, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Must be able to lead Quality Assurance and Quality Control efforts to ensure high level of quality, continuous process improvement, and product conformance for internal and external customers.

Physical Demands

Work typically takes place in a machine shop or other specialized shop, employees may be occasionally required to work elsewhere. Required to stand and sit; use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands or arms. Regularly works near moving mechanical parts. Occasionally is required to climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch. Able to work with a variety of chemicals. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Must be able to communicate clearly and in writing. Specific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color and depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

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:

Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) offers a comprehensive total rewards package for this position, subject to eligibility requirements. We are committed to serving our employees and their families with an extensive and competitive compensation and benefits package that supports our employees' overall well-being and career growth.

Compensation

AUI strives to attract and retain dedicated, highly qualified, competent, and motivated employees by offering competitive compensation and recognition for performance.

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:

AUI's benefits package addresses the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment. AUI provides excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days and 15 sick days, additional time off for doctor/dentist visits, and 8 weeks of paid parental leave). 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; we also offer an optional supplemental, tax-deferred plan for employee retirement contributions.

Application Instructions:

Select the "Apply Now" button. 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 https://public.nrao.edu/careers/. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to resumes@nrao.edu.

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