Electronics Engineer (Open Rank)

Company: National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Location: Green Bank
Posted on: June 24, 2022

Job Description:

National Radio Astronomy Observatory

The Green Bank Observatory in Green Bank, West Virginia, is pleased to announce an opportunity for a digital engineer experienced in digital signal processing with a general knowledge of servo control and embedded systems. Green Bank Observatory oversees the development and operation of the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT), the worlds largest fully steerable telescope, as well as numerous other smaller telescopes which are used for a variety of scientific and educational purposes. Working at wavelengths ranging from 100cm through 3mm, the GBT supports a diverse range of scientific research. Additionally, the GBT has an ongoing program of research and development projects which keeps the telescope at the cutting edge of science and technology. The successful candidate will be joining the electronics division in Green Bank. Duties of the electronics division include both the maintenance and necessary upgrades of the existing systems as well as developing state of the art wideband digital signal processing techniques. The digital engineer will be involved in the design and testing of various digital systems for use in radio astronomy, including radio telescope servo systems, the GBT active surface system, embedded systems, and instrumentation systems. This position requires a motivated person with a high level of organization skills who is comfortable working in an academic environment. The members of the electronics division also work with the other divisions and external collaborators on projects related to radio astronomy and the overall mission of the organization. Education and public outreach is a part of each employees duties. Job Duties Summary

• Develop digital signal processing backend instrumentation
• Maintain the GBT control systems.
• Assists in preparing costs and time analyses of projects. Makes recommendations for procedures, equipment purchases, and other improvements.
• Provide leadership to technicians, cooperative education students and/or summer students.
• Proactive compliance with Observatory and government safety policies and procedures in own work area is expected.
• Other duties as assigned. Minimum Education Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Preferred Education An advanced degree in a related field Minimum Experience One to five years of relevant experience encompassing the following technical expertise:
  • Demonstrable knowledge in Xilinx FPGA development with Vivado, VHDL or Verilog.
  • Demonstrable knowledge in servo system maintenance.
  • Demonstrable knowledge of C, C++, Python, and PLC ladder logic programming.
  • Knowledge of common test equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers.
  • Ability to troubleshoot electrical and electronic systems to the component level from drawings using common test equipment.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Preferred Technical Experience Ability to clearly convey technical information to software developers, engineers and scientists, interact with peers in a positive and respectful way and calmly resolve conflicts is strongly desired. Physical Conditions/Nature of Work: Work is typically performed in a research environment consisting of desk work and lab work. Work involves troubleshooting and repair of electrical and electronic equipment in the field. Work must be performed on work platforms and unprotected walkways at heights of up to 450 ft above ground level. Work involves power systems of up to 480 volts. The position is located at the Green Bank Observatory in Green Bank, WV, an Observatory which combines and academic setting with a rural environment. Some telework options may be considered. The successful candidate will join a team of professionals engaged in research and development in the fields of science, engineering, software development, and education. Position Requirements: 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. The Observatory requires staff to be fully vaccinated against covid-19 to access our facilities. An offer of employment will be considered contingent until the selected applicant provides proof of vaccination. A selected applicant may request consideration for an accommodation for a disability or for a sincerely held religious belief. Application Instructions: Apply online at the Observatory Careers page; upload CV/Resume and letter of interest. PM20 PI180539440

Keywords: National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Roanoke , Electronics Engineer (Open Rank), Engineering , Green Bank, Virginia