Electronics Engineer

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is a brand-new astronomical facility currently under construction in Chile, with headquarters based in Tucson, Arizona. The Vera C. Rubin Observatory will undertake the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) which will be the largest and most comprehensive astronomy survey of its kind. Rubin Observatory will enable countless discoveries in almost every area of modern astronomical research-discoveries made possible by the team that built the Rubin Observatory system, and by the global science community that Rubin Observatory serves.

General Description of Position:

The Electronics Engineer is part of the Observatory’s Telescope & Site Group (T&S) and will primarily perform design functions, overseeing the fabrication, testing, installation and operation of the dome and telescope subsystems on the summit site at Cerro Pachón, in La Serena, Chile.

We expect this role to last through construction with possible transition to operations.

Essential Functions: 

• Support the integration, verification and operation of telescope and site controls systems to operate complex (electro-mechanical, pneumatic, thermal) systems.


• Develop control systems models and optimize performance of complex systems under simulations.


• Develop and conduct Acceptance Test Procedures on electronics and controls systems of complex systems.


• Analyze system telemetry data to characterize system performance.


• Implement and troubleshoot distributed control systems and direct field operations and maintenance of electronics installations.


• Create specifications, schematics, maintenance manuals, and technical reports.


• Provide design engineering support to installed devices and systems, including bug fixes, maintenance upgrades, and end of life considerations.


• Review, develop, modify, update and release technical documentation.


• Work effectively with coworkers and others by sharing ideas in a constructive, positive manner; listening to and objectively considering ideas and suggestions from others.


• Keep others informed of work progress and issues; address problems and issues constructively to find mutually acceptable and practical solutions; and respecting the diversity of the Rubin Observatory’s workforce in actions, words, and deeds.


• Maintain commitment to a high standard of safety, comply with all safety laws and Rubin Observatory’s safety policies/rules, and communicate actual and potential safety concerns to appropriate supervisory or management personnel to further Rubin’s core value of safety.


• All AURA employees are responsible for the proper management and control of all AURA property within their work area, whether assigned to them or someone else. This responsibility includes reporting any known missing, stolen, or non-working property in their work area to their supervisor or the AURA Property Officer.


• Responsible for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position or subordinates of this position as defined in the Vela Award Management system.

Other Functions: 

• Other duties as assigned. 

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities: 

• B.S. degree in electrical or electronics engineering with at last 4-7 years of experience in electronics engineering and control systems. 


• Ability to operate in an exposed environment, at a remote mountain top location. 


• Comfortable working around mechanical, electrical and optical hardware. 


• Thorough understanding of the interactions between controls and physical systems.


• Working knowledge of electronics design and experience in complex analog and digital electronics systems.


• Experience with control systems characterization and servo tuning.


• Experience in signal processing and analysis techniques.


• Working knowledge of PLC-based systems (experience with National Instruments cRIO and Pilz safety systems preferred).


• Working knowledge of single phase and medium voltage three phase electrical systems.


• Understanding of electronics, analog and digital systems tradeoffs, signal integrity, noise analysis, power supplies, power conversion, and low voltage AC and DC motor controls.


• Experience in distributed multiprocessing environment utilizing embedded controls and application hardware to interface motors, pumps, valves and sensors.


• Hands on experience with laboratory tools (power supplies, oscilloscopes, generators, analyzers, etc.).


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to determine the cause of failures and deficiencies.


• Able to work independently, evaluate and execute tasks in a timely manner to meet project deadlines.


• Excellent computer skills with office productivity software, e-mail, word processing and spreadsheets.


• Interpersonal Skills - the individual maintains confidentiality, remains open to others’ ideas and exhibits willingness to try new things.


• Prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently, and develops realistic action plans.


• Proficient knowledge of English and Spanish languages.


• Quality control - the individual demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness and monitors own work to ensure quality.

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities: 

• M.S. degree in electrical or electronics with controls emphasis preferred. 


• Experience with astronomical observatories preferred

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.


• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk, or hear.


• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl.


• The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.


• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.


• Must possess - sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) reach upward, sideways, downward to work with paper files; b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, fax machines, copiers, and other office machines.


• Must possess – 1) ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform job; 2) sufficient visual capacity to perform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than eye contacts or eye glasses; 3) sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid; and 4) ability to impart information orally so that others understand and can respond appropriately.


• Must possess sufficient mobility, strength or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) grasp, push, pull, turn or otherwise manipulate tools and mechanisms; b) push, shove, pull or otherwise safely and efficiently manipulate tools or mechanisms; c) lift, hold, maneuver, objects of 50 lbs or more; d) maintain balance while performing work; e) remove parts, systems, tools of 50 lbs or more.


• Some travel may be necessary in or outside the contiguous United States.


• Ability to work at 8,900’/2800 m

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 https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/employee-benefits-guide/  

Salaries for positions hired in Chile meet Chile national market rates and internal scales for AURA.

The position will remain open until it is filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by September 17, 2024. 

• Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume in English, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: Last name Document name.


• Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to employment@aura-astronomy.org.


• Please enter 3 professional references in your application (references will only be contacted later in the recruitment process).

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 49 US institutions and 3 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories for the National Science Foundation and NASA. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. In addition, AURA is deeply committed to public and educational outreach, and to diversity throughout the astronomical and scientific workforce. AURA carries out its role through its astronomical facilities.

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential. 

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