Employment opportunities with The University of Texas at Austin's Department of Astronomy and McDonald Observatory include positions located in both Austin and Fort Davis, Texas.
The University of Texas at Austin provides an outstanding benefits package to staff and many resources to benefit staff experience.
McDonald Observatory Jobs in Austin
These positions are based at the UT campus in Austin, TX.
CNC Machinist & Programmer
Purpose
To perform highly skilled and technical supervisory work fabricating precision parts from drawings and solid models by programming, setting up, and operating CNC vertical milling machine, CNC lathe, and CNC wire EDM. Use manual machine tools and all other machine shop-related equipment as necessary.
Responsibilities
- Fabricate high-quality, high-precision parts efficiently and on time using CAM programming and by setting up and operating CNC milling machines, lathes, and wire EDM. Use personal judgment and initiative to match the machining process, layout, and setup to the job, including designing and building fixtures and jigs when necessary. Performs other duties as required to meet the business needs.
- Use manual milling machines, lathes, and similar equipment to fabricate parts.
- Assist researchers and design personnel in planning instrument design and construction, drawing on practical knowledge from shop experience.
- Maintain general use of perishable tools and instruct students and others using the machine shop as needed. Stay current on new manufacturing methods, practices, and tools. Instruct students and others using the shop as needed.
- Assemble, modify, repair, and maintain instruments and equipment, including mills, lathes, and wire EDM machines, for the Observatory, the shop, and the Astronomy Department.
McDonald Observatory Jobs in Fort Davis
These positions are based at McDonald Observatory in Fort Davis. If you're not local, you'll need to relocate to the Observatory.
Administrative Associate
Purpose
This position provides strong administrative support for the McDonald Observatory West Texas operations and works collaboratively with West Texas staff and the McDonald Observatory Austin Business Office.
Responsibilities
- Administrative Support. Support the administrative and clerical operations for the Superintendent and office staff. Helps with shipping and receiving packages and mail and ensures the proper recipients are contacted. Maintain site calendar. Process documents per University policies and procedures, including workers comp insurance. Coordinates site-wide university vehicle registrations and insurance. Coordinates travel for Superintendent and staff. Composes and proofreads departmental correspondence. Prepares required documentation for special events and assists with special event staffing. Provide notary services and drive UT vehicles as needed. Ensures confidentiality and maintains a professional manner with staff and the public. Performs other related functions to meet business needs as necessary, including evenings or weekend work.
- Financial. Prepares and processes payment vouchers for goods and services received at the Observatory. Receives, records, and deposits payments for the on-site residents. Assists with Pro-Card logs and reconciliations of the ProCard for staff reporting up to the Superintendent. Reconciles bank accounts, including the Imprest Funds, and serves as the petty cash custodian. Maintains and posts purchasing and payment information to the local accounting database. Reconciles Mt. Locke West Texas accounts and prepares detailed monthly reports, including appropriate use of funds. Prepares billing information and invoices for tenant facilities in consultation with the Austin Business Office.
- Compliance. Serve as a point of contact for West Texas staff on business procedures in accordance with University policies and procedures, ensure compliance (including for the Superintendent's office), and coordinate with the Austin Business Office as appropriate.
Mechanical Engineer
Purpose
This position is part of the McDonald Observatory's instrumentation group and exercises broad independent judgment to design, analyze, build, test, and support optomechanical and electromechanical subsystems for the McDonald Observatory's instrument and telescope development projects. This position reports to the Chief Astronomer.
Responsibilities
- Designs and develops scientific instrumentation and mechanical equipment, often iteratively, including detailed requirements, design, modeling, and analysis, with wide latitude for independent action and decision-making.
- Works with project leadership and staff to substantially contribute to the development of design concepts and requirements for new projects. Builds prototypes, conducts supporting analyses, and writes reports.
- Produces fabrication drawings. Procures, monitors, and supports the fabrication of designed parts in machine shops and other manufacturing resources.
- Directs, coordinates, and assists with the assembly, deployment, commissioning, and field support of developed instrumentation and mechanical equipment.
- Documents and submits technical reports and project results to management. Participates in design reviews and, as appropriate, in the publication of journal articles.
- Continues to develop the engineering skill set and identifies new technologies valuable to instrumentation. Performs other functions as required to support business needs.
Utilities Maintenance Worker III
Purpose
Performs work on water systems and provides advanced maintenance and repair tasks across one or more craft areas at McDonald Observatory, a large remote research facility. Works independently and supports journey-level craft workers. Routinely conducts preventive maintenance.
Responsibilities
- Water System Maintenance. Assist in basic water operations and the maintenance of the McDonald Observatory's water facilities to meet or exceed the standards mandated by the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Sends in water samples according to TCEQ requirements, files reports, and performs record-keeping duties associated with water responsibilities. Maintains Water and Wastewater Operator Licensing: Water Class D, and Wastewater Class D.
- Facility and Preventive Maintenance. Assists with maintenance work for the entire facility and infrastructure, including residential and commercial construction, carpentry, plumbing, pipe-fitting, appliances, machining, welding, fabrication, equipment, vehicles, mechanical sub-systems, and water and wastewater systems. Performs preventative maintenance.
- Facility Troubleshooting and Repair. Assists in the troubleshooting and repair of commercial facilities, electromechanical devices, residential structures, and telescope enclosure buildings. Provides skilled work with HVAC, electrical, and hydraulic systems in commercial and residential structures.
- Record-Keeping and Inventory. Performs physical inventory, record-keeping tasks, and general maintenance duties. Submits orders for materials and services in accordance with state purchasing procedures.
- Safety and Facility Support. Performs emergency service duties as assigned, including Emergency Response Team (ERT) training and related activities, including responding to fire, medical, hazardous materials, or other emergencies that threaten or interfere with normal operations of the facility. Maintains a professional, customer-service demeanor and a professional appearance according to UT McDonald Physical Plant dress code. Wears the appropriate protective gear and follows safety procedures.
- Performs Other Duties. Performs related duties as required to meet business needs. Drives UT vehicle. Maintains professionalism in interaction with the public and fellow workers, as well as in appearance according to UT policy. Assists coworkers as needed with various disciplines in a team-oriented environment.
Post Doctoral Fellowships
There are no current postings for fellowships at McDonald Observatory.