A full list of employment opportunities with both the Department of Astronomy and McDonald Observatory can be found via the links below. For openings at the Observatory, select 'McDonald Observatory' as the hiring organization. Listings will include both Austin and Fort Davis, TX.
- External candidates can view job postings on the public UT Austin Job Search page.
- Internal candidates can view job postings here.
- Please also see Postdoctoral Fellowships
Jobs will be posted here when open.
Electrical Engineer - Hobby-Eberly Telescope
Job Description:
This hands-on position maintains, designs and improves functionality of electrical, electronic,
electromechanical and electro-optical subsystems on the Hobby-Eberly Telescope to achieve the scientific
goals of McDonald Observatory.
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Job Details:
General Notes
This position is at McDonald Observatory, located 16 miles from Fort Davis, Texas (440 miles away from the UT Austin campus). The Hobby-Eberly Telescope (HET) is a 24/7 operation and you may be expected to work at all hours of the day or night, weekends or holidays (when needed and within limits) to serve the scientifically needs of the Observatory and specifically the HET. Residence in the Observatory's residential community may be available and may be required. Position may be subject to “call-back” as an essential employee for emergency or critical response. Must be eligible to work in the US on a full-time basis for any employer without sponsorship.
Responsibilities
- At the direction of the HET Engineering Manager, conducts tasks that modify, repair or reconfigure the HET electrical, electro-optical and electro-mechanical subsystems.
- Attends and constructively participates in daily operations meetings, weekly HET staff meetings and periodic technical reviews.
- Works constructively and cooperatively with McDonald Observatory Austin technical staff on HET engineering improvements.
- Provides daily reporting of your activities.
- Provides input into long-term planning and technical direction for HET engineering tasks. Works cooperatively and constructively with the HET electrical and mechanical teams to aid in implementing and conducting a professional program of preventive maintenance on HET electrical, electro-mechanical and electro-optical systems.
- Periodically performs operations engineering duty.
- Responds as necessary to night-time repair and maintenance calls from telescope operations staff.
- Other related duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Master's degree in electrical engineering and two years of related experience, or Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and four years of related experience. Ability to do hands on work to repair and refurbish existing equipment and electronics as well as design and build new systems. Candidates should have the work ethic and drive to maximize the scientific output of the telescope. Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communications skills. ability to be adaptable, work independently, and as an integral member of a project team. Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge and/or working experience in motion controls and industrial controls. Knowledge of electrical code and industry standards for control systems, enclosures and rotating equipment. Knowledge and experience with designing and maintaining electronics at the board and component level. Additional desired skill sets include PCB design, ability to design build and program PLC systems and experience with astronomical Instrumentation.
Driving Required
This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license. The applicant selected must provide a current
three year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas
driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident.
Salary Range
$70,000 + depending on qualifications
Working Conditions
- May work in all weather conditions and in extreme temperatures.
- May work around chemical fumes.
- May work around standard office conditions. Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
- May work around electrical and mechanical hazards.
- Use of manual dexterity.
- Climbing of stairs. Climbing of ladders. Lifting and moving.
- Work at height, 100 feet, using man lift, rope, or ladder.
- May require working extended hours in inclement weather with hazardous equipment or materials.
- Since we are a 24/7 operation, may be expected to work at all hours of the day or night,
weekends or holidays (when needed and within limits) to serve the needs of the Observatory
and specifically the HET. - Acts as senior member of the Observatory's Emergency Response Team that responds to fire, medical, hazardous material or other emergencies that threaten or interfere with the normal operations of the facility. Handles emergencies calmly and quickly.
- Staff on-site in the residential community may serve as essential employee as determined by your manager.
Work Shift
- Generally, M-F, 8am – 5pm
- Work evening, weekend, and holiday hours as needed
Required Materials
- Resume/CV
- 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a
supervisor - Letter of interest
Additional information and to apply: https://utaustin.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UTstaff/job/MCDONALD-OBSERVATORY/HET-Electrical-Engineer_R_00007262
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Mechanic/Technichian (McDonald Observatory)
Job Description:
The purpose of this position is to provide journey-level skills and to perform work in a variety of technical trades in the maintenance, repair, fabrication, and operations for a remote research facility, including performing skilled work in an electrical, mechanical, and HVAC environment.
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Job Details:
General Notes
This position is based at McDonald Observatory, 16 miles from Ft. Davis, Texas, and approximately 440 miles from the University of Texas at Austin campus. Hours include occasional weekends and evenings. Travel required. Position may be subject to "call-back" as an essential employee for emergencies or critical response. On-site residential housing may be available.
Responsibilities
- Performs preventive and general maintenance, inspection, repair, and testing of mechanical and hydraulic equipment, vehicles, heavy equipment, and rotating telescope domes and infrastructures. Responsible for ensuring that routine maintenance of fleet vehicles is performed and appropriate record-keeping is up to date.
- Maintains and repairs automotive, truck, and diesel equipment.
- Assists with welding of mild steel, stainless, aluminum, as well as torch welding, cutting, and brazing on various mechanical equipment and structures. Assists with fabrication and precision machining of metal parts and equipment using metal lathes, milling machines, drill presses. Ability to interpret three-dimensional assemblies from two-dimensional drawings, knowledge of material properties.
- Assists with carpentry and general residential maintenance, including but not limited to concrete work, structure repair, drywall, painting, appliance servicing, and plumbing.
- Performs preventative maintenance tasks incidental to the operation of mechanical and electrical equipment and systems as well as residential structures. Maintain logs and records on equipment. Inspects, lubricates, and troubleshoots equipment. Informs supervisor of conditions.
- Troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance on commercial facilities electrical and HVAC systems, residential structures, elevators, and telescope enclosure buildings.
- Operates heavy equipment: backhoe, dozer, forklift, and road grader.
- Helps co-workers as necessary in their various craft trades in a team-oriented environment.
- Performs emergency services duties as assigned including fire department participation, response, training, and related activities.
- Maintains a clean and safe workplace and performs all duties in accordance with established safety procedures. Ensures that all tools, equipment, and vehicles are maintained in a clean and orderly fashion. Performs additional tasks as assigned.
Required Qualifications
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High school graduation or GED. Five years of experience in commercial and/or residential electrical and HVAC systems, and maintenance and repair of vehicles or facilities and equipment. Three years of journey-level experience in facilities/residential electrical and HVAC, general construction, welding, or machine shop fabrication. Assists in assuming responsibility for the research facilities' maintenance, serves as an efficient and caring worker, and demonstrates strong attention to detail. Good organization and planning skills. Maintains professionalism in our interaction with the public and our fellow workers, as well as professionalism in our appearance, according to UT policy. Wears protective safety equipment and follows safety guidelines or procedures.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Preferred Qualifications
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Journeyman's license in electrical, significant experience in the installation and troubleshooting electrical systems, installation, troubleshooting, and repair of HVAC systems. Experience in troubleshooting and repairing elevator and other hydraulic lift systems.
Driving Required
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This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license. The applicant selected must provide a current three-year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident.
Working Conditions
Environmental Tasks:
- Uniforms and/or personal protection equipment (furnished)
- May work in all weather conditions
- May work in extreme temperatures
- May work around chemical fumes
- May work around standard office conditions
- May work around bio-hazards
- May work around chemicals
- May work around electrical and mechanical hazards
Physical Tasks:
- Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
- Use of manual dexterity
- Climbing of stairs
- Climbing of ladders
- Lifting and moving
Additional Working Conditions:
- Staff on-site in the residential community may serve as essential employee as determined by your manager.
Work Shift
- Tuesday-Friday (7:00 am - 5:30 pm; 30-minute lunch)
- Weekend and evenings hours as required
- Daytime travel and occasional overnight travel
Required Materials
- Resume/CV
- 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
- Letter of interest
Additional information and to apply: https://utaustin.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UTstaff/job/MCDONALD-OBSERVATORY/Mechanic-Technician--Salary-_R_00009896
