Mechanical Technician II

The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope Mechanical Technician II will provide support to the Technical Operations team for the observatory as directed by the Mechanical Technician Supervisor. The Mechanical Technician II will be an integral part of the Technical Operations team, responsible for the operation and maintenance of observatory equipment ranging from precision optics to complex mechanical and thermal systems. The Mechanical Technician will also participate in the design, fabrication, installation, testing, and commissioning of new and upgraded observatory equipment and systems.  

The Mechanical Technician II (Junior Technician) will be responsible for performing standard mechanical repair and maintenance tasks with moderate supervision while taking ownership and responsibility for independently completing routine mechanical assignments.   

Essential Functions 

• Interpret applicable service manuals and execute routine maintenance of observatory systems and equipment.  
• Provide suggestions and feedback for improvements to mechanical maintenance procedures.  
• Identify discrepancies in documentation, red-line drawings, and reports for updating/correction.  
• Independently perform basic mechanical repairs and installations and assist with repairs of higher complexity.  
• Support troubleshooting mechanical subsystems of moderate to low complexity.  
• Assist in preparing the observatory for scientific and engineering operations by means of leading safety and pre-movement inspections.  
• Interpret mechanical part fabrication and assembly drawings with support and perform basic general fabrication tasks with guidance from senior technicians  
• Operate Cranes, Forklifts, & Aerial Work Platforms as required.  
• Ability to speak and write effectively.  
• Ensure consumables, spares, tools, and test equipment are organized and maintained.  
• Provide guidance to lower-level technicians.  

General Functions:  

• Comply with technical requirements and approved time schedules of assigned work.  
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, mechanical upgrades, and system performance.  
• Monitor and report results of activities and note unusual situations.  
• Cooperate with, support, and obtain the support of other technical personnel as necessary.  
• Maintain cleanliness and order in all workspaces.  
• Work in accordance with applicable safety standards. Ensure the safety of operations in areas under purview. Report any unsafe conditions and practices, and actively participate in team safety meetings and adhere to safety procedures and protocols.  
• Expected to take initiative in their professional development by seeking feedback, improving skills, and identifying areas for personal growth. This includes participating in training opportunities and development programs provided by the organization.  
• Contribute to a collaborative, respectful, and productive workplace by maintaining open communication, supporting team efforts, and fostering a sense of belonging within the team.  
• 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 Duties as assigned.  

Requirements  

• High School Diploma or equivalent  
• Trade or technical school, apprenticeship, military, or other vocational training in the field of Machinery Maintenance, Carpentry, Plumbing, HVAC & Refrigerant Handling, Pipefitting, Machinist, Millwright, Welding, Ironwork, Automotive Maintenance, or equivalent.  
• 2+ years of general workforce experience in the field of mechanical systems and maintenance  
• General computer skills and familiarity with applications such as MS Office Suite, Google Drive & Apps, E-Mail, Timesheets, Slack, etc..  
• Knowledge of general mechanical systems and components, including but not limited to: structures, mechanisms, actuators, and machine transmission elements.  
• Ability to properly operate and use hand tools, power tools, and specialty tools.  

Desired 

• Training certifications completed related to Journeyman Status, EPA 608, National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS), American Welding Society (AWS), ASE Certification, Airframe & Powerplant (A&P), Maintenance & Reliability, Mechanical Fundamentals & Troubleshooting, Pumps, Pneumatics, HVAC, Machining, CAD/CAM, or other applicable fields.  
• Ability to use specialty software tools including but not limited to Computer Maintenance Management Software (CMMS), HMI Software such as Ignition, and JIRA & Confluence or other workflow management software.  
• Ability to operate equipment including forklifts, telehandlers, and mobile elevating work platforms, as well as operate cranes using proper rigging techniques and methodologies.  
• Knowledge of general thermal system operation and components, including pumps, piping, HVAC, and compressed air systems.  
• Ability to perform general fabrication, including welding, cutting, forming, drilling, finishing, and manual milling and turning.  
• Ability to perform pump preventative maintenance, alignment, vibration measurements, seal replacements, and rebuilds.  
• Knowledge and experience with thermal systems piping and hose work, including selection, layout, and mounting; propress, brazing, welding; balancing and flow measurement; valves, y-strainers, circuit setters; system flushing, filling, draining; leak checks and repairs.  
• Knowledge and experience with HVAC systems, including fans and fan coils, air handling units, filters, diffusers, ductwork, dampers, flow measurement, chillers, and refrigerant handling.  
• Knowledge and experience with compressed air systems, including compressors, air dryers, receiver tanks, oil condensate separators, valves, piping, fittings, and FRL units.  

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 50 pounds.  
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.  
• Must possess sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) reach upward, sideways, and downward to work with paper files; b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, fax machines, copiers, and other office machines.  

Must possess:  

• Ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform the job.  
• Sufficient visual capacity to perform the applicable functions without the assistance of visual aids other than eye contact lenses or eyeglasses.  
• Sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without the assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid.  
• 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:  
• Grasp, push, pull, turn, or otherwise manipulate tools and mechanisms.  
• Push, shove, pull, or otherwise safely and efficiently manipulate tools or mechanisms.  
• Lift, hold, and maneuver objects of 50 lbs or more.  
• Maintain balance while performing work.  
• Remove parts, systems, and tools of 50 lbs or more.  
• There will be occasional working at height, utilizing appropriate PPE  
• The position will be based at the Haleakala (DKIST) facility, and the ability to work at 10,000’ elevation, sometimes during inclement weather, is required.  
• Occasional travel between the mainland US and Hawaiian Islands may be necessary.  
• Availability to work varying shifts, which will include occasional early mornings, nights, and/or weekends.  

Salary range: $32.00 - $41.00/hour. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience.  

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 Benefits by Location - Aura Human Resources   

How to Apply: 

Submit applications directly here. Apply by Friday, December 5th for priority consideration. This position will remain open until it is filled. Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: LastName DocName.  

Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org