New

Division Head, Engineering Services

National Radio Astronomy
parental leave, paid time off, sick time
United States, New Mexico, Magdalena
Nov 22, 2025
National Radio Astronomy Observatory Title: Division Head, Engineering Services Location: NRAO Very Large Array, 183 VLA RD, Magdalena, New Mexico, United States of America Requisition Number: 138 Job Family: Mgmt & Senior Admin Pay Type: Salary Required Education: MGT Position Description: Position Summary The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a vibrant, exciting, and prestigious research facility that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. The Observatory operates a variety of radio telescopes that span the globe, including the famous Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico, the Very Large Baseline Array (VLBA) distributed across the United States and its territories, the Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia, and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile. These telescopes are among the most advanced in the world, allowing astronomers to explore the universe in unprecedented detail. NRAO is seeking a motivated and skilled engineering professional to lead the Engineering Services Division at the Very Large Array, 50 miles west of Socorro, New Mexico. The Engineering Services Division Head oversees approximately 45 employees, various operations and upgrade projects, and a multi-million-dollar budget. This division provides engineering support for VLA and VLBA antennas, maintains and operates the VLA rail system and antenna transporters, and maintains the VLA grounds, buildings, site infrastructure, and vehicles. The division upgrades and overhauls numerous VLA antennas every year, and comprises a critical part of teams performing major maintenance campaigns at Very Long Baseline Array sites spanning locations from Hawaii to the Caribbean. What You Will be Doing: The Division Head develops and administers the division's budgets, policies, procedures and practices necessary to achieve the assigned goals of the division. The duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: Managing the VLA site, with an emphasis on maintenance and engineering activities but also including coordination of activities with scientific operations and Education & Public Outreach staff. Developing, coordinating, and maintaining a proactive maintenance and upgrade program within the Division to minimize equipment failures and resulting telescope downtime. Maintaining the Division's operations budget, including authorizing requests for supplies and services or other purchases, and prioritizing tasks to ensure their completion within budget constraints. Implementing innovative engineering solutions to complex and unique engineering problems. Supervising engineers, technical specialists, technicians, and other staff to include hiring and training; planning, assigning, and evaluating work; and addressing and resolving personnel matters. Carrying out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with Observatory policies and applicable law. Recommending modifications to policies when necessary. Providing contributions to various reports (e.g. quarterly status updates, program operating plan, long range plan, risk register, etc.). Supporting Next Generation Very Large Array (ngVLA) development activities involving the Division. Interpreting, implementing, developing and/or recommending changes to rules, regulations, policies and procedures set forth by the Observatory. Proactively complying with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures in Division work areas to ensure a safe working environment. Performing other duties as assigned. Work Environment Work is primarily performed at an operational research facility consisting of desk work, field, and lab work.; will be required to stand and sit, and perform fine hand manipulation. Must work near moving mechanical parts and with electrical equipment. Occasionally required to climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, and crouch. May occasionally work at high altitudes, in elevated and precarious places, in outside weather conditions, may be exposed to chemicals, and the risk of electrical shock. Some travel to other NRAO facilities, partner institutions, and vendors may be required. Who You Are: You will need A Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering field. A minimum of seven years of experience in the following areas: Managing a large and widely skilled staff of engineers and technicians Operations and maintenance experience of large, complex facilities Budgeting and planning of operations, programs, projects, and proposals Project leadership and management Additional preferred experience and qualifications An advanced degree in a discipline as described above Ten or more experience in the areas described above Experience with mechanical and electronic systems used in large radio telescopes and the supporting infrastructure PMP Project Management Professional Certification Competency Summary The candidate must demonstrate experience in the following: Direction and management of both salaried engineering and hourly technical staff Maintenance and oversight of a combination of radio telescopes, facilities, medium voltage power infrastructure, and grounds Lead engineering redesigns to retrofit obsolete subsystems Use of software and other tools to accomplish activities listed above Self-motivation, capable of inspiring continuous improvement, problem solving skills Excellent verbal and written communication skills Must possess a valid driver's license Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B Visas for this position Total Rewards: Associated Universities, INC (AUI) offers a comprehensive total rewards package for this position, subject to eligibility requirements. We are committed to serving our employees and their families with an extensive and competitive compensation and benefits package that supports our employees' overall well-being and career growth. Compensation AUI strives to attract and retain dedicated, highly qualified, competent, and motivated employees by offering competitive compensation and recognition for performance. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include; education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions. Benefits AUI's benefits package addresses the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment. AUI provides excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days and 15 sick days, additional time off for doctor/dentist visits, and 8 weeks of paid parental leave). Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment. AUI's retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant's base pay with no required employee contribution; we also offer an optional supplemental, tax-deferred plan for employee retirement contributions. Application Instructions: Select the "Apply" button. Please be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the position. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement, please visit https://public.nrao.edu/careers/. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to resumes@nrao.edu. PM20 Please see job description PI280079582 Job distributed by JobTarget.