Engineering Technical (Mechanical)

Summary

The Sub-millimeter Array (SMA) is a joint project of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO). The observatory consists of a control building and hangar, eight relocatable antennas and associated instrumentation on the summit of Maunakea. The SMA is a radio interferometer array that conducts astronomical observations at millimeter and sub-millimeter wavelengths from 180 GHz to 420 GHz.

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Duties

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• Conduct field inspections, measurements, and data collection for mechanical systems such as HVAC, pumps, piping, boilers, chillers, compressors, and fluid distribution systems.
• Perform calculations related to
  
  flow, pressure, heat transfer, load,
  
  and system performance using
  
  established formulas and
  
  engineering references.
• Read existing designs to complete
  
  packages, installation checklists,
  
  machine parts lists, and
  
  specifications of instrumentation
  
  equipment.
• Assemble modified or
  
  new mechanical components for
  
  equipment and industrial and
  
  scientific machinery.
• Conduct limited troubleshooting
  
  and diagnostics on mechanical
  
  equipment, identifying routine
  
  issues and recommending
  
  corrective actions.
• Manage SMA's day to day operations of the fleet center; overseeing a diverse fleet including four wheel drive vehicles.
• Provide technical assistance in developing maintenance and/or repair of precision mechanical assemblies at the observatory, including antennas, antenna transporter, and infrastructure.
• Operate specialized bridge cranes,
  
  hoists and forklift trucks used in
  
  the assembly and maintenance of
  
  large antenna components.
• Work with the antenna transporter,
  
  which is used to move the
  
  antennas.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• May be required to pass Pre-employment Background Investigation.
• May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
• Must maintain a bank account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• Must possess a valid state driver's license.
• Must pass a high altitude physical examination prior to employment.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience.

Specialized Experience:

Grade 09: Must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-08 level in the Federal service or comparable pay band system related to the work of this position. Specialized experience includes activities such as practical knowledge of mechanical assemblies used in large instruments and/or industrial equipment, and knowledge of machining operations on metals and plastics.

Time-in-Grade Requirements: Under competitive merit promotion procedures, any individual who is currently holding, or who has held within the previous 52 weeks, a General Schedule position under a non-temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service, must meet "time-in-grade" requirements (have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade of the grade for which you are applying).

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA): If you are applying for a VEOA appointment, you must be a veteran and must be honorably separated and either a preference eligible or have substantially completed 3 or more years of active service. ("Active Service" under this law means active duty in a uniformed service and includes full-time training duty, annual training duty, full-time National Guard duty, and attendance, while in the active service, at a school designated as a service school by law or by the Secretary concerned.) A veteran who is released under honorable conditions shortly before completing a 3-year tour is also eligible.

Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities: The following links contain information on the eligibility requirements to be considered under a noncompetitive appointing authority:

• Primary Appointing Authorities for Career and Career-Conditional Appointments
• Hiring Authorities for Veterans
• People with Disabilities
• The Smithsonian does not pay relocation expenses.
• A recruitment bonus may be paid.
• The Smithsonian Institution is an equal opportunity employer. Additional information can be found on our website at (

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.