Position Description:Position SummaryThe National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research and development organization that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) is a nonprofit organization that manages and operates the NRAO under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. The Observatory is a hub for technological and scientific collaboration, operating state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. The Observatory has been instrumental in the study of black holes, galaxies, and the early universe.
At NRAO, we are recruiting a full-time, microassembly technician to join the Integrated Receiver Development (IRD) group at the Central Development Laboratory (CDL) in Charlottesville, VA. The IRD group is involved in the design and development of low-noise receivers, components, and novel concepts for radio astronomy instrumentation in the centimeter-wave, millimeter-wave, and submillimeter-wave frequency ranges, and is currently designing integrated receiver modules for the next generation Very Large Array (ngVLA).
This position requires experience working under a microscope, handling and mounting bare semiconductor die, wire-bonding, soldering, and surface-mount circuit-board assembly. The position will also require probing custom chips and substrates using a wafer probe station, operating and maintaining a cryogenic refrigeration and measurement system, and testing microwave components using vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, and power meters.
The location for this position will be based at the Central Development Laboratory located in Charlottesville, Virginia.
What You Will be Doing:- Assemble multichip integrated receiver modules:
- Obtain quotes and order parts for integrated receiver modules from an engineer-provided design. This may include compiling a Bill-of-Materials (BOM) and exporting manufacturing files (e.g. Gerber, DXF, GDS) from given design models and layouts.
- Organize and maintain stock of commonly used components as well as project-specific custom parts.
- Interface with the in-house machine shop and chemistry lab for the fabrication of custom housings, brackets, and chassis.
- Populate circuit boards with surface-mount components as small as 0402 in size.
- Construct multichip modules from engineering design drawings, including picking chips from diced wafers with tweezers, attaching bare die using silver epoxy, wire-bonding, and micro-soldering, as-needed.
- Test multichip integrated receiver modules:
- Use a wafer probe station to characterize custom chips and substrates.
- Use commercial VNAs, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, power meters, and other microwave test equipment characterize components, both on-wafer and in-package, both at room temperature and in a cryogenic environment.
- Construct custom test cable harnesses, fixtures, and mounting brackets as-needed.
- Record and analyze test data:
- Maintain detailed records of test results, assembly procedures, and performance characteristics.
- Document measurement conditions, test setups, and any observed anomalies.
- Monitor, track, and maintain laboratory inventory:
- Monitor inventory levels of critical lab supplies, including electronic components, adhesives, wire bonding materials, and test equipment accessories.
- Collaborate with engineers to refine assembly and testing procedures:
- Collaborate with engineers, scientists, and other technical personnel to refine assembly and test procedures.
- Provide feedback to engineers to improve custom designs, especially as it concerns manufacturability and measurement procedures.
Work EnvironmentWork is mission driven, team oriented and typically performed in a laboratory within a research and development environment.
Who You Are:Education- You have an associate's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- While not required, a bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred.
ExperienceYou have 10 years of experience in electrical/electronic technology, or a closely related field.
While not required, you may have:
- Professional experience fabricating radio frequency or microwave components or systems.
- Experience with common RF and microwave measurement equipment.
- Experience assembling microwave or millimeter-wave components.
Skills and Competencies- Must be a methodical, motivated team player comfortable in an R&D environment.
- Must be able to sit or stand at a bench for sustained periods.
- High level of competency in Microsoft software products to manage and graph measurement results as well as other web-based systems.
- Attention to detail is critical
- Highly organized
- Excellent communication skills to keep records and documentation
Physical RequirementsThe candidate must be able to sit or stand at a bench for sustained periods. Visual acuity and manual dexterity are required, and this position requires lifting and carrying 50 pounds.
Additional RequirementObservatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B Visas for this position.
Total Rewards:CompensationThe starting salary/hourly rate of this position is between $33.66-$43.62 per hour. 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:Associated Universities, Inc (AUI) offers a comprehensive benefits package addressing the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment, subject to eligibility requirements. AUI provides:
- Excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days)
- 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.
- Click Total Rewards for more information.
Application Instructions:Select the "Apply" button above. 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 If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to PM20
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