EAO/JCMT Employment Opportunities
The East Asian Observatory embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to creating a team that welcomes different backgrounds, perspectives, experience and skills. A diverse team works better, and we commit to making a working environment in which everyone feels empowered.
EAO/JCMT Mechanical Technician – Junior (ID#250404)
Job Summary: Regular, Full-Time (100% FTE), Limited-Term (1 year) position with the East Asian Observatory (EAO), located in Hilo, Hawai‘i. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws.
Works in the Engineering and Technical Services Division (ETS) of the EAO and provides mechanical technical support on the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT) facility and at the EAO Hilo base including but not limited to: servicing and repair of high vacuum cryogenic scientific instruments, precision machining and mechanical fabrication, and execution of observatory system maintenance, mechanical repair of a wide range of facility equipment ranging from industrial machine systems to unique instrumental mechanisms, and installation of structural and mechanical improvements and modifications to instruments, observing systems, and facility buildings. Work may be required outside the normal 40-hour work week. On occasion, may assist the following partner observatory facilities with instrument or equipment servicing and upgrade support: Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics (ASIAA), the Submillimeter Array (SMA), and the Subaru telescopes.
This is a progression job requiring new hires to be placed in Junior Level and through experience, demonstrated competence, and operational needs, may be promoted to Level I and Level II.
As a condition of employment, employees will be subject to all applicable EAO policies and procedures. Violation of EAO’s policies and/or procedures or applicable State or Federal laws and/or regulations may lead to disciplinary action (including, but not limited to possible termination of employment, personal fines, civil and/or criminal penalties, etc.).
Scope of Position:
Reports to:
EAO/JCMT Chief Operating Officer, or his designee.
EAO/JCMT Deputy Director/Head of Instrumentation and Engineering EAO/JCMT Chief Engineer
Supervises: None
Budgetary and/or Fiscal Responsibilities: None
Signature Authorities: None
Level of Interaction: Routinely works as a member of a cross-discipline team responsible for provision of support and maintenance for all telescope and facility systems. Operates from the Hilo base, with many duties being carried out at the summit of Maunakea at 14,000 feet elevation. Receives job package objectives and required timing from EAO/JCMT Chief Engineer. Level III technicians and engineers will train, mentor, and direct the work of less experienced mechanical staff.
Major Duties and Responsibilities: (Percentages will vary depending on progression level and competence)
| 40% | 1. | With close supervision, provides technical support for the integration, servicing, maintenance, and repair of unique high vacuum cryogenic astronomical instruments at the JCMT, telescope mechanical drive systems and structure. Responsible for the execution of appropriate maintenance and repair work as assigned. |
| 20% | 2. | With close supervision, assist with the maintenance, including preventative maintenance, routine servicing and upkeep of the Hilo base building and of any EAO vehicles, equipment and mechanical machinery within the building and grounds. |
| 20% | 3. | With close supervision, assists with troubleshooting, maintains, modifies, and repairs mechanical, structural, and machine equipment throughout the observatory facilities. When trained, must be capable of successfully working independently on systems ranging from industrial machine equipment associated with the movement of the telescope domes to precision mechanical mechanisms associated with astronomical instrumentation. |
| 10% | 4. | With close supervision, performs fabrication of structural items required for major and minor facility modifications as directed. Performs precision machining of mechanical components required in support of the integration and maintenance of astronomical instruments. |
| 5% | 5. | Performs handling and storage of materials, equipment, and furniture in support of observatory operations. Must be capable of unsupervised safe operation of an industrial forklift. |
| 5% | 6. | Performs other duties as assigned including snow clearing at the summit facilities. |
Primary Qualifications:
Education/Training: Associate’s Degree from an accredited community college in Machine Shop Technology or similar. Or equivalent combination of trades/skill training and demonstrated work experience sufficient to meet job requirements.
Experience:
Junior – No experience required. Must meet the Educational/Training primary qualifications.
Experience including work in the areas of structural fabrication, precision machining, high vacuum, cryogenics, and the troubleshooting and repair of industrial equipment and mechanical mechanisms. Progression job with combination of minimum experience requirements and demonstrated competence for Levels I, II, III.
Knowledge: Basic understanding of a range of mechanical processes; safe handling of a variety of mechanical tools; and understanding of basic mechanical drawings.
Abilities and Skills: Must be able to perform the following tasks independently to progress from Junior to levels I, II, III: Servicing and repair of scientific instruments. Mechanical troubleshooting and repair of equipment ranging from industrial machine systems to small instrument mechanisms. Precision machining of small mechanism parts and related components. Structural mechanical fabrication including welding and brazing a variety of materials. Capable of selecting and executing the appropriate welding technique (stick, gas, heliarc, tungsten inert gas (TIG), braze) for the assigned fabrication. Demonstrated effective verbal communication skills with colleagues across a wide range of education, ability, and cultural backgrounds.
Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain throughout the duration of employment. Must be able to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle (or be able to drive these vehicles following appropriate training). If personal vehicle will be used for business purpose: Must possess proof of personal vehicle insurance and maintain throughout the duration of employment. Must also provide the EAO Human Resources Department with drivers license information and keep current throughout the duration of employment. Failure to meet this requirement or falsification of documents may result in disciplinary action including and up to termination of employment.
Post Offer/Employment Condition: Must possess the American Red Cross Certification in First Aid/CPR/AED (or be able to obtain and maintain the certificate following the training provided within three (3) months from date of hire) and maintain throughout duration of employment.
Secondary Qualifications: Previous work experience in an astronomical or scientific facility.
Physical and/or Medical Demands: Must be capable of safe manual handling of loads up to seventy (70) pounds assisted.
Post Offer/Employment Condition: Must be able to work at 14,000 feet and pass a post offer high-altitude medical examination and maintain proof of high altitude clearance throughout the duration of employment.
Closing Date: 21 April 2025
How to Apply:
Please submit in writing the following to be considered for this position: Resume/CV, Cover Letter, at least (2) two Supervisory References, and Degree(s) and/or Certificate(s) to meet the Education/Training requirements.
Send relevant documents to Susan O’Neal, HR Associate by email to careers@eaobservatory.org. If you do not have access to email, please fax your documents to the EAO at (808) 961-6516. Any enquiries about the position itself can be addressed to Dr. Dan Bintley at d.bintley@eaobservatory.org. Both can be reached by phone at (808) 961-3756.
Relocation is not offered with employment offer
EEO/AA Employer
Posted: EAO Employment Page