Chief Telescope Technologist

APACHE POINT OBSERVATORY 3.5m Chief Telescope Technologist. New Mexico State University is seeking a Chief Telescope Technologist, for the ARC 3.5m Telescope at Apache Point Observatory (APO) in Sunspot, New Mexico.  The Chief Telescope Technologist is responsible for the maintenance and operations of telescope facilities and for training, assignment and scheduling of facilities support personnel in operation of the facilities maintenance/support equipment. Develops and maintains operating procedures and maintenance schedules. Plans and coordinates maintenance work and supervises contractors. Contributes to upgrades of equipment and may lead troubleshooting exercises.  APO is located in the Lincoln National Forest 16 miles from the village of Cloudcroft, NM.  The observatory sits on a ridge overlooking White Sands National Park, White Sands Missile Test Range and Alamogordo, NM.  With great seeing, dark skies, wide field optical/infrared imaging and spectroscopy.  Working at APO employees have the opportunity to lead/participate in research on the telescopes, tuition waivers to take classes at NMSU, or attend/present at conferences for professional development.

RESPONSIBILITIES. Chief Telescope Technologist (CTT) is responsible for the maintenance and operations of the ARC 3.5m telescope facilities and engineering operations. Develops and maintains operating procedures and maintenance schedules. Plans and coordinates maintenance work. Supervise, direct, and evaluate work of assigned staff. Design, generate contracts for fabrication, and conduct installation and testing of various electro-, opto-mechanical systems for complex telescope systems, including interfaces and scientific instruments. Perform preventive and corrective maintenance to systems, as necessary, and ensure safety and integrity. Monitor trends and correct anomalies. Perform troubleshooting and problem analysis. Specify procedures, schedule, spare lists for maintenance and repair of telescope systems. Report activities and progress related to telescope systems engineering to Site Operations Manager. Specify, procure, maintain specialized mechanical, electronics, and optical test and maintenance equipment. Develop an annual plan and budget for telescope systems engineering activities and projects.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION. Candidates should have a minimum Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering, Physics, Astronomy or related field. Required experience: Ten (10) years of experience directly related to the standard duties as outlined; Equivalency: Any equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience as approved by Human Resource Services.; Required Certification/License.; Candidate must have a valid driving license.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS. Must possess - sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to 1) reach upward, sideways, downward; 2) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, fax machines, copiers, and other office machines.

Must possess – 1) ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform job; 2) sufficient visual capacity to perform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than eye contacts or eye glasses; 3) sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, horns or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid; and 4) ability to impart information orally so that others understand and can respond appropriately.

Must be able – 1) to sit, stand or work in tight locations for extended periods of time; 2) to drive on snow/ice covered roads and possess a clean driving record; 3) to climb stairs and maneuver heavy instruments or LN2 VGL tanks on carts at 9100 feet elevation; 4) have an eye exam for laser safety.

Required documents: CV/Resume, 3 references, unofficial copy of transcripts

Employment is contingent on funding and eligibility for employment in U.S. and results of a background verification.  Target start date is September 1, 2025.