The National Solar Observatory (NSO) is seeking a skilled Technical Associate to support two cornerstone solar observing programs: the Global Oscillation Network Group (GONG) and Synoptic Optical Long-term Investigations of the Sun (SOLIS), which are the major elements of NSO’s Integrated Synoptic Program (NISP).

We are hiring at the Technical Associate I, II, or III level, depending on the selected candidate’s experience, technical skills, and demonstrated capability.

This is a hands-on, mission-critical role supporting observatory infrastructure and instrumentation that enables continuous solar observations from a globally distributed network.

About the Role

Technical Associate I

The Technical Associate I provides entry-level technical and maintenance support for observatory infrastructure, instrumentation, and systems. This role performs routine tasks under close supervision while developing foundational skills in troubleshooting, repair, and preventive maintenance in support of continuous operations.

Technical Associate II

The Technical Associate II provides experienced technical and maintenance support for observatory infrastructure, instrumentation, and systems. This role independently performs troubleshooting, repair, and preventive maintenance while collaborating with engineering and scientific teams to ensure continuous operations.

Technical Associate III

The Technical Associate III serves as a senior technical expert and leader, providing advanced troubleshooting, system-level diagnostics, and strategic improvements across distributed observatory systems. This role leads complex maintenance efforts, mentors staff, and contributes to long-term reliability and lifecycle planning.

All roles participate in 24/7/365 operational coverage, including occasional weekend and on-call support.

Key Responsibilities

Depending on level, responsibilities include:

• Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical, electrical, electronic, and computer-based system issues (level-appropriate complexity).
• Perform assembly, modification, repair, and preventive maintenance of observatory equipment.
• Provide remote and on-site support for telescope operations and systems monitoring.
• Monitor system performance, collect data, and document work performed.
• Follow and contribute to technical procedures, standards, and safety requirements.
• Collaborate with engineering, scientific, and international site teams.

Additional Level I Responsibilities

• Perform routine technical tasks following established procedures and instructions.
• Assist senior technical staff with maintenance, testing, and repairs.
• Support inventory control, tool preparation, and materials handling.
• Participate in training and skill development activities.

Additional Level III Responsibilities

• Lead complex diagnostics and root cause analyses.
• Provide technical leadership across distributed systems.
• Mentor and guide Technical Associate I and II staff.
• Serve as a technical liaison with vendors and international partners.
• Contribute to lifecycle management and reliability improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

Technical Associate I

• 1–2 years of experience in a technical, mechanical, electrical, laboratory, or related support role, or equivalent education.

• support role, or equivalent of education and experience.
• Basic knowledge of mechanics, electronics, instrumentation, or computer systems.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures and safety requirements.
• Basic proficiency with MS Windows/MS Office or Apple Mac/Libre Office.
• Effective verbal communication skills and developing written documentation ability.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a technical team.

Technical Associate II

• Minimum 5 years of diverse technical or engineering support experience.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve technical problems in mechanics, electronics, instrumentation, or computer systems.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with MS Windows/MS Office or Apple Mac/Libre Office.
• Strong collaborative and interpersonal skills.

Technical Associate III

• 8–10+ years of progressively responsible technical or engineering experience.
• Demonstrated expertise resolving complex, system-level technical challenges.
• Strong analytical, diagnostic, and problem-solving capability.
• Excellent technical documentation and communication skills.
• Proven ability to mentor and lead technical staff.
• Proficiency with MS Windows/MS Office or Apple Mac/Libre Office.

Preferred Qualifications (All Levels)

• Associate degree or higher in engineering, physics, electronics, computer science, or related technical field.
• Experience supporting scientific, observatory, aerospace, or complex industrial systems.
• Experience working with geographically distributed systems.

Desirable Technical Skills

• SolidWorks (3D mechanical modeling and documentation)
• DraftSight (2D mechanical/electrical documentation in .dwg format)
• Altium heritage schematic capture software (PCAD 200X)
• Familiarity with reliability engineering, preventive maintenance programs, or configuration management (Level III emphasis)

Other Requirements

This position requires occasional international travel, sometimes on short notice. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain the necessary travel documentation and visas required for international assignments.

Travel includes domestic and international assignments to sites in Australia, India, Spain, and Chile.

Export Control Compliance Notice:

This position involves access to technical data that is subject to U.S. export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Pursuant to these regulations, only U.S. persons (as defined in the regulations) are eligible for access to the controlled technical data. A "U.S. person" includes a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or person granted asylum or refugee status. Applicants must be eligible to access export-controlled information as defined by U.S. law."

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

• Ability to work in observatory, laboratory, and field environments.
• Ability to travel internationally and perform hands-on technical work at remote sites.
• Ability to support extended or irregular work hours as operational needs require.
• Ability to work at high elevation summit sites may be required (summit elevations range from 6,800 feet to 11,200 feet).

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and talk or hear.  
• The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  
• The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.  
• Must possess sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) reach upward, sideways, and downward to work with paper files; b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, fax machines, copiers, and other office machines.  

Why Join NSO?

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Support a globally distributed solar observing network.
• Work at the intersection of science, engineering, and international collaboration.
• Contribute directly to mission-critical systems enabling continuous solar research.
• Travel internationally to observatory sites.
• Grow into senior-level technical leadership (Level I → Level III pathway).

If you thrive in a hands-on technical environment, enjoy solving complex problems, and want to contribute to cutting-edge solar science, we encourage you to apply.

Salary and Benefits

Salary range: $25.00-$43.27 per hour. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications, and experience. 

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at Benefits by Location - Aura Human Resources   

About NSO and AURA
The National Solar Observatory is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), a consortium of leading universities and research institutions committed to advancing astronomical discovery. AURA manages world-class observatories for the National Science Foundation, providing scientific leadership, operational excellence, and a collaborative environment that supports groundbreaking research. As part of AURA, NSO benefits from shared resources and a community dedicated to innovation, transparency, and public service, ensuring its work has a broad and lasting impact.

How to Apply:

If you’re interested in providing high-level engineering support for a mission-driven scientific program at one of the world’s premier observatories, we encourage you to apply. Applications received by April 17, 2026 will receive priority consideration. This position will remain open until filled.

Submit your CV and cover letter (PDF format preferred) via our application system. Please name your files in the format: Lastname_Docname.pdf.

Questions? Contact us at [email protected] — we’re happy to help.