About this role
Job SummaryThe employee is responsible for providing specialized electronics technical support and assistance to the SMA in the testing, troubleshooting, and documentation of electronic, electrical, and electromechanical systems, with emphasis on the servo, antenna electronic, and data acquisition systems.
QualificationsOne year of full-time experience at the GS-09 level that is close or similar to the work of this job. The experience includes activities such as technical support for state of the art digital systems, operating high-speed digital oscilloscopes and spectrum analyzers, and good hands-on electronic skills to isolate and repair faults in multi-layered boards with a wide range of ICs such as FPGAs, ASICs, and DSPs. Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management web site: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/electronics-technical-series-0856/ Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.
Major Duties1. Repairs and maintains antenna servo systems, chopping secondary mirror systems, deice systems, power distribution systems, and other analog and digital electronic and electrical systems as required. 2. Fabricates complex mechanical assemblies and electronics consisting of chassis, cables, connectors (MS, D, JDC, and coax styles), power supplies, junction boxes, terminal strips, and multi-layer circuit boards from schematics and developed design specifications. 3. Performs test procedures for electronic circuits and systems and performs electronic circuit systems integration, testing, troubleshooting, and documenting using SMA approved methods. 4. Performs "first hand" debugging and maintenance of a wide range of electrical, mechanical and electromechanical subsystems, including transporter electronics and control systems, generators, batteries, antennas, 480 VAC electrical wiring, and antenna motors and brakes. 5. Designs and conducts complex tests to evaluate system performance, reliability, and compliance with technical standards. Analyzes test data, determines acceptability of equipment modifications, and validates operational readiness. Develops or refines test procedures, calibration methods, and performance benchmarks. 6. Monitors, operates and maintains electronic and computer-based systems supporting mission operations. Provides technical guidance to other technicians and operational staff. Maintains documentation, logs, and technical records; ensures configuration control. 7. Supports engineers in research, development, and evaluation of new or modified electronic systems. Participates in prototype testing, data collection, and performance analysis. Recommends system improvements, cost-effective modifications, and reliability enhancements. 8. Performs advanced maintenance, calibration, and repair of complex electronic systems. 9. Diagnoses system faults using advanced test equipment and analytical techniques; resolves issues involving interdependent subsystems 10. Develops and updates maintenance procedures, technical documentation, and repair standards. 11. Installs new or upgraded electronic systems and associated hardware and verifies functionality when integrated into the system. 12. Perform other related duties as assigned.RequirementsOther Requirements: Occasional travel may be required to attend scientific, technical, or administrative meetings or other functions at SAO or other institutions. Qualification requirements must be met within 30 days of the job announcement closing date.