Telescope Engineer/Solar Observer

Title:
Telescope Engineer/Solar Observer

Department:
Center for Solar Research - CA

Reports To:
Director, Big Bear Solar Observatory

Position Type:
Staff

Position Summary:
New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is seeking a Telescope Engineer/Solar Observer at Big Bear Solar Observatory (BBSO). Under the guidance of the Observatory Director, the Solar Observer/Telescope Engineer will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Goode Solar Telescope (GST). BBSO operates the 1.6-meter GST with a diverse suite of instrumentation. The GST with its state-of-the-art adaptive optics system is a world class facility for high spatial and temporal resolution solar astronomy in the visible and NIR. BBSO is operated as a remote laboratory of NJIT's Center for Solar Terrestrial Research. The position is anticipated to start in early 2026.

Essential Functions:
The
preference will be given to a candidate who is experienced, self-motivated,
versatile.

-The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience with operation and maintenance of a similarly large aperture astronomical telescope
-Familiarity with general telescope and dome operations such as observing, optics handling, alignment, adaptive optics operation, cryogenic systems, general care of complex mechanical assemblies, computer control, and so forth is a must.
-The successful candidate will participate in all aspects of operation during an approximately year-long training period, covering all aspects of the telescope systems and scientific instruments.

Additional Functions:
-Maintains computer resources needed to accomplish the above tasks.
-Performs other duties as assigned.

Prerequisite Qualifications:
-A working knowledge of astronomy
with an ability to work and live at an elevation of 2000 meters.
-Experience with operation and maintenance of a similarly large aperture
astronomical observatory.
-Ability to lift heavy charges and to climb ladders.
-Knowledge of
electronics/mechanical shop/optics.
-At the university's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be exempted where the candidate can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the university, an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position.

Preferred Qualifications:
-College degree in Physics,
Astronomy or related field is desirable.
-Experience and training in telescope operations is desirable.

Bargaining Unit:
PSA

Range/Band:
17

Salary Information:
In compliance with the NJ Pay Transparency Law, the negotiated annual salary range for this position is $63,129.05-$88,823.64 (USD). NJIT considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. This pay range represents base pay only and excludes any additional items such as incentives, bonuses or other items.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefits NJIT offers for this position, please visit our benefits page: https://hr.njit.edu/health-benefits.

FLSA:
Exempt
Full-Time