Engineering Technician (Mechanical)

Full Job Description

This is the position of an Engineering Technician (Mechanical), for the Sub-millimeter Array Project (SMA).

This position is to provide expert mechanical technician support for developing and reviewing maintenance and repair standards of complex mechanical systems at the observatory and Hilo facility.

This position will be responsible for the vehicle fleet program at the SMA.

Qualifying experience for GS-09 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-8 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.

For this position, specialized experience includes activities such as practical knowledge of mechanical assemblies used in large instruments and/or industrial equipment, and knowledge of machining operations on metals and plastics.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

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 Duties:

1. Provides technical assistance in developing maintenance and/or repair of precision mechanical assemblies at the observatory, including antenna's, antenna transporter and infrastructure.

These assemblies encompass a diverse range of mechanical areas including precision mechanical mounts, motors and gearboxes, cryogenic systems, hydraulic systems, precision servo systems and optical subsystems.

These systems greatly vary in complexity and mass, thereby requiring excellent skills understanding design drawings, procedures and Bill of Materials. 2.

Read existing designs to complete packages, installation checklists, machine parts lists and specifications of instrumentation equipment.

Assemble modified or new mechanical components for equipment and industrial and scientific machinery.

Submit test results to technicians and engineers and recommend adjustments in test methods, designs, or materials.

Analyze and calculate corrections for equipment installation practices to maximize efficiency, enhance installation schedules and reduce costs, report data to engineering staff for approval. 3.

Manage SMA's day-to-day operations of the fleet center; overseeing a diverse fleet including four wheel drive vehicles.

Develop tools for fleet data management; including preventative and corrective maintenance repairs using SI standard fleet requirements and SMA administrative purchasing processes.

Determines and coordinates the decommissioning and sale of surplus vehicles from the fleet. Develop and maintain a vehicle rotation program and documentation to track vehicle usage and efficiency. 4.

Perform precise mechanical measurements, installations, alignments and testing on mechanical systems. With specialized equipment, setup and run tests to verify alignments are within specification.

Develop procedures and/or use standard operating procedures during routine and non-routine maintenance periods. Troubleshoot and repair mechanical assemblies.

Conducts testing and analyzes test results to troubleshoot and repair equipment. 5. Organize and perform projects to construct and/or modify mechanical systems.

Plans and layouts projects from inception to completion on site or with outside vendors. 6.

Operate specialized bridge cranes, hoists and forklift trucks used in the assembly and maintenance of large antenna components.

Additionally the incumbent will work with the antenna transporter, which is used to move the antennas. 7. Performs other duties as assigned.