Submillimeter Array (SMA) Director (Supervisory General Engineer)

Full Job Description

The SMA Director provides leadership and management for daily SMA operations from the Hilo facility and is responsible for the SMA-Cambridge staff.

The Director provides technical, operational, and administrative oversight to engineers, scientists, technicians, administrative personnel, and IT staff to ensure the production of high-quality scientific data and operational agility.

In addition to meeting basic qualification requirements, candidates must possess at least one year of specialized professional experience equivalent to the GS-14 level.

Relevant experience should demonstrate substantial technical, managerial, or operational oversight within a radio, millimeter, or submillimeter observatory. Major Duties:

Supervisory: Provides advice, and instructions to employees on both work and administrative matters. Periodically reviews job descriptions of subordinates to maintain currency and accuracy.

Reviews organizational posture of the division and makes recommendations to higher-level supervisors for improvements in organizational features, structuring of positions, and work methods, to achieve maximum efficiency and utilization of resources.

Interviews candidates for positions within the department and makes the recommendation of final selection for hire; recommends promotions and reassignments.

Evaluates performance of subordinates, establishing and negotiating employee performance standards.

Hears employee complaints and takes appropriate action to resolve, including working with the HR Partner. Refers group grievances and more serious complaints that are not immediately resolved locally.

Effects, in partnership with HR, minor disciplinary measures, such as warnings and reprimands. Recommends action to higher-level supervisors in more serious cases.

Identifies employees' career development and training needs. Promotes and assures compliance with SAO EEO program policies and directives.

Directs a major engineering program, overseeing subordinate supervisors, engineers, and technical staff across multiple disciplines.

Establishes strategic goals and priorities for engineering programs, aligning with SAO mission, budget, and policy objectives.

Manages multimillion-dollar budgets and contracts, ensuring cost-effective use of resources and compliance with federal acquisition regulations.

Provides authoritative technical guidance on engineering feasibility, risk management, and integration of complex systems.

Develops and enforces engineering policies and standards, often setting precedent for SAO-wide adoption.

Represents the SAO at national and international forums, negotiating technical agreements and presenting engineering strategies.

Oversees workforce development, mentoring subordinate supervisors and shaping long-term engineering career paths.

Ensures compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements, balancing mission needs with public accountability.

Resolves high-stakes disputes among contractors, stakeholders, or partners, often requiring persuasive negotiation and technical authority.

Operations and Workforce Management: Directs daily SMA operations and supervises engineers, technicians, administrative and IT staff, and subcontractors.

Leads recruitment, training, performance management, staff development, and conflict resolution while ensuring operational efficiency and effective execution of observatory functions.

Financial and Program Oversight: Develops and justifies the annual SMA budget.

Manages financial execution, monitors expenditures, applies fiscal controls, and ensures alignment with program goals, operational priorities, and institutional requirements.

Technical and Engineering Leadership: Provides direction for the installation, integration, testing, maintenance, and long-term planning of SMA instrumentation, receivers, electronics, and facility systems.

Identifies technical challenges and collaborates with SAO leadership and SMA staff to implement solutions and support scientific mission readiness.

Partnerships, Collaboration, and Site Stewardship: Maintains relationships with partner institutions, funding organizations, and Maunakea observatories.

Supports collaboration with existing and new institutional partners as they emerge. Pursues external partnerships that advance the observatory's scientific, technical, and operational goals.

Serves as liaison to MKSOA and ensures compliance with cultural, environmental, safety, and security requirements, promoting respectful and responsible site operations.

Strategic Communication and Scientific Engagement: Ensures transparent communication and aligns operations with strategic priorities. Provides regular reports to SAO and CfA leadership.

Maintains a leadership role in millimeter and submillimeter instrumentation, contributes to scientific publications, and represents the SMA at professional meetings. Performs other duties as assigned.