Operations Specialist I/Ii/Iii, Very Large Array
● Operate 28 interconnected radio telescopes as an interferometer to collect astronomical data for international principal investigators.● Dynamically observe scheduling blocks around weather and known RFI sources, ensuring science, calibrators (bandpass, delay, flux density, complex gain), and pointing meet data quality, while keeping clear and detailed Excel observing logs for principal investigators.● Monitor data and antenna systems, including mechanical, cryogenic, RF electrical, local oscillator, data acquisition, fiber, correlation, network, and file creation, conducting root cause analysis to identify and remedy issues occurring at any step of signal conditioning.● Control all day time array traffic and manage all emergencies as the site manager for VLA maintenance crews of up to 65+ members.● Run tri weekly tests to identify system faults and use Atlassian's Jira software to collaborate with VLA staff on issue tracking and maintenance. ● Transport staff and equipment safely to high altitude site via government vehicles, on rotating work shifts, in all weather conditions.● Act as liaison for array software including testing of new programs, providing feedback to programming staff, training operators on new procedures and providing documentation● Troubleshoot array system issues, report and assist scientists, programmers and engineers with solutions.● Review operator status screens and other tools, recommend improvements and document changes as needed.● Senior duties: train employees, operate Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) radio telescopes, modify control software and GUIs, and author safety documentation.
