ALMA - Array Maintenance Group Manager

Duties and Responsibilities

The Joint ALMA Observatory (JAO) is seeking a senior engineer/manager to become the Manager of the Array Maintenance Group (AMG) in the ALMA Department of Engineering (ADE). This group executes the preventative and corrective maintenance of the core scientific equipment at the ALMA observatory, which consists of 66 antennas, located at 5000m above sea level on high-precision kinematic foundations; each antenna is equipped with state-of-the-art millimeter/submillimeter instrumentation. It also covers the photonics and digital correlation equipment in the technical building at the Array Operations Site and the support equipment for relocating array elements and their subsystems.

The successful candidate will be one of two AMG Managers in charge of leading a group of approximately 70 people in a rotating counter-shift, and will be responsible for ensuring all scientific subsystems are maintained according to the established maintenance processes, while accomplishing the required level of array availability. The position reports directly to the Head of ADE.

Main Responsibilities

S/he will be responsible for the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the following, but not limited to, subsystems/equipment:

• Antenna Mechanical Subsystems
• Antenna Electrical and Control Subsystems
• Front-Ends, Cryogenics and Vacuum
• Back-End and Communication Electronics
• Local Oscillator Systems and Optical Fiber Networks
• Digital Transmission Systems and Correlators
• Transporter, Front-End Service Vehicle and specialized fleet vehicles

The successful candidate, among other responsibilities, will also:

• Oversee the development and implementation of maintenance and operations processes and procedures at the Array Operations Site

• Observe safety regulations for workers and equipment, and occupational health regulations

• Continuously monitor and improve the operation of a high-quality diagnostic-, repair- and verification laboratory for all instrumentation subsystems

• Participate in the development and interpretation of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Manage all AMG personnel, including hiring activities, staff evaluations and professional development strategies

• Prepare and guide the group's strategic planning and budgeting

Professional Requirements/Qualifications

The candidate should meet the following qualifications:

• University degree in Electrical / Electronics or Mechanical Engineering, or demonstrated equivalent work experience

• Minimum 5 years experience managing industrial and/or astronomical observatory maintenance programs and strategies. Postgraduate studies in a related field would be an asset

• Experience in general fleet/operations- and/or contract management concepts is considered an asset

• Strong knowledge of application software, including spreadsheets, word processing, planning programs and use of web facilities

• A strong ability to lead a team and mentor staff

• Must pass any applicable knowledge/skills tests

• Must possess a valid driver's license

• Excellent level of written and spoken English. Knowledge of Spanish or the willingness to obtain a basic level of the language would be an advantage

• Excellent interpersonal skills, high ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a multi- cultural environment

• Physical health compatible with high altitude conditions (sites are located at 2900m and 5000m above sea level)

Due to travel requirements and work at high altitudes, a successful high altitude medical check is a necessary condition of employment for this position.

Duty Station / Location of Position

The position is based at the ALMA Operations Support Facility (OSF) near San Pedro de Atacama at 2900m with occasional visits to the ALMA office in Santiago, Chile. The candidate is expected to work frequently at the Array Operations Site (AOS) at 5000m above sea level.

Starting Date

As soon as possible.

Contract

An initial contract is intended for a period of three years with the possibility of a fixed-term or indefinite extension. Actual contractual terms will be defined by the selected employer (ESO, AUI/NRAO or NAOJ). Contractual arrangements such as secondments/temporary transfers/etc. will be considered.

Remuneration

ALMA International Staff will be recruited as employees of either ESO or AUI/NRAO or NAOJ. Each of these employers offer competitive remuneration packages including a competitive salary as well as comprehensive social benefits, and provide financial support in relocating families. Furthermore, if applicable, an expatriation allowance as well as some other allowances will be added.

Qualified applicants are invited to apply by submitting an application to ESO, AUI/NRAO or NAOJ. Applications must be completed in English and should include a cover letter, CV, and three letters of reference.

Applicants submitting their application to ESO are invited to apply online at https://jobs.eso.org/. The position requires three letters of reference which shall be sent to vacancies@alma.cl.

Applicants submitting their application to AUI/NRAO are invited to apply online at https://careers.nrao.edu. Also, three reference letters are required.

Applicants submitting their application to NAOJ are invited to apply by sending their cover letter, CV and three letters of reference via email to Tetsuo Hasegawa at tetsuo.hasegawa@nao.ac.jp.

Deadline for receipt of applications to be considered for the position is 16 January 2014.

For further information please consult (almaobservatory.org), as well as the ESO, NRAO, and/or NAOJ Home Pages: (www.eso.org), (www.nrao.edu) (alma.mtk.nao.ac.jp/e/).

ESO, AUI/NRAO and NAOJ are Equal Opportunity Employers.