Job Description
Posting number: 2026-01824
Department: University of Hawai'i at Manoa - Institute for Astronomy
Job classification: PLANNING, DESIGN, AND CONSTRUCTION
Posting type: Open
Categories: Engineering, Planning and Development, Electronics, Higher Education
Title: Electronics Engineer (IRTF Observatory)
Position Number: 0078487T
Hiring Unit: RES & DEAN OF GRAD DIV, INST FOR AST, INST FOR AST
Location: Institute for Astronomy – Hilo, HI
Date Posted: August 19, 2026
Closing Date: September 2, 2026
Band: B
Salary : salary schedules and placement information
Full Time/Part Time: Full-time
Month: 11-month
Temporary/Permanent: Temporary
Other Conditions: To begin approximately October 2026. Appointments are annually renewable subject to satisfactory performance, program needs, and continued funding.
Duties and Responsibilities (* denotes essential functions):
- *Designs and integrates instrument and telescope control systems and subsystems.
- *Troubleshoots problems with instrument and telescope electrical and mechanical control systems at the observatory, working closely with the observatory day crew staff at the summit as needed.
- *Handles optical and infrared Focal Plane Array (FPA) devices, assembles and disassembles FPA mounting hardware; installs, removes, and customizes mounting hardware as necessary.
- *Designs and directs the development and fabrication of instrumentation temperature control and monitoring systems, room temperature and cryogenic mechanism control systems, and cabling.
- *Designs low and medium speed control systems and electro-optical interfaces.
- *Employs software tools to verify instrument and telescope performance.
- *Troubleshoots problems with the observatory instruments using accurate and intuitive understanding of multiple systems. Systems include, but are not limited to: temperature, FPA controller, cabling, and vacuum.
- *Develops and designs lab-based systems for instrument development. Researches and applies improved design methods and technology for infrared instrumentation.
- *Supervises and manages Hilo engineering staff, including staff performance reviews.
- *Organizes, runs and documents the weekly engineering staff meetings, including daily telescope trouble log review.
- *Acts as formal Project Manager for facility instrumentation projects, starting with the current SPECTRE instrument development.
- Advises engineering staff with procurement regulations.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Possession of a baccalaureate degree in Electronics Engineering, Electronics Engineering Technology, Computer Engineering or related field and 6 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for electronics systems for a production or scientific environment; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.
- Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of electrical engineering as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving concepts, principles and methodologies.
- Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with electrical engineering and procurement.
- Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of the problems and the resolution of the problems in an effective, innovative and timely manner.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.
- Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer, apply word processing software, and spreadsheet software.
- If applicable, for supervisory work, demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.
- Experience handling FPA devices. Experience installing and removing FPA devices, and mounting hardware into/out of instruments.
- Experience modifying, supporting, and troubleshooting FPA control electronics.
- Experience working inside infrared instrumentation.
- Experience handling cryogenic mechanisms and motors.
- Experience in supporting the design and fabricating cabling for cryogenic, low noise systems.
- Experience with handling and supporting vacuum systems, cryocoolers and compressors.
- Experience cooling/warming cryogenic instruments.
- Experience detecting and troubleshooting vacuum jacket leaks.
- Knowledge of and experience with Lakeshore temperature controllers, monitors, sensors, cabling, etc.
- Experience with project management.
- Must be able to work at an elevation of 14,000 feet.
- Ability to travel independently to various geographical locations in a timely manner. Requirement fulfilled by a valid Hawaii Driver's License (class 3), comparable driver's license or use of means of transportation which meets position needs.
Desirable Qualifications:
- Familiar with workplace safety requirements.
- Knowledge or experience with the State of Hawai’i or University of Hawai’i procurement practices.
To Apply:
Click on the “Apply” button on the top right corner of the screen to complete an application and attach required documents. Applicant must submit the following:
1. Cover letter indicating interest in the position and how the minimum and desirable qualifications of the position are met;
2. Resume;
3. The names and contact information (telephone number and email addresses) of at least three professional references; and
4. Copies of educational transcripts with CONFIDENTIAL DATA (i.e. social security number, birth date, etc.) REDACTED.
If requested transcripts are unobtainable by closing date, please indicate so where transcripts are required as an attachment. You will have a grace period of 7 days from the closing date (09/02/2026) to email copies of your transcripts to ifahr@hawaii.edu Official transcripts will be required if selected to fill the position.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
Note: If you have not applied for a position before using NeoGov, you will need to create an account.
Inquiries: John Rayner, Director - NASA Infrared Telescope Facility, jrayner@hawaii.edu
Examples of duties
The University of Hawai'i is an
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, sex, gender identity and expression, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, genetic information, marital status, breastfeeding, income assignment for child support, arrest and court record (except as permissible under State law), sexual orientation, domestic or sexual violence victim status, national guard absence, or status as a covered veteran. For more information or inquiries regarding these policies, please refer to the following link:
http://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/eeo-coordinators/Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.
In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.
In accordance with Article 10 of the unit 08 collective bargaining agreement, bargaining unit members receive priority consideration for APT job vacancies. As a result, external or non BU 08 applicants may not be considered for some APT vacancies. BU 08 members with re-employment rights or priority status are responsible for informing the hiring unit of their status.
Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/
