Instrument Technician jobs in Hawaii

Title: Scientific Instrument Technician

Position Number: 0080985

Hiring Unit: Institute for Astronomy

Location: Honolulu, Hawaii

Date Posted: March 25, 2024

Closing Date: April 26, 2024

Band: B

Salary : salary schedules and placement information

Full Time/Part Time: Full-time

Month: 11-month

Temporary/Permanent: Permanent

Duties and Responsibilities 

1.       *Plan, organize, and direct the day-to-day management of the Institute's Manoa scientific instrument development/fabrication shop.

2.       *Provide technical oversight and support for the Institute's instrument development/fabrication shops in Hilo and Pukalani.

3.       *Establish standards for quality control, safety, and use of precision machinery and tools in the Institute's scientific instrument development/fabrication shops.

4.       *Estimate the number of labor hours, materials and supplies, equipment requirements, and completion date of work order requests.

5.       *Assign and schedule work tasks based on the complexity, skill level and precision requirements of work and review work completed by subordinate technicians.

6.       *Monitor the progress of work order requests and insure satisfactory completion within authorized funding limits and scheduled completion date.

7.       *Produce finished machined components using CAM software, directly from solid files or 2-dimensional drawing files.

8.       *Assist in planning for major equipment acquisitions and replacements, overhaul, maintenance, and calibration of equipment.

9.       Provide quarterly summaries and estimates of workloads and status at the Instrumentation Division planning meetings.

10.     *Collaborate with scientific research and engineering personnel to determine design specifications and functional requirements of instrumentation, including the selection of materials.

11.     *Make site visits to troubleshoot, assess and implement mechanical solutions to observatory needs.

12.     *Plan, design, fabricate and install mechanical assemblies for observatory needs.

13.     *Coordinate and manage the contracting of mechanical components from commercial providers.

14.     *Coordinate and manage the work of commercial service providers.

15.     Provide safety and maintenance expertise to support observatory operations.

16.     *Responsible and accountable for the JOS annual shop fund allocation including the review/approval of all shop expenditures and the coordination of purchase orders, maintenance contracts, imprest check and petty cash reimbursements.

17.     Control of materials and supply inventory.

18.     *Insure that appropriate charges are made to authorized JOS work order requests.

19.     *Distribute and revise work assignments of subordinate technicians to meet scheduled completion of JOS work order requests.

20.     *Schedule and coordinate the assembly testing of scientific instruments/models, design modifications and insure conformance with specific design and functional requirements.

21.     Coordinate JOS change orders to revise funding requirements and/or scheduled completion date.

22.     Keep abreast of the latest technology, methods, and materials used in the fabrication of scientific instrumentation.

23.     Other duties as assigned

*Denotes Essential Functions

Minimum Qualifications 

1.       Possession of a vocational degree in machine shop technology or related field and 3 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for a instrumentation or machine shop; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge skills and abilities indicated.

2.       Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of the use of CNC machines and CAD systems as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving concepts, principles and methodologies.

3.       Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with machine shops.

4.       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.

5.       Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.

6.       Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.

7.       Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer and apply word processing software.

8.       If applicable, for supervisory work, demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.

9.       Extensive knowledge of CNC machinery, CAD systems, tools, materials, methods, and practices of one or more mechanical trades as applied to the design, fabrication, and field integration of scientific equipment/instruments.

10.     Considerable knowledge of applicable hazards, safety precautions, and the proper use of shop/laboratory equipment, machinery and scientific instruments.

11.     Considerable knowledge of various materials strengths and stress tolerance factors and the ability to make mathematical computations.

12.     Ability to conceptualize finished products through discussions with research scientists and engineers, pencil sketches and blueprints.

13.     Ability to diagnose problems and make constructive recommendations.

14.     Skill in the fabrication, modification, and repair of scientific equipment constructed from metal, plastic or other materials.

Desirable Qualifications 

1.       Knowledge of personal computers, word processing and spreadsheets.

2.       Knowledge of SolidWorks CAD software.

3.       Extensive knowledge of laboratory and shop fabrication techniques and methods used in the development of scientific instrumentation.

4.       Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty members, engineers, research personnel and others contacted in the course of work.

To Apply:

Click on the “Apply” button on the top right corner of the screen and attach the required documents.  Applicants must submit (1) cover letter indicating how you satisfy the minimum and desirable qualifications, (2) resume, (3) names and contact information of 3 professional references and (4) official transcripts.  Copies of transcripts are acceptable, but official transcripts will be required at the time of hire.  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:  Peter Onaka; ponaka@hawaii.edu