Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy · 6 hours ago
Senior Electrical Engineer
Boulder, CO
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$130K/yr - $165K/yr
10+ years expThe Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer to play a pivotal role in the Next-generation Global Observing Network Group (ngGONG). This role involves leading the design and integration of electrical and electronic systems for a reliable operational observatory, ensuring system reliability and performance in support of advanced solar science.
Non Profit
Responsibilities
Develop and maintain a thorough understanding of ngGONG scientific requirements, system specifications, design standards, and interface requirements, and translate them into appropriate electrical and electronic system architectures
Lead electrical and electronic engineering design activities for major ngGONG systems from concept development through final design, including power distribution, controls, instrumentation, detector electronics, safety, and observatory support systems
Define and maintain ngGONG’s electrical and electronic system architecture, covering site utility interfaces, power distribution, grounding and bonding, lightning protection, facility power, rack distribution, and observatory subsystems
Develop system architectures for electrical power distribution, UPS and backup power, power conditioning and quality, controls, instrumentation, and electronics consistent with performance, reliability, safety, and availability requirements
Define and oversee UPS, power conditioning, and power quality strategies for telescopes, instruments, critical IT/electronics, and infrastructure, including ride‑through, redundancy, and monitoring requirements
Lead or contribute to the design of control, servo, and PLC‑based systems, including definition of control strategies, drive and I/O architectures, and interfaces to motion control, telescope, and instrument subsystems
Lead the design and standardization of electronic racks and enclosures for ngGONG, including power distribution, safety interlocks, grounding and shielding practices, cable management, environmental monitoring, and serviceability
Perform and oversee engineering analyses and simulations to verify system performance, reliability, power quality, and compliance with requirements and applicable codes/standards
Identify technical risks, design tradeoffs, and opportunities for innovation to improve performance, constructability, maintainability, and lifecycle cost of electrical and electronics systems
Initiate and guide engineering studies, simulations, and technology evaluations (e.g., UPS topologies, drive/control platforms, detector electronics options) to support major design decisions
Solve complex electrical and electronic engineering problems that may extend beyond established practices or prior observatory designs, including multi‑site and international constraints
Manage assigned electrical/electronic design work packages, including scope definition, schedule coordination, cost and resource input, and delivery of technical documentation and design artifacts
Coordinate electrical and electronic interfaces with mechanical, optical, thermal, software, civil, and facilities engineering disciplines, as well as with international site owners and utilities, to ensure coherent and constructible solutions
Define electrical and electronics requirements for buildings, site utilities, and SBF (Site–Buildings–Fitout) work packages, and provide technical oversight and review of A&E deliverables related to electrical and low‑voltage systems
Participate in and support formal design reviews at system and subsystem levels, providing clear, well‑documented electrical/electronic content, recommendations, and closure of assigned actions
Support development of integration, test, commissioning, operations, and maintenance concepts for electrical and electronic systems, including remote diagnostics, monitoring, and sparing strategies
Ensure electrical and electronic designs comply with applicable codes, standards, safety requirements, and environmental and heritage constraints across all ngGONG sites, and coordinate closely with EHS and authorities having jurisdiction
Establish and maintain ngGONG electrical and electronics design standards (for example, wiring practices, labeling, documentation templates, rack standards, grounding and EMC practices) and ensure compliance across internal and contracted work
Prepare and review engineering drawings, specifications, analyses, schematics, rack layouts, and other technical documentation suitable for construction, integration, and commissioning phases
Communicate technical progress, risks, issues, and design outcomes to project leadership, systems engineering, and other stakeholders in a clear and timely manner
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Electronics Engineering or a closely related discipline
Minimum of 10–15 years of progressively responsible experience in electrical and electronic system design for complex technical systems
Demonstrated experience in electrical system architecture, analysis, and design for large-scale or high-precision systems
Familiarity with applicable electrical, controls, and safety codes and standards
Working knowledge of PLC-based control systems and control/servo system design concepts
Experience with analog and digital circuit design, including PCB design and layout
Experience with high, medium, and low power distribution systems (e.g., 208/480 VAC three-phase)
Ability to independently identify, analyze, and resolve complex engineering problems using advanced engineering methods
Experience using standard electrical and electronics test and analysis equipment
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of high-quality technical documentation
Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and external partners
Preferred
Masters Degree in Electrical or Electronic Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) or Chartered Engineer credential
Experience leading electrical design for large scientific, research, or astronomical facilities
Experience with advanced control system design, including servo optimization and tuning
Experience with PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Beckhoff, Delta Tau, or similar systems
Experience with Siemens SINAMICS or comparable drive systems
Experience with MATLAB/Simulink or equivalent tools for modeling and simulation of control systems
Familiarity with motion control platforms such as Delta Tau or PI hardware
Experience with CAD and ECAD tools (e.g., EPLAN, AutoCAD Electrical, Altium Designer)
Experience developing design documentation suitable for construction, integration, and commissioning phases
Experience with optical detector systems (CCD/CMOS and/or infrared detectors and controllers)
Proven technical leadership or work-package leadership experience on complex projects
Benefits
Paid time off
Retirement plan contributions
Company
Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy
AURA is a consortium of 40 US institutions and 6 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
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Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (13)
2024 (13)
2023 (9)
2022 (14)
2021 (10)
2020 (11)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Jack Tade, CPA
Deputy Chief Financial Officer
Theresa H.
Human Resources Business Partner
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