• Automation & Electronics Group Lead

    AURA (Maui County, HI)


    Description

    Automation & Electronics Group Lead – Solar Observatory (Haleakalā, Hawai‘i)

    **Salary Range:** $154,900 – $188,210 (commensurate with experience)

    **Application Priority Date:** September 29, 2025

     

    Why This Role Matters

     

    The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) is the world’s most advanced solar observatory. We are seeking an **Automation & Electronics Group Lead** to guide a team of talented engineers in maintaining and advancing the Observatory’s automation and electronics systems. In this leadership role, you’ll ensure the reliability of mission-critical systems and help drive discoveries that deepen our understanding of the Sun.

     

    This position is based at our spectacular Haleakalā Observatory site in Maui, Hawai‘i

     

    What You’ll Do

    As the Group Lead, you will:

    + **Lead & Develop People** – Manage and mentor AE staff, oversee training, performance, and career development.

    + **Collaborate Across Teams** – Work closely with Operations, Mechanical, Optical, Software, and IT leads to coordinate upgrades and maintenance.

    + **Oversee Systems** – Manage automation and electronics across the observatory, including PLC-based safety systems.

    + **Ensure Reliability** – Analyze performance, optimize operations, troubleshoot issues, and maintain “as-built” documentation.

    + **Champion Safety & Compliance** – Ensure adherence to electrical/electronics safety standards and industry codes.

    Required Qualifications

    + Bachelor’s degree in engineering (electronics, electrical, mechanical, computer science, or systems).

    + Significant experience (~10 years) in automation and electronics engineering with increasing responsibility.

    + 5+ years of PLC system programming (e.g., Rockwell/Allen Bradley, Beckhoff TwinCat, B&R Industrial Automation).

    + 3+ years of engineering project management (KPIs, MS Project, MS 365).

    + Proven staff leadership and development experience.

    + Hands-on experience in operations, maintenance, and commissioning of complex automation systems.

    + Knowledge of electrical/electronics safety codes and standards (NFPA 70E, NEC, NFPA 79, UL508).

    + Strong communication skills, including technical report writing.

    Preferred Qualifications

    + Master’s degree in automation or controls.

    + Experience with HMI development and sequential/state logic design.

    + Background in astronomical observatories or research facilities.

    + Familiarity with servo motor, cryogenic, vacuum, or thermal systems.

    + Experience developing O&M documentation.

    + Project management certification or equivalent experience.

    Why You’ll Love Working Here

    + **Competitive salary** : $154,900 – $188,210

    + **Outstanding benefits** : Generous PTO, retirement plan contributions, medical/dental/vision coverage

    + **Unique work environment** : Haleakalā Observatory at 10,000 ft elevation — work where cutting-edge science meets natural beauty

    + **Global collaboration** : Opportunities to engage with international partners and travel to AURA facilities in Arizona, Chile, and across Hawai‘i

    + **Mission-driven impact** : Help power discoveries that expand humanity’s understanding of the Sun

     

    How to Apply

     

    If you’re excited to lead automation and electronics at one of the world’s premier observatories, we’d love to hear from you. Apply by **September 29, 2025** for priority consideration. This position will remain opened until filled

     

    Submit your CV and cover letter (PDF format preferred) via our application system. Please name your files in the format: _Lastname_Docname.pdf_ .

     

    Questions? Contact us at **[email protected]** — we’re happy to help.

     

    AURA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer **.** We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees

     

    Equal Opportunity Employer

     

    This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

     

    For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.

     

    As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations.

     

    As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA and all of the centers, do not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws.