Data Center Technician

Position Description:

Position Summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research and development organization that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) is a nonprofit organization that manages and operates the NRAO under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. The Observatory is a hub for technological and scientific collaboration, operating state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. The Observatory has been instrumental in the study of black holes, galaxies, and the early universe.

At NRAO, we are seeking a hands-on Data Center Technician to support the operations, maintenance, and reliability of our data center infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have strong hardware troubleshooting skills and basic networking knowledge to assist with rack-and-stack work, cabling, and connectivity troubleshooting in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment.

The position is based at the NRAO Science Operations Center in Socorro, NM, on the campus of the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology.

What You Will be Doing:

Data Center Operations

• Install, configure, and decommission servers, storage, and network equipment (rack-and-stack).
• Perform structured cabling tasks including fiber and copper cabling, labeling, and documentation.
• Monitor environmental conditions (power, cooling, airflow) and report anomalies.
• Respond to data center incidents, alarms, and service requests within defined SLAs.
• Maintain clean, organized, and secure equipment areas.

Basic Networking Support

• Assist with network device installations (switches, routers, firewalls).
• Perform basic network troubleshooting (link status, port errors, cable issues).
• Verify network connectivity and assist with patching network ports.
• Understand and work with VLANs, IP addressing, and subnet basics.
• Collaborate with network engineers on planned changes and maintenance windows.

Documentation & Process

• Update asset, cabling, and port documentation.
• Follow change management and operational procedures.
• Accurately document work performed in ticketing or tracking systems.

Security & Compliance

• Follow physical security, access control, and safety procedures.
• Support audits and compliance requirements when needed.

Work Environment

Work is mission driven, team oriented and typically performed in an office setting within a research or development environment While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently sits at a desk, uses computers, telephone, and other standard office equipment; the ability to climb stairs is required. The employee is required to bend, reach, and must have finger dexterity. The employee is required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Who You Are:

Education

• Associates degree in computer science, engineering, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Experience

• Minimum of one year of experience in a data center, IT operations, or technical support role.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
• Ability to follow procedures in a controlled environment.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Comfortable working independently with minimal supervision.
• Preferred compTIA Network+ or similar foundational networking certification.
• Preferred experience with structured cabling standards and cable testing tools.
• Preferred familiarity with Linux and/or Windows server basics.
• Preferred prior experience supporting enterprise or colocation data centers

Additional Requirement

Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States.

Total Rewards:

Compensation

The starting salary rate of this position is between $66,000-$81,000 per year. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include; education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions.

Benefits:

Associated Universities, Inc (AUI) offers a comprehensive benefits package addressing the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment, subject to eligibility requirements. AUI provides:

• Excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days)
• Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment.
• AUI’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution.
• Click Total Rewards for more information.

Application Instructions:

Select the “Apply” button above. Please be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the position.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement, please visit https://public.nrao.edu/careers/. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to

resumes@nrao.edu