Sr. Technician – Electro/Mechanical (Telescope Systems)

Why Join Us?

• Innovative Projects: KBR’s work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.

• Collaborative Environment: Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.

• Impactful Work: Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

Job Summary:

KBR was selected to support the U.S. Space Force / Air Force Research Laboratory’s ASTRO (Advanced Space Technology Research and Optimization) contract, providing mission equipment operations, maintenance, and upgrades at the AMOS (Air Force Maui Optical and Supercomputing) Site in Maui, Hawai‘i.

AMOS operates several unique, custom-built optical telescope systems that support national security and advanced space domain awareness missions. Electro/Mechanical Technicians are essential to maintaining these one-of-a-kind systems, ensuring safe, reliable, and continuous 24x7x365 operations in a challenging high-altitude observatory environment.

This role offers an opportunity to work directly on large-scale, precision telescope systems that combine mechanical, electrical, optical, and control subsystems not found in conventional industrial settings.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Telescope and Mechanical Systems Maintenance

• Maintain complex electro-mechanical telescope systems in a mission-ready state, including:

  • Telescope mounts, bearings, and drive systems (azimuth/elevation)

  • Shutter mechanisms, domes, and enclosure systems

  • Hydraulics, pneumatics, motors, gearboxes, actuators, and motion control hardware

  • Structural assemblies, counterweights, cable wraps, and load-handling components

• Perform routine and corrective maintenance, repairs, rebuilds, alignments, and mechanical adjustments on precision telescope equipment.

• Conduct lubrication, fastener torque verification, wear inspections, and mechanical health assessments to ensure long-term reliability.

Troubleshooting, Repair, and Technical Work

• Rapidly diagnose and resolve mechanical, electro-mechanical, and control-related equipment issues to minimize mission downtime.

• Analyze equipment health, alarms, and status trends to identify degradation or off-nominal conditions before failure occurs.

• Inspect connectors, seals, hoses, bearings, and mechanical interfaces for leaks, fatigue, corrosion, or misalignment.

• Recommend design, maintenance, or procedural improvements to increase equipment reliability and availability.

Calibration, Testing, and Operations Support

• Perform calibration and end-to-end functional testing of telescope motion systems and associated mission equipment.

• Support special and off-nominal operations, including testing events involving new, modified, or replacement hardware.

• Assist engineers with system modifications, upgrades, and integration of new mechanical or electro-mechanical components.

• Independently operate and monitor complex mission equipment during operational windows as required.

Documentation, Coordination, and Mentorship

• Develop, update, and follow mechanical operating procedures and maintenance documentation.

• Accurately document maintenance actions, discrepancies, and corrective actions in maintenance and logistics systems.

• Collaborate effectively with government customers, engineers, other site contractors, and internal team members.

• Provide technical guidance, training, and mentorship to junior technicians as appropriate.

Required Qualifications:

• Associate Degree and a minimum of 5 years of related experience (e.g., operation and maintenance of custom-built, specialized electro-mechanical or mechanical equipment), or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

• Demonstrated ability to independently perform routine operation and maintenance of complex mechanical systems.

Desired Qualifications:

• Four (4) or more years of experience maintaining telescope systems or large precision pointing mechanisms with minimal supervision.

• Experience with CAD design of simple parts, machining, or fabrication support.

• Experience working in observatory, aerospace, defense, or research environments.

• Active Secret clearance (or ability to obtain).

High-Altitude and Physical Requirements

• Regular work at a high-altitude observatory environment (Haleakalā summit), including exposure to reduced oxygen levels. Ability to safely work:

• At heights on ladders, platforms, and elevated structures

• Around energized electrical systems and large mechanical equipment

• In confined spaces, equipment rooms, and outdoor environment

• Must be able to lift, carry, and position tools, materials, and equipment in accordance with safety requirements. Strict adherence to electrical safety, lockout/tagout, fall protection, and site-specific safety procedures is mandatory.

• Strict adherence to site safety, lockout/tagout, fall protection, and high-altitude safety procedures is required.

Work Environment

• Full-time, on-site position supporting summit and base facilities on Maui, HI.

• Requires strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to coordinate across multiple disciplines.

• Candidates must demonstrate leadership, attention to detail, safety awareness, and the ability to support mission-critical operations.

Work Schedule and Conditions

• Flexible work hours are required, including support for:
  o    Night shifts aligned with telescope operations 
  o   Occasional weekend and holiday work to support mission requirements, testing, or urgent maintenance
  •  Position supports 24x7x365 operations and requires schedule adaptability.

Compensation:

• For Hawaii only, the salary range for this position is approximately $72,500 – $109,500. The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities and/or experience and in consideration of internal parity.

Other Compensation:

KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels, per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of sign on bonus, relocation benefits, short term incentives, long term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

KBR Benefits

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you’re excited about making a significant impact in the field of space defense and working on projects that matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team at KBR. Let's shape the future together.