Maintenance Program Data Specialist bei National Solar Observatory

The Maintenance Program Data Specialist will support the Technical Operations team at the DKIST Observatory, directed by the Systems Engineer. This role will be a key part of developing the maintenance program to meet Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability (RAM) industry standards. Responsibilities include providing technical support to staff for the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), documenting and assisting in the development of maintenance procedures, performing data mining to gather additional asset and spare part information for the CMMS, ensuring data accuracy, and supporting the team in reviewing CMMS data to enhance the maintenance program. The CMMS tracks observatory assets and spare parts and generates work orders for routine and reactive maintenance.

This position is expected to be on-site at the observatory at least 2 days per week, with the remaining hours worked at the office in Pukalani. Work at the observatory, located on Haleakalā's summit at 10,000 ft, requires employees to carpool: leaving the office at 5:45 am and returning by 4:30 pm. The position offers the option of a four-day, 10-hour workweek, Monday through Thursday, or a five-day, 8-hour workweek, Monday through Friday.

Essential Functions:

• Work closely with maintenance supervisors, site management, and engineers to collect information for the CMMS and determine how best to organize the information.
• Communicate directly with maintenance staff and management to develop scheduled maintenance plans and procedures. 
• Data mine for asset and parts information that needs to be added to the CMMS. 
• Ensure accuracy of information within the CMMS.
• Provide technical support to technicians and engineers in the use of the CMMS by becoming a resident expert in the program used (MaintainX) and acting as a liaison between the MaintainX vendor and DKIST maintenance staff.
• Support inventory management in cooperation with the Electrical Technician and Mechanical Technician Supervisors.
• Provide a wide variety of administrative assistance to managers, especially in the areas of managing work orders and tracking maintenance metrics.
• Handle miscellaneous administrative tasks, like adjusting permissions in the CMMS or reviewing work orders for completeness and correcting information, as needed.

General Functions:

• Assist in the organization and coordination of the maintenance program.
• Assist with reports on maintenance program status and performance.
• Support maintenance staff in the development, documentation, and CMMS implementation of maintenance plans and procedures.
• Work in accordance with applicable safety standards. Ensure safety of operations in areas under purview. Report any unsafe conditions and practices.
• Expected to take initiative in their professional development by seeking feedback, improving skills, and identifying areas for personal growth. This includes participating in training opportunities and development programs provided by the organization.
• Contribute to a collaborative, respectful, and productive workplace by maintaining open communication, supporting team efforts, and fostering a sense of belonging within the team.
• All AURA employees are responsible for the proper management and control of all AURA property within their work area, whether assigned to them or someone else. This responsibility includes reporting any known missing, stolen, or non-working property in their work area to their supervisor or the AURA Property Officer. For detailed information on proper custodial care of government property, refer to the AURA Employee Handbook at http://hr.aura-astronomy.org/?q=handbook.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position or subordinates of this position as defined in the Vela Award Management system, https://cas.aura-astronomy.org/Awards.

Other Functions:

• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Associate’s degree, military schools, trade school, or 2+ years of college level courses in a STEM field, data management, information management, or other relevant area. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of education.
• Demonstrated ability to learn how to use new software tools.
• Computer proficiency, specifically with spreadsheets and database management systems.
• Ability to speak and write effectively, including preparation of written procedures.
• Ability to thrive in a culturally diverse team environment.
• Willingness to actively participate in team safety meetings and adhere to (and advocate for) safety procedures and protocols.
• Sensitive to and respectful of cultural and environmental issues.

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• 2+ years experience working to support facility maintenance.
• Experience working in a technical observatory setting.
• Knowledge or training in Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability (RAM) methods.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.
• The employee is required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; climb; or crawl.
• The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors, and ability to adjust focus.
• Must possess - sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) reach upward, sideways, downward to work with paper files; b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, fax machines, copiers, and other office machines.
• Must possess
  1. Ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform the job.
  2. Sufficient visual capacity to perform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than eye contacts or eye glasses.
  3. Sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid.
  4. Ability to impart information orally so that others understand and can respond appropriately.
• The position will be based at the Haleakala (DKIST) facility and ability to work at 10,000’ elevation, sometimes during inclement weather, is required.
• Occasional travel between the mainland US and Hawaiian Islands may be necessary.
• Availability to work varying shifts, which will include occasional early mornings, nights, and/or weekends

Salary Range:

$75,100 - $84,000. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience. 

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/benefits-by-location/ 

How to Apply

Apply by September 15, 2025 for priority consideration. This position will remain open until it is filled. Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname Docname.  

Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance at [email protected]