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Specialty Trades Technician

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
$33,540-$80,000
Grade: 11
United States, North Carolina, Chapel Hill
104 Airport Dr (Show on map)
Sep 08, 2025
Posting Information
Posting Information














Department Physics and Astronomy-319000
Career Area Research Professionals
Is this an internal only recruitment? No
Posting Open Date 09/08/2025
Application Deadline 09/16/2025
Position Type Permanent Staff (SHRA)
Position Title Specialty Trades Technician - Advanced
Salary Grade Equivalent NC11 / GN13
Working Title Specialty Trades Technician
Position Number 20072942
Vacancy ID P020525
Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited Full-Time Time-Limited
If time-limited, estimated duration of appointment
Hours per week 40
Work Schedule
Flexible
Work Location CHAPEL HILL, NC
Position Location North Carolina, US
Hiring Range $33,540-$80,000
Pay Band Information
To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.
Position Summary Information










Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.
One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
Our primary mission is providing instruction of the highest quality in physics and astronomy to undergraduate and graduate students at UNC-CH. Training in physics is fundamental among the natural sciences because it provides understanding of the forces governing the structure of matter, from subatomic particles to the large-scale structure of the universe.

Our departmental instructional mission spans all segments of the student community. Over 60% of all college graduates from UNC-CH have taken a course in our department. Among them: undergraduate liberal arts majors who should master the power of quantitative reasoning; undergraduates seeking a degree in another of the natural sciences, who need physics as a foundation for their advanced scientific training; the small number of undergraduates who major in physics, to whom we provide broad and rigorous training. Our graduate education and research advances frontiers of knowledge at the two extremes of space and time, from the very small) the realm of particle physics) to the very large (the realm of astronomy, while expanding the boundaries of knowledge in the many subfields spanning length scales between. Forefront physics and astronomy research requires access to well-equipped laboratories and extensive computing capabilities; it also must be supported by comprehensive and accessible library collections. Again, in research at this advanced level, the bridging aspect of physics provides basic interdisciplinary insight for many other sciences.

A strong managerial, administrative, and technical staff supports this instructional mission. Duties of these employees range from budget planning and management for the numerous research grants held by faculty in the department to maintaining course and student records. These activities are usually accomplished in a standard 40- hour week schedule.
Position Summary
The Argus Array will be the largest optical telescope array ever assembled, with a collecting area comparable to the largest monolithic telescopes in the world. The Array will push our observations of the universe into a new regime, scanning the sky 100,000x faster than current nightly-cadence sky surveys. Argus will capture a continuous multi-color, 55-gigapixel movie of the night sky, shared with the entire astronomical community in real-time through public transient alerts, images, and light curves with millions of epochs for hundreds of millions of stars.

The Argus Array Integration and Testing Technician will serve as a key technical contributor responsible for the design, development, construction, and testing of a range of equipment for the array. The successful candidate will work with the project team to develop and implement quality control protocols, design custom mechanical systems, troubleshoot complex technical issues, and serve as a technical resource while supporting array integration and testing activities.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
High school diploma or equivalency and two years of experience related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

  • We are searching for an experienced technical professional with demonstrated ability to work independently on complex technical projects.
  • Experience in physics, astronomy, engineering, or related technical field OR technical skills and extensive hands-on experience.
  • Experience with mechanical systems design, manufacturing, or specialized equipment development is required.
  • Willingness to spend significant time at a remote observatory for extended testing periods is required.
  • Must be willing to work at height and in various weather conditions.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

  • Ability to translate research requirements into technical specifications and operational procedures.
  • Ability to supervise technical staff and/or interface with machine shop staff when needed.
  • Experience managing technical documentation for complex systems.
  • Experience in machine shop manufacturing and demonstrated experience implementing safety protocols for large and complex equipment.

Required Licenses/Certifications
Special Physical/Mental Requirements

  • Ability to lift/move 40+ pounds and work safely at heights up to 30 feet.
  • Must be comfortable working on ladders and elevated platforms.
  • Ability to work in varying temperature conditions and outdoor environments.
  • Ability to work extended hours during critical testing phases, including potential night work.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
Position/Schedule Requirements
Special Instructions
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/306358
Contact Information


Office of Human Resources Contact Information
If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu

Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
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