Auto Diesel Mechanic

NRAO Very Large Array, 183 VLA RD, Magdalena, New Mexico, United States of America

Posted Friday, January 23, 2026 at 7:00 AM | Expires Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 5:59 AM

Position Description:

Position Summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is an exciting and prestigious research facility that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. The Observatory operates a variety of radio telescopes that span the globe, including the famous Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico, the Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia, and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile.

These telescopes are among the most advanced in the world, allowing astronomers to explore the universe in unprecedented detail.

The NRAO has an opportunity for an experienced Auto Diesel Mechanic in our Engineering Services Division at the Very Large Array (VLA). Under minimum supervision, maintains automobiles, buses, trucks, and hy-rail vehicles in good operating condition. Must possess skills and experience comparable to professional certification in diesel heavy equipment repair and maintenance.

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The position is based at the Very Large Array, 50 miles west of Socorro, NM. Socorro is a small, historical town in the Rio Grande Valley, 75 miles south of Albuquerque.

What You Will be Doing

Under minimum supervision and instruction, essential duties and responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Examines vehicles to determine extent of damage or malfunction, using computer diagnostic equipment.
• Plans work procedure.
• Raises vehicle with hydraulic jack or hoist, when required.
• Removes unit such as engine, transmission, or differential.
• Disassembles unit and inspects parts for wear or malfunction.
• Repairs or replaces parts such as pistons, rods, gears, valves, bearings, etc.
• Overhauls or replaces parts such as carburetors, blowers, generators, distributors, starters, pumps, etc.
• Rebuilds parts such as crankshafts, cylinder blocks, etc.
• Rewires ignition system, lights, and instrument panel.
• Relines and adjusts brakes, aligns front end, repairs or replaces shock absorbers, and solders leaks in radiator, etc.
• Mends damaged body and/or fenders by hammering out or filling in dents and welding broken parts.
• Paints repaired areas.
• Replaces and adjusts headlights.
• Installs and repairs accessories such as heaters, mirrors, windshield wipers, etc.
• May be required to secure pricing information from a variety of sources, including soliciting bids from vendors.
• Records all repairs and maintenance for future reference, maintains PC database as required.
• Operates all equipment repaired in Shop, including heavy equipment.
• Designs, builds, and modifies a variety of equipment for special usage.
• Proactive compliance with NRAO and legal safety policies and procedures in own work area is expected.
• Other duties may be assigned.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee works in a shop area, and works outdoors. The employee works with heavy equipment and machinery, as well as power tools, and may be required to lift up to 50 pounds, unassisted. The employee must be able to climb over and crawl under equipment. Specific vision abilities include close vision, color and depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The employee is required to drive and/or operate a wide range of types of vehicle. The work site is typically noisy.

Who You Are:

• You have a high school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience
• While not required, you may have two years of education or formal training in the auto diesel technical field. Diesel Mechanic Certificate from a technical school or Master of Automobile Technician Certificate by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
• You have two years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• While not required, you may have six years of experience in auto diesel equipment or equivalent combination of education and experience. Hydraulic experience strongly preferred. Ability to use diagnostic test equipment preferred.

Competency Summary

Must be able to weld. Must be able to read repair and maintenance manuals.…