Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by making research breakthroughs in and across our disciplines, sparking the game changers of tomorrow and creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community is made up of 12 000 students, 400 professors and close to 4 000 other faculty and staff working on our dynamic campus in Espoo and at the Metsähovi Radio Observatory in Kirkkonummi, Finland. Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community.

We are looking for a radio-frequency engineer for Aalto University Metsähovi Radio Observatory.

Metsähovi Radio Observatory is the only astronomical radio observatory in Finland and one of the very few in Europe. We operate several radio telescopes and other radio-frequency equipment to carry out astronomical observations literally 24/7, every day of the year. Our specialities include long-term radio monitoring of active galactic nuclei and the Sun at millimetre-wavelengths, and we frequently participate in Very Long Baseline Interferometric observations in global radio telescope networks. The main frequencies range from 22 to 86 GHz (with observing capabilities up to 150 GHz) for the main 14-m radio telescope, with other antennas operating between 50 MHz and 12 GHz. The radio observatory is located in Kirkkonummi, some 35 kilometres from the university main campus, inside a radio-quiet zone. 

In the past few years the observatory has been undergoing major upgrades worth over 5 million eur. The next upgrades in line for the 14-m radio telescope include a state-of-the-art multiband receiver – working up to 116 GHz – and a compatible single-dish backend. We have also recently installed two 5.5-m radio telescopes – with further telescopes planned – to be turned into a local radio interferometer for education and research.

The group at the observatory consist of the technical team and researchers, together with postdoctoral researchers, doctoral students and graduate students from Aalto University and the universities of Turku and Helsinki.

We are now looking for an operations engineer experienced in radio-frequency (RF) instrumentation and electronics to join the technical team at the Metsähovi Radio Observatory.

Your role

Your main responsibilities will be maintenance, management, testing, installation and commissioning of various RF equipment, in particular radio-astronomical receivers (mostly 2-90 GHz).

The observatory equipment and projects are diverse, with the tasks varying and evolving. The work includes tasks carried out routinely, such as:

• Conducting measurements, tests, and evaluations of RF devices, using RF test equipment.
• Performing preventative maintenance and calibration of equipment and systems.
• Maintaining system logs and manuals to document testing and operation of equipment.
• Participating in receiver changes for the main 14-m telescope.

In addition to the routine tasks, there are various tasks related to different projects or other operations, such as:

• Assembling a 4-8 GHz receiver based on existing designs.
• Designing and assembling basic electronics related receiver and antenna control operations.
• Determining sources for radio-frequency interference (RFI).
• Perform troubleshooting, fault diagnosis, and rework of RF systems and other devices and equipment.

The work demands independence, initiative, and the ability to solve problems in related technical areas. You will work as part of the technical team, and the ability to collaborate within the work group as well as with external parties is a requirement.

The main place of work is Metsähovi Radio Observatory in Kirkkonummi.

Qualifications and requirements

We expect a suitable degree or equivalent experience in RF and electrical engineering, or other relevant field. Clear and efficient spoken and written English is required; Finnish proficiency is considered as an advantage.

The duties include working at the radio telescopes’ receiver platforms, and requires the ability to climb to and operate at heights up to 10 metres.

It is essential that the candidate has experience with:

• Building and maintaining RF equipment.
• RF systems in general, including radio circuits.
• Electronics (at least basic skills), including electronics design.
• Assembly and troubleshooting of electrical and electronic systems.

Experience or skill with any of the following is considered advantageous:

• Radio instrumentation for astronomy.
• Millimetre-wave optics and RF systems.
• Software defined radio, RFSoC, etc.
• Electrical safety certification (Sähköpätevyys).

What we offer
We can offer an engaging workplace with varied tasks, responsibilities and possibilities, with flexible working time agreements. The position is permanent with many great benefits, including e.g. long vacation and  occupational health care with high quality. The starting salary will be set according to the Salary System for Universities and will dependent on skills, experience, and responsibilities.

Aalto University’s vast array of professional development opportunities means you will have the chance to participate actively in staff trainings and development projects based on your interests and needs. There is great freedom in your role, and we have a flexible modern working culture. We value work-life balance and well-being in all aspects of life.

Ready to apply?

To apply, please share the following application material (in English or Finnish) with us:

• Application letter
• CV

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system by using the link on Aalto University’s webpage (“Apply now”).

We will go through applications, and we may invite suitable candidates to interview already during the application period. Applications received by 14.06.2023 will receive full consideration. We aim to have a transparent and equal recruitment process, so feel free to ask us for feedback.

For more information, contact: director Joni Tammi, Metsähovi Radio Observatory; [email protected]

Please note: Aalto University’s employees and visitors should apply for the position via our internal system Workday -> find jobs (not external aalto.fi webpage on open positions) by using their existing Workday user account. 

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