The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a world leader in radio astronomy. The NRAO designs, builds, and operates the most sensitive radio telescopes in the world. These telescopes are used to study the universe from its largest structures to its smallest particles.
The NRAO is headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia, and has facilities in Green Bank, West Virginia; Socorro, New Mexico; and Arlington, Virginia. The NRAO also operates the Very Large Array (VLA), the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), and the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (JVLA).
The mission of the NRAO is “to enable forefront scientific research using cutting edge technologies to advance our understanding of the Universe.” The NRAO achieves this mission through three main programs: Education and Public Outreach (EPO), Science Operations, and Engineering & Facilities Management.
The Education and Public Outreach program strives to increase public understanding and appreciation of science through educational programs and public events held at the observatory sites and elsewhere. Science Operations manages telescope operations for all four observatories as well as data archiving and distribution. Engineering & Facilities Management designs, builds, maintains, upgrades,and repairs all Observatory facilities and equipment.
The staff of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory is international in scope with expertise spanning a wide range of disciplines including astronomy, engineering, computer science, physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, optics design & fabrication