JILA Electronics Technician
University of Colorado Boulder
Job Summary
JILA Electronics Technician position is a highly collaborative team-based position which will engage with a variety of scientists and students to provide technical, consulting and design services which advance JILA research. In addition to technical support, frequent interaction with scientists and students to expand the knowledge and skills related to analog electronic design, consultation, repair, test, and production.
Who We Are
JILA is a joint institute of the University of Colorado Boulder and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. We support an eclectic and innovative research programs that foster creative collaborations among our scientists. The wide-ranging interests of our scientists have made JILA one of the nation’s leading research institutes in the physical sciences. JILA science encompasses eight broad categories: Astrophysics, Atomic & Molecular Physics, Biophysics, Chemical Physics, Laser Physics, Nanoscience, Precision Measurement, and Quantum Information Science & Technology. To learn more visit: https://jila.colorado.edu/
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
- Construct and test new equipment to meet stringent specifications from JILA Scientists
- Produce custom-made items on short notice utilizing such tools as a drill press, mill machine, soldering equipment, and other shop equipment
- Provide mentoring and instruction to JILA students and other shop customers. This includes frequent walk-in inquiries, guidance on electronics design options, and follow-up communication with various JILA members
- Seek out and learn new technologies and skills to support current and future research project needs
- In coordination with Electronics Engineers, support students and researchers with electronics production and design needs
- Follow technical guidance from Electronics Engineers around analog and digital skill sets to develop design, testing, and repair of electronics devices
What We Can Offer
The salary range for this full-time position is $62,000 - $86,000 annually.
Benefits
At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.
Be Statements
What We Require
- Bachelor’s degree, or higher, in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, or related STEM discipline
- Experience:
- Producing sophisticated digital and/or analog electronics designs to meet specific and stringent performance requirements.
- Providing layout/design/assembly/troubleshooting of complex PCB (needs to be spelled out) projects to meet specific and stringent performance requirements.
- Working knowledge of:
- KiCad
- Scientific research and working collaboratively with researchers
- Understanding of electronics design concepts, safety, applications, theory, equipment use and maintenance, including RF design, oscilloscope, spectrum analysis, network analyzers, digital and analog design, CAD software, and electronic equipment diagnostics and repair
What You Will Need
- Practical understanding and experience in electronics production, testing, maintenance, repair, and/or design; and familiarity with associated technical equipment
- Excellent communication, customer service and collaboration skills. JILA is a teaching and research institute: encouraging and fostering curiosity, collaboration, and respectful interactions are crucial to excellent individual and organizational outcomes
- Competency in surface mount soldering
- Able to see and manipulate small electronic components, to operate various machinery for electronics, and to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds
- Demonstrated ability and willingness to learn new technologies and skills and share knowledge
What We Would Like You to Have
- Experience tutoring students in a Higher Education environment
- Supply, inventory and order practices in a research environment
- Vendor equipment acquisition
- Project management and workflow best practices
Other Skills/Abilities
- Commitment to working in a collaborative, positive, inclusive and instructive environment
- Willingness and skill instructing and aiding research students and faculty by meeting members where they are at in individual skill and knowledge levels
- Ability to effectively communicate via email
- Ability to use basic office software (like Word and Excel) and associated technical applications
- Self-motivated and a team-player
- Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully verbally and in writing
- Commitment to efficient practices and procedures, with openness to agreeable solutions for all stakeholders
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- Resume or CV.
- Cover Letter.
(Optional) Transcripts/Proof of Degree: If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources Department using an approved online vendor. However, if your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit an English-translated version as an Optional document.
Please apply by 2/12/26 for consideration.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.