Electronics and Instrumentation Specialist

Towson University; Towson (MD); On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Towson University seeks an Electronics and Instrumentation Specialist to support teaching and research laboratories across physics, astronomy, chemistry, biology, and geosciences. The role includes troubleshooting complex electronic systems, prototyping instruments, and helping scientists translate ideas into working hardware.

The position offers professional autonomy, mentorship opportunities, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while collaborating with a diverse campus community in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent technical experience in EE/physics.
• Experience with microcontrollers, FPGA, and LabVIEW.
• Proficiency with oscilloscopes, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, soldering stations, and CAD software.
• Strong analog and digital electronics skills and ability to diagnose lab equipment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Provide electronics and instrument support for classrooms and research labs in the Science Complex.
• Troubleshoot and repair research and instructional lab instrumentation.
• Consult with vendors on lab equipment maintenance and repair as necessary.
• Consult with faculty and students on the design of new equipment and instruments.
• Improve lab efficiency through programming and technical support for devices.

Skills

Microcontrollers

FPGA programming

LabVIEW

Analog electronics

Digital electronics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, physics or related field

Master's degree in electrical engineering, physics or related field

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Signal generators

Microwave

Spectrum analyzers

Soldering stations

CAD software

Job description

Job Summary

Towson University (TU) has earned distinction as both a top 100 public university and one of the nation's great colleges to work for.
Located north of Baltimore, TU currently enrolls over 19,000 students and is the second-largest university in the prestigious University System of Maryland.
Towson University fosters a climate that is grounded in respect and supports the intellectual and personal growth of the entire university community.
The Department of Physics, Astronomy & Geosciences is seeking an Electronics and Instrumentation Specialist to support teaching and research laboratories in physics, astronomy, chemistry, biology, and geosciences.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys troubleshooting complex electronic systems, building custom solutions, prototyping electronics and helping scientists and students turn ideas into working instruments.
The university environment brings opportunities for mentorship, and the position affords flexibility and professional autonomy in managing multiple priorities and adapting to evolving needs of the faculty, staff, and students in the Fisher College of Science and Mathematics.

Responsibilities And Duties

Science Complex Instrument Support

• Provide general electronics and technical instrument support for classrooms and research labs in the Science Complex.
• Utilize electronics expertise to troubleshoot and repair research and instructional lab instrumentation.
• Consult with vendors on lab equipment maintenance and repair as necessary.
• Consult with faculty and students on the design of new equipment and instruments.
• Improve lab efficiency through applied programming and technological support for existing and newly designed devices.
• Assist department and college faculty and staff with capital equipment purchase and installation.
• Maintain electronic shop in an orderly fashion and manage electronic budget.
• Maintain supply of electronics components and replacement parts.
• Manage Electronics Shop budget.

Department Instructional Laboratory Support

• Assist faculty in development of laboratory exercises and demonstrations.
• Assist faculty who are new to the teaching labs.
• Provide guidance and support to students in projects involving electronics/electronic instrumentation.

Department Laboratory Property Management

• Serve as inventory coordinator for department laboratory equipment with TU Property Control.
• Coordinate property acquisitions and disposal with TU Material Management.
• Maintain an inventory of instructional laboratory equipment and plan for repair or replacement as necessary.

Other Duties As Assigned

• Engage in professional development by maintaining up-to-date knowledge of programming, technologies and design.

Qualifications And Skills

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, physics or a related field or equivalent technical experience.
• Experience with microcontrollers, FPGA programming, and LabVIEW.
• Proficiency with tools such as oscilloscopes, signal generators (including microwave), spectrum analyzers, soldering stations, and CAD software.
• Strong practical skills in analog and digital electronics and ability to diagnose problems specialized lab equipment and perform some repairs.
• Ability to manage multiple pressing priorities and tasks and follow up with internal and external stakeholders through closure.
• Excellent communication, customer service and interpersonal skills, with the ability to project a professional and positive image of the institution.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse team and foster an inclusive collaborative environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in electrical engineering, physics or a related field.
• Experience working in academic laboratory settings.
• Familiarity with cryogenic and vacuum systems.
• Demonstrated experience in teaching and/or mentoring.

Candidates who meet many but not all the preferred qualifications, especially those with strong hands‑on electronics, maker, robotics, embedded systems, audio engineering, amateur radio, research lab, or experimental project experience, are encouraged to apply. We value curiosity, practical problem‑solving ability, and willingness to learn as much as prior experience with specific tools or platforms.

Salary And Benefits

Targeted hiring range is $65,000-$70,000 and full university benefits that include 22 days of annual leave, up to 17 holidays, personal and sick days; excellent health, life, and retirement plans; and tuition remission.
To learn more about our benefits, please click here.
TU also offers a variety of great perks and discounts, which can be found here.

For consideration, please submit a cover letter and resume with your online application. This position will be open for a minimum of 14 days.

Organization: Academic Affairs Division
Primary Location: Main Campus
Job Posting: Jul 9, 2026