JILA Electronics Technician

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 62,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

JILA at the University of Colorado Boulder invites applications for a Professional Research Assistant to join the Electronics Shop. The role involves designing, building, testing and repairing analog and digital electronics and providing technical support to scientists and students.

You will work with Electronics Engineers, mentor students, and learn new technologies to support current and future research projects while upholding safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering or related STEM field.
• Experience producing digital and/or analog electronics designs to meet performance requirements.
• Experience tutoring students in a higher education environment.

Responsibilities

• Construct and test new equipment to meet stringent specifications from JILA scientists.
• Provide mentoring and instruction to JILA students and shop customers.
• Learn new technologies to support current and future research projects.

Skills

KiCad

Electronics design

PCB troubleshooting

Communication skills

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, or related STEM discipline

Tools

Oscilloscope

Spectrum analyzer

Network analyzer

CAD software (e.g., KiCad)

Soldering equipment

Job description

Job Summary

JILA is encouraging applications for a Professional ResearchAssistant to join our JILA Electronics Shop.

This position is a highly collaborative team-based position whichwill engage with a variety of scientists and students to providetechnical, consulting and design services which advance JILAresearch. In addition to technical support, frequent interactionwith scientists and students to expand the knowledge and skillsrelated to analog electronic design, consultation, repair, test,and production.

Essential Job Function: Specialized Technical Support for InstituteElectronics Research; Provides Consulting, Education, andCommunication on Electronics Research Design.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with allapplicable federal, state, and local laws governingnondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating aworkplace where all individuals are treated with respect anddignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds toapply, including protected veterans and individuals withdisabilities.

Who We Are

JILA is a joint institute of the University of Colorado Boulder andthe National Institute of Standards and Technology. We support aneclectic and innovative research programs that foster creativecollaborations among our scientists. The wide-ranging interests ofour scientists have made JILA one of the nation’s leading researchinstitutes in the physical sciences. JILA science encompasses eightbroad categories: Astrophysics, Atomic & Molecular Physics,Biophysics, Chemical Physics, Laser Physics, Nanoscience, PrecisionMeasurement, and Quantum Information Science & Technology. Tolearn more visit: https://jila.colorado.edu/

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Construct and test new equipment to meet stringentspecifications from JILA Scientists
• Produce custom-made items on short notice utilizing such toolsas a drill press, mill machine, soldering equipment, and other shopequipment
• Provide mentoring and instruction to JILA students and othershop customers. This includes frequent walk-in inquiries, guidanceon electronics design options, and follow-up communication withvarious JILA members
• Seek out and learn new technologies and skills to supportcurrent and future research project needs
• In coordination with Electronics Engineers, support studentsand researchers with electronics production and design needs
• Follow technical guidance from Electronics Engineers aroundanalog and digital skill sets to develop design, testing, andrepair of electronics devices

What We Can Offer

Salary range: $62,000 - $86,000 Depending on experience, skills,and education.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we arecommitted to supporting the holistic health and well-being of ouremployees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical,dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuitionassistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for localtransit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulderoffers an inspiring academic community and access to world-classoutdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs throughthe CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Bachelor’s degree, or higher, in Electrical Engineering,Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, or related STEMdiscipline
• Experience:
• Producing sophisticated digital and/or analog electronicsdesigns to meet specific and stringent performancerequirements.
• Providing layout/design/assembly/troubleshooting of complexprinted circuit board (PCB) projects to meet specific and stringentperformance requirements.
• Working knowledge of:
• KiCad
• Scientific research and working collaboratively withresearchers
• Understanding of electronics design concepts, safety,applications, theory, equipment use and maintenance, including RFdesign, oscilloscope, spectrum analysis, network analyzers, digitaland analog design, CAD software, and electronic equipmentdiagnostics and repair
• Experience tutoring students in a Higher Educationenvironment

What You Will Need

• Practical understanding and experience in electronicsproduction, testing, maintenance, repair, and/or design; andfamiliarity with associated technical equipment
• Excellent communication, customer service and collaborationskills. JILA is a teaching and research institute: encouraging andfostering curiosity, collaboration, and respectful interactions arecrucial to excellent individual and organizational outcomes
• Competency in surface mount soldering
• Able to see and manipulate small electronic components, tooperate various machinery for electronics, and to occasionally liftup to 20 pounds
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to learn new technologiesand skills and share knowledge
• Commitment to working in a collaborative, positive, inclusiveand instructive environment
• Willingness and skill instructing and aiding research studentsand faculty by meeting members where they are at in individualskill and knowledge levels
• Ability to effectively communicate via email
• Ability to use basic office software (like Word and Excel) andassociated technical applications
• Self-motivated and a team-player
• Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully verballyand in writing
• Commitment to efficient practices and procedures, with opennessto agreeable solutions for all stakeholders

What We Would Like You to Have

• Supply, inventory and order practices in a researchenvironment
• Vendor equipment acquisition
• Project management and workflow best practices

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Resume or CV.
2. Cover Letter. In the cover letter, please include a briefdescription of an electronics project you supported in one or morefacets of production, design, repair, and/or testing.

(Optional) Transcripts/Proof of Degree: If you are selected as thefinalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder CampusHuman 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 Optionaldocument.

Please apply by 8/22/2026 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. Forconsideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, inany materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifyinginformation such as age, date of birth, or dates of schoolattendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redactingor removing this information.

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources

Posting Contact Email: [e-mail]