Senior Low Voltage Technician

California Institute of Technology; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 126,794,000 - 141,838,000; Full time

Job summary

Caltech is seeking a Senior Low Voltage Technician to lead and oversee complex work related to the installation, modification, repair, and relocation of low-voltage systems. The role combines high-level technical expertise with project coordination, mentoring, field verification, and ensuring safety and compliance with Institute standards.

Essential duties include safety leadership, IWMS-based scheduling, workflow coordination with project managers, and advanced troubleshooting of low-voltage

Qualifications

• Must supply and maintain a personal toolbox and basic hand tools for low-voltage work.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in low-voltage installation, maintenance, or related work.
• Ability to read and interpret low-voltage drawings, diagrams, and product specifications.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Must be able to work on ladders, scaffolds, and in varied spaces including attics, basements, crawl spaces, and outdoors.
• Must decipher color-coded conductor wires.
• Ability to lift, push, carry and pull 50 pounds routinely.
• Must operate basic email functions and standard office software.
• Must possess a valid California Driver's License and maintain it.

Responsibilities

• Follow safety procedures and maintain a safe work environment.
• Mentor less experienced technicians and coordinate with project managers.
• Develop estimates, material takeoffs, and planning for installation projects.
• Review drawings and specifications to ensure installations meet requirements.
• Coordinate daily and weekly work activities with project managers and other trades.
• Install, modify, and troubleshoot low-voltage systems and cable paths.
• Train team members and provide technical guidance during project execution.

Skills

Reading drawings

Communication

Physical endurance

Safety practices

Education

Low voltage certifications (BICSI/FOA/CSST/CLVST)

Tools

IWMS

Email/Office software

Job description

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

Under general supervision, the Senior Low Voltage Technician performs and oversees complex work related to the installation, modification, repair, and relocation of lowvoltage systems. This role combines advanced technical expertise with project coordination, planning, and execution responsibilities, including mentoring less experienced technicians, performing field verification, and ensuring compliance with Institute and regulatory safety standards.

The Senior Low Voltage Technician plays a key role in coordinating project workflows, supporting design intent, validating field conditions, and ensuring that lowvoltage installations meet quality, schedule, budgetary, and safety expectations. Work must conform to Caltech design guidelines and applicable codes.

This is an Essential Reporting position. An employee designated as essential reporting has essential job skills needed for immediate response and recovery and is expected to report to campus as soon as possible.

Essential Job Duties

Safety & Compliance

• Responsible for following all safety procedures and maintaining a safe and secure work environment.
• Monitor and mentor safe working practices for new and/or less experienced team members.
• Train and mentor less experienced technicians in proper installation techniques, safety practices, and system standards.

Project Coordination

• Utilize the Integrated Work Management System (IWMS) to coordinate task scheduling, track labor and material costs, and support asset management.
• Coordinate daily and weekly work activities with project managers, supervisors, and other trades to ensure efficient project execution.
• Perform field research and system verification to support project planning, scope development, and constructability reviews.
• Develop estimates, material takeoffs, and planning for installation projects.
• Review drawings, specifications, and product data to ensure installations align with project requirements.
• Participate in job walks, preconstruction meetings, and project closeout activities.
• Identify conflicts, unforeseen conditions, or design discrepancies and recommend corrective actions to maintain project timelines.

Technical Installation & Troubleshooting

• Install, modify, and troubleshoot lowvoltage systems including cabling pathways, EMT, rigid conduit, flexible metal conduit, surface raceways, and cable trays.
• Install communication cable systems.
• Perform advanced troubleshooting of lowvoltage systems and communication infrastructure.
• Inspect field installations for safety, code compliance, and quality of workmanship.
• Train and Provide technical guidance during project execution and support team members in resolving complex installation challenges.
• Assist with fiber optic cable installation.

General

• Communicate professionally both verbally and electronically with team members, project managers, and campus stakeholders.
• Operate Institute vehicles as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Must supply and maintain a personal toolbox and tool pouch with the basic hand tools of lowvoltage work.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in lowvoltage installation, maintenance, or related low-voltage work.
• Ability to read and interpret lowvoltage drawings, diagrams, and product specifications.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Must be able to work on ladders, scaffolds, indoors, outdoors, attics, basements, crawl spaces, and elevated mechanical platforms.
• Must be able to decipher between colors to identify colorcoded conductor wires.
• Ability to lift, push, carry and pull 50 pounds routinely.
• Must be able to bend, twist, climb, and crawl
• Must be able to work on ladders, scaffolds, indoors, outdoors, attics, basements, and other crawl spaces
• Must be able to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Ability to operate basic email functions and standard office software.
• Must possess a valid California Driver's License and maintain it throughout employment.
• Must adhere to the Institute's driver's policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience coordinating or leading lowvoltage installation projects.
• Lowvoltage certifications such as BICSI, FOA, CSST, CLVST.
• Experience with Integrated Work Management Systems.
• 5 years of work experience in a university or facilities setting.
• Strong understanding of lowvoltage system design, sequencing, and project workflows.

Required Documents

• Resume

Hiring Range

$44.25 - $49.50 per hour
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.
As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.

EEO Statement

Caltech is an equal opportunity employer and, as a federal contractor, takes affirmative action to employ qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Disability Accommodations

Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.

If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at [e-mail].

Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at [e-mail].