Electronic Atmospheric Instrumentation Technician II/III

Where You Will Work:

The Earth Observing Laboratory (EOL) is one of the seven laboratories of NCAR, the National Science Foundation's Federally Funded Research and Development Center. The mission of EOL is to provide leadership in observing facilities, field project support, observational research and data services needed to advance the scientific understanding of the Earth system.

EOL manages the majority of NSF's Lower Atmosphere Observing Facilities (LAOF) and deploys them in support of observational field campaigns, ranging from single investigator projects to large complex campaigns that involve multiple investigators, agencies, and platforms, nationally and internationally. EOL deploys its systems for research by scientists from universities, NCAR, and government agencies. An integral part of EOL's mission is to develop the next generation of LAOF and to provide management and archive of data from past supported campaigns.

To ensure progress in the atmospheric sciences, EOL supports a wide range of research areas within the Earth system science, ranging from microscale to mesoscale to climate process studies, and deploys LAOF platforms and systems that reach from the surface of the Earth to the lower stratosphere and beyond.

Job Location: Boulder, CO

Job Location Type: In-Person, some or all of the work in this position description must be performed on-site at UCAR campuses or remote field sites.

Position Type & Term: Full-Time, Regular

Hiring Range: *Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, skills relevant to the role, and internal equity.*

Level II

$53,618 - $67,022

Level III

$61,963 - $77,454

Other REQUIREMENTS for this position:

• Must be (a) a U.S. citizen; (b) lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States; or (c) a protected individual as defined by 8 USC1324b(a)(3).

• Willingness and ability to fly on research aircraft and/or work aboard ships in support of field deployments.

• Willingness and ability to work for extended periods (typically not exceeding an aggregate of 90 days per year) on field assignments to domestic and international locations.

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid US driver's license and Motor Vehicle Record that meets UCAR's acceptability requirements for driving on UCAR business under UCAR policy 4-5.

• Must be able to obtain a passport and participate in foreign travel.

• Some or all of the work in this position description must be performed on-site at UCAR campuses or remote field sites.

Application Notes:

• Application Deadline: The position will be posted until filled with priority given to applications submitted by April 17, 2023.

• Required application materials:

  • Cover Letter

  • Resume

• Work Authorization: US Residency is a Requirement. You must reside in the U.S. for this position. UCAR/NCAR will not sponsor a work visa (e.g., J-1, H-1B, etc.) for this position. U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Residency, or another protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) is required for this position.

• Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance is available for this position.

• Pre-employment screenings are conducted for selected candidates; background checks are also conducted for risk-based positions. .

Benefits Overview

UCAR affirms its commitment to employees through . In addition to medical, dental, vision, retirement, and life insurance, UCAR offers a variety of programs focused on work-life balance and professional and personal development.

These include:

• Tuition Assistance, time off allowance to attend classes, and other professional development opportunities

• UCAR contributes 10% of your pay into your retirement account; 100% fully vested on day one

• Starting minimum accrual of 20 days of personal time off each year (prorated for less than full-time positions)

• 10 paid holidays

• 10 days of sick leave each year

• 14 weeks of paid parental leave

• Short-term medical leave paid at 100% of your regular salary

• EcoPass for local Colorado residents to use the Denver and Boulder-area transit system at no cost

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Our organization is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment and fostering a culture where everyone feels welcome and supported. To learn more about these efforts, visit the and our site.

Research shows that women and people of color are less likely to apply for a position if they do not meet almost 100% of the desired skills and experience. Please note this is not necessary! If you meet the minimum requirements and have a passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. We can provide on-the-job training for the rest!

Here is a brief outline of what one would expect to be responsible for in this role.

Key Responsibilities

• AVAPS Dropsonde Support Duties

  • Provides hardware and software support for all aspects of the Air Force Hurricane Hunter AVAPS Dropsonde systems. Plans, develops and implements upgrades (as needed) of hardware and software in coordination with respective Air Force units (53rd, 403rd, Robbins AFB, and others as needed) and NCAR engineering and IT groups to meet hardware and software requirements. Provides support via phone, email, and travel to the Air Force 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron.

  • Works in a laboratory building and testing instrumentation in support of engineering instrumentation development projects.

  • Produces and maintains all required documentation.

• Calibration Lab Duties

  • Supports the ISF calibration laboratory in preparation, and follow-up, of ISF field campaigns. Calibrates meteorological and electronic equipment as needed and tracks the calibration activities through appropriate documentation and notes. Performs maintenance to the Calibration Lab equipment.

• Field campaign Duties

  • AVAPS: Assists in pre-project maintenance, packing, and shipping as well as equipment installation and interfacing of hardware and software with airplane data systems and communications. Operates AVAPS, prepares and deploys dropsondes, manages the data in the field, and maintains appropriate documentation.

  • ISFS: Maintains instrumentation and infrastructure including cleaning, repairing, and organizing sensors and instruments during and after field use to assure expected operational conditions.

Successful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria:

Education & Experience REQUIRED:

• Level II: Graduation certificate from a technical institute in an electrical or mechanical field and two years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Level III: Graduation certificate from a technical institute in an electrical or mechanical field and five years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities REQUIRED

• Thorough knowledge of electronic components and fundamental understanding of circuits and electronics.

• Ability to set up, configure, and use analog and digital test equipment, including DMM, digital oscilloscopes, DC power supplies, and signal generators.

• Able to read and use wiring diagrams, schematics, and layout plots to assemble, test, and troubleshoot electronic PCB assemblies down to the component level.

• Able to solder surface mount components as small as 0402 size packages, fine-pitched integrated circuits, and cable assemblies using hand soldering tools.

• Skilled in the use of mechanical hand tools and basic machine tools such as drill presses.

• Proficient in the use of standard personal computer technology and application software (e.g. Excel, Word, or Google Workspace equivalents).

• Knowledge of the Windows computer operating system.

• Willingness and ability to participate in domestic and international field programs.

• Ability to work independently of others, sometimes in harsh field environments, and occasionally in remote locations.

• Demonstrated skill in creating and maintaining appropriate documentation.

• Demonstrated skill in oral and written communication.

• Ability to work with a diverse group of people from different backgrounds and disciplines.

Additional for Level III

• Skilled in the assembly of electronic systems covering all aspects of the circuit boards, cables, and mechanical assembly.

• Skilled in the operation and maintenance of calibration equipment, including vacuum pumps, flow meters, temperature sensors, etc.

• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex and delicate equipment in the field and lab.

• Skill in the ability to integrate complex atmospheric instrument sub-systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities DESIRED BUT NOT REQUIRED

• Basic understanding of meteorology or physics.

• Basic knowledge of the Linux computer operating system at the command-line level.

Flexible Work

At UCAR, we are committed to supporting our mission by giving staff the flexibility to find the schedule and location that works best to maintain their own work-life circumstances and reach their full potential as professionals. Many positions within our organization are eligible for fully on-site, hybrid, fully-remote, and/or flexible work schedules.

Employee Well-Being & Vaccines

In support of the health of our employees and their families, as well as visitors and the community, all UCAR employees are required to comply with UCAR's COVID-19 vaccination policy, which requires staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, subject only to legally required accommodations implemented by HR, prior to their start date.

Equal Opportunity Employer

UCAR is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy.Whatever your intersection of identities, you are welcome at UCAR.

Export Control

This position is subject to work location requirements for obtaining access to facilities and research systems. These requirements may include pre-employment background and national security checks. This position is open to U.S. Citizens, U.S. Green Card holders, and those eligible to obtain a U.S. Work Visa subject to U.S. export requirements.

The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer that strives to develop and maintain a diverse workforce. UCAR is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy.

Whatever your intersection of identities, you are welcome at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). We are committed to inclusivity and promoting an equitable environment that values and respects the uniqueness of all members of our organization.