Job Description

Where You Will Work:

Located in Boulder, Colorado, the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) is one of the world’s premier scientific institutions, with an internationally recognized staff and research program dedicated to advancing knowledge, providing community-based resources, and building human capacity in the atmospheric and related sciences. NCAR is sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and managed by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR).

ACOM’s research focuses on advancing understanding and predictive capability for atmospheric composition and related processes. Research is organized around two major themes – Air Quality Prediction and Weather-Chemistry-Climate Interactions. ACOM scientists work closely with the wider research community, providing intellectual leadership and facility support for measurement capabilities, laboratory and field experiments and community atmospheric chemistry models.

What You Will Do:

Functions as part of the ACOM Engineering team.  Provides advanced or expert level electromechanical technician support to observational programs within the ACOM Chemical Weather section.  Will assist in the design, construction, testing, maintenance, and lab/field deployment of atmospheric analytical chemistry instrumentation.

Responsibilities:

For the Technician III:

Fabricates atmospheric chemistry instrumentation based on ACOM Engineering specifications, schematic diagrams and assembly drawings.  Generates original design documentation and reports using CAD software and Microsoft Office products in coordination with ACOM Engineers and Scientists.
Provides operation/troubleshooting/maintenance of analytical systems and subassemblies. Diagnosis of circuit failures and replacement of compromised components as needed. Performs testing and calibration of systems and subassemblies. Operates, diagnoses and repairs field deployed instruments.
Performs subassembly and component procurement through interaction with vendors, ACOM Engineering and Scientific staff. Maintains engineering group’s stockroom inventory and the tool loan checkout system.
Provides technical assistance and mentoring in the design, construction and deployment of observational instruments to scientific visitors, other organizations within NCAR and the broader atmospheric sciences community.

For the Technician IV:

Designs and fabricates atmospheric chemistry instrumentation based on user specifications, schematic diagrams and assembly drawings.  Generates original design documentation and reports using CAD software and Microsoft Office products. Utilizes specialized/acquired knowledge of airborne and field deployable hardware to ensure compliance with all applicable NCAR/FAA/NASA and trade specific guidelines.
Provides operation/troubleshooting/maintenance of analytical systems and subassemblies. Diagnosis of circuit failures and replacement of failed components as needed. Performs testing and calibration of systems and subassemblies. Operates, diagnoses and repairs field deployed instruments.
Performs subassembly and component procurement through interaction with vendors, NCAR staff and the broader atmospheric sciences community. Selects components based on performance specifications. Maintains engineering group’s stockroom inventory and the tool loan checkout system.
Provides technical assistance and mentoring in the design, construction and deployment of observational instruments to scientific visitors, other organizations within NCAR and the broader atmospheric sciences community.

What You Need:

Education and Years of Experience

For a Technician III:

Graduation certificate from a university or technical institute in an electrical or mechanical area and five years of progressively more responsible technical experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

For a Technician IV:

Graduation certificate from a university or technical institute in an electrical or mechanical area and eight years of progressively more responsible technical experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

For the Technician III:

Advanced skill in the fabrication/repair of custom instrumentation, including: design and layout of moderately complex printed circuit boards, wiring of instrument chassis/subsystems and assembly of cable harnesses.
Advanced skill in using diagnostic and fabrication equipment, such as multi-meters, oscilloscopes, soldering stations, crimpers, hand tools and other specialized equipment made for the testing and fabrication of instrument systems.
Demonstrated skill in the creation of schematic diagrams, printed circuit board layouts, and functional drawings for use by others.

For the Technician IV:

Expert skill in the design/fabrication/repair of custom analytical instrumentation, including: design and layout of printed circuit boards, wiring of instrument chassis/subsystems and assembly of cable harnesses.
Expert skill in using diagnostic and fabrication equipment, such as multi-meters, oscilloscopes, soldering stations, crimpers, hand tools and other specialized equipment made for the testing and fabrication of instrument systems.
Demonstrated skill in the operation, integration, deployment and troubleshooting of complex equipment and analytical chemistry instrument systems such as: gas and aerosol instrumentation, gas chromatography, mass spectroscopy, radiometric, and chemiluminescent instrument systems.
Demonstrated skill in the creation of schematic diagrams and functional drawings for use by others.
Working knowledge of Title 14 CFR, Part 25 requirements (Federal Aviation Regulations- Transport Category Aircraft) and FAA publication AC 43.13-1B, Chapter 11(Aircraft Electrical Systems).

Other:

Ability to work on ships and aircraft in moderate to extreme motion conditions.
Willingness and ability to travel on field assignments nationally and internationally up to 6 weeks a year.
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).

Applicant Notes:

A pre-employment screening is conducted in conjunction with an offer for employment. This screening may involve verifying or reviewing any of the following relevant information: restricted parties screening, employment verification, and performance records of internal candidates, education verification, reference checks, and verification of professional licenses, certifications, and Motor Vehicle Records. UCAR complies with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
Please note that while the position description details both minimum requirements as well as desired skills and experience, we want to remind applicants that you do not need to have all the desired skills and experience to be considered for this role. If you have the passion for the work along with experience in a related field, you are encouraged to apply. We can provide on-the-job training for the rest.