Job Title

The Department of Physics, Astronomy, and Engineering seeks to fill the position of Instrumentation Technician. This position provides technical support for the teaching, research, and outreach activities of the Department. The successful candidate will be responsible for the design, construction, calibration, maintenance, and repair of electronic, electrical, and mechanical equipment used in laboratory settings and research facilities. Apply at jobs.uca.edu/posting/18605. Key Responsibilities Technical Support and Maintenance Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair sophisticated scientific and engineering instrumentation, including but not limited to: oscilloscopes, signal generators, spectrometers, vacuum systems, power supplies, and data acquisition systems. Perform preventive maintenance and calibration on essential laboratory equipment to ensure accuracy and compliance with safety standards. Maintain an inventory of spare parts, components, and tools, and recommend new equipment purchases. Manage the department's equipment loan program, ensuring all items are functional and accounted for. Safety and Training Ensure all equipment and laboratory practices comply with university, state, and federal safety regulations (e.g., electrical safety, handling of specialized gasses, laser safety). Develop and deliver training sessions for faculty, staff, and students on the proper, safe operation and maintenance of specialized laboratory instrumentation. Maintain accurate documentation and service logs for all major pieces of equipment. Collaboration and Consultation Consult with faculty and student researchers to understand their technical requirements and offer practical solutions for experimental setups. Collaborate with other university departments (e.g., Facilities, IT, Environmental Health and Safety) on equipment integration and infrastructure projects. Modify existing laboratory equipment to meet specific instructional or research needs. Design, Fabrication, and Modification Design and construct custom electronic circuits, mechanical fixtures, and specialized testing apparatus as required by faculty and student research projects. Utilize CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software for generating schematics, wiring diagrams, and mechanical drawings. Perform precision machining, soldering, wiring, and assembly of complex prototypes. Required Qualifications Education: Associate’s degree or higher in Electronics Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Instrumentation, or a closely related field. Experience: Experience working as an instrumentation, electronics, or lab technician, preferably in a research or academic environment. Technical Skills: Proficiency in circuit design, analysis, and prototyping (analog and digital). Strong knowledge of microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi) and programming for instrumentation (e.g., Python, LabVIEW, C/C++). Experience with common test and measurement equipment (DMMs, oscilloscopes, function generators). Basic knowledge of vacuum technology, high-power electronics, and mechanical systems. Familiarity with safety protocols relevant to a physics/engineering laboratory. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field. Experience in a university research setting supporting a diverse range of projects (e.g., optics, materials science, nuclear physics). This position may be subject to a pre-employment criminal, sex-offender registry, financial history background check and drug screening. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication and/or adverse financial history alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background checks and drug screening information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law. The University of Central Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. In keeping with its nondiscrimination policy in employment, admissions and other functions and programs, the university considers employees and students on the basis of individual merit and will not discriminate against a person on the basis of gender, race or color, ethnicity, religion, spiritual beliefs, national origin, age, familial status, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, disability, political beliefs, intellectual perspective, genetic information, military status, or other factors irrelevant to participation in its programs. Reveiw of applications will begin immediately. The position will remain open until filled. Salary/Compensation: $40,000 per year recblid 73kzarffplm1f5nhtx3f833payp36x