Research Technician (Instrumentation) — EPSCoR-Funded Calorimeter Development & Physics Lab Support
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Job Location:
Cedar Rapids, IA - USA
Monthly Salary:
Not Disclosed
Posted on:
Yesterday
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Research Technician (Instrumentation) EPSCoR-Funded Calorimeter Development & Physics Lab Support
Location: Coe College Cedar Rapids IA
Position: Full-time grant-funded Benefits eligible
Start date: As soon as available (flexible)
Department: Physics
Location: Coe College Cedar Rapids IA
Position: Full-time grant-funded Benefits eligible
Start date: As soon as available (flexible)
Department: Physics
Position Overview
The Coe College Physics Department is seeking a full-time Research Technician (Instrumentation) supported by a DOE EPSCoR award. This role will lead hands-on efforts to iterate and improve an existing calorimeter module used in high-energy physics (HEP) instrumentation R&D. The work is highly practical and prototype-driven centered on PCB layout support soldering and rework connectors/cabling and bench-level integration and test.
In addition to the calorimeter effort the Research Technician will provide technical support across the departments research equipment portfolio helping faculty and student researchers with troubleshooting repair machining/prototyping assistance and 3D design/printing.
This is an excellent fit for a builder who enjoys turning designs into reliable hardware improving prototypes through iteration and keeping scientific equipment operating smoothly.
Primary Responsibilities:
Calorimeter Module Development (Primary):
- Lead iteration of an existing calorimeter module design and associated readout/support hardware.
- Perform or support PCB layout and board revision cycles; improve designs for assembly durability and serviceability.
- Execute soldering rework connector assembly and cable/harness build-out; ensure robust strain relief and clean workmanship.
- Integrate connectors power distribution and signal routing consistent with lab instrumentation needs.
- Support bring-up and test: continuity checks power-up procedures basic debugging and documentation of results.
- Maintain clear build documentation (BOMs wiring diagrams/pinouts revision notes).
Department Research Equipment Support (Secondary):
- Troubleshoot repair and maintain research/teaching lab equipment (electrical mechanical and electromechanical).
- Assist with prototype fabrication: light machining support fixture building and mechanical integration.
- Use CAD and 3D printing to design and produce parts brackets fixtures and protective enclosures.
- Support safe lab operations: tool upkeep consumables tracking and basic documentation.
Software / Controls Support:
- Provide basic support using Python and/or C for instrumentation control test routines and automation.
- Work with common lab control concepts (e.g. serial interfaces GPIO/DAQ interactions motion/robot control basics).
- Assist student researchers in implementing simple scripts and reliable test/check workflows.
Required Qualifications:
- Associates or Bachelors degree (or equivalent practical experience) in Electrical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Engineering Technology Physics or related field or equivalent experience.
- Demonstrated hands-on capability with electronics assembly (soldering rework connectors cabling).
- Comfort reading and producing technical documentation (schematics wiring diagrams pinouts assembly notes).
- Working familiarity with Python and/or C sufficient to modify and run lab control/test code.
- Strong troubleshooting habits attention to detail and commitment to safe careful work.
- Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the United States as we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
- Successful completion of a driver and criminal background check in accordance with Coe College policy.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with PCB design/layout tools (e.g. KiCad Altium Eagle OrCAD etc.).
- Familiarity with high-energy physics instrumentation or detector/readout systems.
- Experience using standard lab equipment (oscilloscope DMM bench supplies signal generator).
- CAD proficiency and experience with prototyping workflows (3D printing fixtures tolerance awareness).
- Experience training or supporting students in a lab/shop environment.
Travel:
Travel is not required. Optional opportunities may be available for candidates interested in participating in experiment deployments (including potential travel to major facilities such as CERN).
Compensation & Benefits:
This is a full-time benefits-eligible position. Salary is commensurate with experience. Support is guaranteed for at least 2 years with opportunities for extension.
Application Instructions:
Submit:
1. Resume/CV
2. Short cover letter describing relevant build/debug experience and interest in the role
3. (Optional) Links or brief examples of prior work (portfolio photos GitHub project summaries)
Coe College is an equal opportunity employer.
Required Experience:
IC
Key Skills
- Controlling Experience
- E & I
- Distributed Control Systems
- Calibration
- NEC
- Tube Bending
- Spectrophotometer
- Sterile Processing
- Schematics
- Maintenance
- Programmable Logic Controllers
- Troubleshooting
About Company
Ranked among the top 20% of all colleges and universities in the US, Coe is a hands-on city college that provides an unmatched undergraduate experience.
