Casual - Avionics Technician

Job Description

Summary:

The Research Aviation Facility (RAF) at NCAR is seeking an Avionics Technician to support its two highly modified research aircraft, including a Gulfstream V and Lockheed C-130. This position operates within a flight department environment, with a primary focus on aircraft readiness, reliability, and mission success. The role supports both standard avionics systems and specialized scientific instrumentation used in global atmospheric research operations.

Position Details:

Visa Sponsored Job:

No

Relocation Assistance Eligible:

No

Job Location:

Broomfield, Colorado

Position Type & Term:

Full time, Casual

Compensation Min - Mid Range:

Hiring Hourly Rate Range: $32.07 - $44.23/hr

* Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, skills relevant to the role, and internal equity.
* Application Notes

Job Type and Term:
Casual (hours as-needed, including weekends); onsite in Broomfield, CO (at Research Aviation Field - RAF);
Term: ends September 30th, 2026 - possibility of extension dependent on funding and performance

Final date to receive applications:

* This position will be posted until 11:59 pm MDT on Friday, June 12, 2026

Required application materials: (preferably in PDF Format)

* Resume

* Application Questionnaire:
Please complete the required questionnaire as part of your application. Thorough and complete answers are essential. Incomplete questionnaires will result in the disqualification of the application.

Background Checks:
Conducted for candidates selected for hire. Learn more.

Work Location:

Regardless of flexible work arrangements, UCAR requires ALL positions to be performed within the U.S., excluding U.S. Territories.

What you will do:

* Perform installation, inspection, testing, troubleshooting, and repair of aircraft avionics and electrical systems. Interpret and apply technical manuals, wiring diagrams, and schematics. Support aircraft flight readiness through scheduled and unscheduled maintenance. Maintain communication, navigation, flight management, autopilot, and mission-specific systems.

* Assist with integration and maintenance of airborne research instrumentation and data systems.

* Document maintenance actions in compliance with FAA regulations and NCAR/RAF procedures.

* Collaborate with A&P maintenance personnel, engineers, scientists, and flight crews to support mission operations.

* Participate in pre- and post-flight activities as required.

* Works with limited supervision and thus holds responsibility for a wide range of technical issues including decisions directly related to aircraft safety.

* Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Knowlege, Skills, and Abilities

Required:

* Troubleshoots and solves complex routine and non-routine failures in electrical systems and Honeywell avionics systems aboard the aircraft using schematic diagrams, technical bulletins, and manufactures and FAA publications.

* Utilizes broad understanding of mechanical systems to diagnose problems based on system behavior.

* Good oral and written communication skills.

* Familiarity with flight department operations

* Demonstrated skill in problem analysis and decision making.

* Ability to use and interpret manufacturer technical aircraft maintenance publications.

* Demonstrated troubleshooting skills in an operational aviation environment. Serves a critical role in maintaining RAF aircraft in an airworthy condition.

* Demonstrated skill in using a PC computer, including working with computer-based aircraft maintenance programs (ex. Flight Docs, Gulfstream CMP, CAMP).

* The applicant must have their own hand tools.

Desired but not required:

* Experience with Lockheed C-130 and/or Gulfstream GV aircraft.

* FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certification (preferred, not required)

* Experience with modified or special-mission aircraft and research systems

Education and Experience

Required:

Hold an industry-recognized certification (e.g., FCC License, NCATT AET or equivalent) with a minimum 3 years of aviation experience with a focus on avionics systems.

Other Requirements:

* Must be (a) a U.S. citizen; (b) lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States; or (c) a…