Scientific Instrument Maker Apprentice

Requisition Number: 75455

Location:

Boulder, Colorado

City:
Boulder

State:
Colorado

Employment Type:

Research Faculty

Schedule:

Full-Time

Posting Close Date: 04-Nov-2026

Date Posted: 14-Oct-2026

JILA seeks an Apprentice Scientific Instrument Maker to join our team of professional Instrument Makers in the JILA Instrument Shop. The Apprentice will work closely with scientists and Instrument Shop staff to design and manufacture unique instruments and outfit laboratories for world-leading Physics, Chemistry, and Optics Research. This apprenticeship program is designed to last for 8000 hours, roughly 4.5 years, but candidates may begin the program at an intermediate stage with verification of sufficient prior experience.

The Apprentice will be required to meet increasing responsibilities as they acquire knowledge, skill, and abilities in defined disciplines over the course of the program. Satisfactory completion of the apprenticeship may result in a promotional job offer as a Scientific Instrument Maker.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

JILA is a joint institute of the University of Colorado Boulder and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) located on the CU Boulder main campus at the base of the Rocky Mountains. Led by roughly 30 research Fellows, JILA supports eclectic and innovative research programs that foster creative collaborations. The wide-ranging interests of our scientists have made JILA one of the nation's leading physical sciences research institutes.

JILA offers a uniquely collaborative and mission-driven environment. The institute has a strong culture of intellectual curiosity, community, and inclusiveness, which provides a meaningful and engaging workplace.

The Apprentice will participate as a creative member of JILA research groups by designing, modifying, manufacturing, repairing and testing many different types of scientific instruments. A successful Apprentice must be able to communicate clearly and collaborate one on one with scientists and graduate students. The Apprentice will also be required to teach basic machining skills as well as safe machine shop practices to JILA students, faculty, and staff.

At the completion of the apprenticeship, the Apprentice will be expected to have a solid technical foundation, skill, and knowledge in the following disciplines:

• Operation and maintenance of all common JILA machine shop tools and equipment
• Computer Aided Design
• Computer Aided Machining
• Ultra-high vacuum system design and construction
• Cryogenic systems
• Temperature control of laboratory devices
• Kinematic optic mounting
• Tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding of stainless steel and aluminum for ultra-high vacuum applications
• Brazing and soldering
• Heat treatment of various materials including metals and glass
• Sheet metal fabrication
• Machining of ceramics and glass
• Electroplating
• Optical lapping and polishing
• Electrical Discharge Machining
• Scientific glassblowing
• High precision assembly
• Laboratory design and set-up

The Apprentice will receive wages equal to 60% - 70% of the base journeyman salary, or $51,168 - $59,696, depending on credit for previous on-the-job learning experience. This salary percentage increases after successfully logged 2000 hours toward the 8000-hour apprentice program.

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation.

In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's Best Large Employers, ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

• A bachelor's degree in engineering, applied physics, or a related technical…