Scientific Instrument Maker Apprentice

JILA seeks an Apprentice Scientific Instrument Maker to join ourteam 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 outfitlaboratories for world-leading Physics, Chemistry, and Optics Research. This apprenticeship program is designed to last for 8000hours, roughly 4.5 years, but candidates may begin the program atan intermediate stage with verification of sufficient prior experience. The Apprentice will be required to meet increasing responsibilities as they acquire knowledge, skill, and abilities indefined disciplines over the course of the program.

Satisfactory completion of the apprenticeship may result in a promotional joboffer as a Scientific Instrument Maker.

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 ofthe nation's leading physical sciences research institutes.

The Apprentice will participate as a creative member of JILAresearch groups by designing, modifying, manufacturing, repairing and testing many different types of scientific instruments. Asuccessful 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 aswell as safe machine shop practices to JILA students, faculty, andstaff.

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 toolsand 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 andglass
• 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 basejourneyman salary, or $51,168 - $59,696, depending on credit for previous on-the-job learning experience. This salary percentageincreases after successfully logged 2000 hours toward the 8000-hourapprentice 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-classoutdoor 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.

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Be Boulder.

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering, applied physics, or arelated technical field.

• Demonstrated aptitude and/or past experience successfullyfabricating, modifying, repairing, or operating electro-mechanical equipment, tools; or equivalent experience.

To apply, please submit the following materials:

(Optional) Transcripts/Proof of Degree:
If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources Department using an approved online vendor.

However, if your degree was obtained outside of the United States,please submit an English-translated version as an Optionaldocument.

Please apply by 11/4/2026 for consideration.

Note:

Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.

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