Casual - Avionics Technician

Job Summary

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, supporting standard avionics systems and specialized scientific instrumentation used in global atmospheric research operations.

• Location:
  
  Broomfield, Colorado
• Visa sponsorship:
  No
• Relocation assistance:
  No
• Type:
  Full time, Casual (hours as needed, including weekends)
• Term:
  Starts May 2024 and ends September 30, 2026 (possibility of extension)
• Compensation: $32.07 – $44.23 per hour (salary based on education, experience, skills and internal equity)

• Submission deadline: 11:59pm MDT, Friday, June
  12,2026
• Required materials:
  Resume and Application Questionnaire (PDF preferable)
• Background checks:
  Conducted for selected candidates

• 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.

• Ability to troubleshoot and solve complex routine and non‑routine failures in electrical systems and Honeywell avionics systems aboard the aircraft using schematic diagrams, technical bulletins, and manufacturer and FAA publications.
• 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.
• Experience with computer‑based aircraft maintenance programs (e.g., Flight Docs, Gulfstream CMP, CAMP).
• Self‑reliant: works with limited supervision and holds responsibility for technical issues affecting aircraft safety.

• Experience with Lockheed C‑130 and/or Gulfstream GV aircraft.
• FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certification.
• Experience with modified or special‑mission aircraft and research systems.

• Industry‑recognized certification (e.g., FCC License, NCATT AET or equivalent).
• Minimum 3years of aviation experience focusing on avionics systems.

• U.S. citizenship, permanent residence, or protected status as defined by 8 USC
  1324b(a)(3).
• Valid U.S. passport.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and acceptable motor‑vehicle record.
• Willingness to travel up to 16weeks per year domestically and internationally.
• Must pass an ATF background check and TSA screening for airport operations.
• Will perform work on‑site at UCAR campuses and/or remote field sites domestically and/or internationally.

UCAR is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy. Whatever your intersection of identities, you are welcome at UCAR.

All positions are required to comply with U.S. export compliance regulations and work location requirements regarding access to facilities and research systems.