Electronic Technician

Electronic Technician

Support the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department and the College of Life Sciences by providing expert maintenance, repair, and training on a wide range of scientific laboratory and research equipment. This role includes servicing both large and small instruments across multiple campus buildings, including biosafety cabinets (BSCs), vacuum pumps, centrifuges, incubators, microscopes, and more. The position also supports student experiential learning through mentorship, particularly in machining and lab equipment use.

This individual will contribute to safety compliance, manage equipment-related purchasing and expense reporting, and act as a key resource for campus-wide equipment troubleshooting and consultation. This role plays a vital part in maintaining research continuity, safety standards, and student development in teaching and research settings.

What you'll do in this position:

• Perform hands-on repair and maintenance of lab instruments and scientific equipment used in teaching and research.
• Specialize in maintaining biosafety cabinets (BSLs 1–2), including on-campus repairs and containment assurance for biological hazards.
• Service additional equipment such as vacuum pumps, centrifuges, incubators, microscopes, balances, spectrophotometers, gas chromatography systems, digesters, and hot plates.
• Respond to work orders and ensure accurate documentation of parts and repairs.
• Maintain lab safety standards and ensure compliance with equipment-specific protocols.

• Train and mentor student employees, including those running the front desk and operating fabrication equipment
• Support engineering students, research assistants, and fabricators through hands-on guidance and equipment training
• Work closely with shop manager to support discipline and project direction in student-led initiatives
• Assist with machine shop oversight, including support of expert machining projects

• Consult with faculty and students on new equipment design or modifications to support research needs
• Design and construct digital and analog circuitry as needed
• Provide support for computer interfacing using software such as LabVIEW

• Attend BSC certification training (e.g., Houston-based course) to enable in-house training and servicing of biological safety cabinets across campus. (This will be paid for by the Department)
• Use technical expertise to support lab personnel in understanding proper use and maintenance of critical research instruments
• Lead campus-wide training efforts as needed in safety and equipment use

• Submit and track work orders, ensure timely follow-through, and update system entries with parts used
• Perform purchasing duties and submit expense reports for equipment and repair needs
• Follow university and room-specific safety protocols
• Support the greenhouse, animal facilities, and various campus buildings with repair needs that fall outside standard facilities management responsibilities

What qualifies you for this role:

Required:

• A firm commitment to the mission of BYU.
• Associate's degree in Electronic/Electrical Technologies, Engineering, or Computer Science with a hardware emphasis and 5 years of experience repairing electronic instruments; OR 10 years of hands-on experience in the electronic instrumentation service field
• Strong troubleshooting skills
• Basic computer proficiency

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in Electronic/Electrical Engineering or a related field
• 5+ years of experience repairing scientific lab instruments and interfacing with computer systems
• Experience in chemistry and life science instrumentation
• Skilled in using electronic test tools: VOMs, oscilloscopes, power supplies
• Knowledge of NEC and industrial safety codes
• Familiarity with lab instruments: spectrophotometers, gas/liquid chromatography, mass specs, microscopes

What we offer in return:

• 401k. BYU automatically contributes 8% at no cost to you. Additionally, if you contribute 5%, BYU adds an additional 4% (Rehires may qualify for different retirement plans)
• Generous vacation and sick time, plus 13 paid holidays
• Employee assistance program, available to the employee and all members of their household
• Tuition benefits for employees and eligible family…