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

Application Deadline:

• 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 protected individual as defined by 8 USC1324b(a)(3).
• Must possess a valid passport.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid US driver's license and Motor Vehicle Record that meets UCAR's acceptability requirements for driving on UCAR business under UCAR policy 4-5.
• Must be willing to travel up to 16 weeks per year domestically and internationally.
• Must be able to pass an ATF background check.
• Must be able to pass a Transportation Screening Authority (TSA) screening for airport operations.
• Some or all of the work in this position description must be performed on-site at UCAR campuses and/or remote field sites that are domestic and/or international.

Commitment to Job Application Fairness

Applicants are not required to provide age or age-related information and may redact information related to age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution from any submissions during the initial application process.

Some Final Considerations

At NSF NCAR| UCAR | UCP, you will work alongside a dedicated team of professionals conducting critical research and community outreach to solve complex Earth system science problems including climate change, air pollution, extreme weather, floods, drought, wildfires, and space weather, all with the goal of improving human life and reducing economic loss. Each of us, from scientists to the professionals who support their work, serves the public and a collaborative community of scientists in our mission to understand the complex processes that make up the Earth system, from the ocean floor to the Sun's core.

Flexible Work

At UCAR, we are committed to supporting our mission by giving staff the flexibility to find the schedule and location that works best to maintain their own work-life circumstances and reach their full potential as professionals. Many positions within our organization are eligible for fully on-site, hybrid (three days per week) and/or flexible work hours.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

Export Control

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


Work Location

UCAR requires ALL positions to be performed within the U.S., excluding U.S. Territories.

AI Software

ChatGPT and similar AI software are powerful tools that are changing the way society receives, processes, and leverages information promptly. While we acknowledge its benefits and do not restrict leveraging it with job applications, we highly encourage a majority of the applicant material to be original work.