CIRES/ NOAA Global Monitoring Laboratory, Associate Scientist in Electrical Engineering in Support of Atmospheric Trace Gas Measurements

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) is seeking an Electrical Engineer to support the NOAA Global Monitoring Laboratory's (GML) Technology Transitions, Engineering, and Applications (TTEA) division. The position initially will support three specific efforts: the High-altitude Operational Returning Uncrewed System (HORUS), a balloon-borne scientific package that includes a glider to return science payloads to a predetermined location; TraceAIR, the installation of the Measurements of Atmospheric Carbon and H2O (MACH) package aboard United Airlines commercial aircraft to measure trace gas atmospheric composition; and NOAA's GHG Aircraft System for Light Aircraft (NGAS-LA), a flexible yet robust instrument package for measuring greenhouse gases in targeted field studies across the globe. These projects have recently moved from conception to active deployment phase, and the position will help shape the trajectory of these ongoing programs. A one-year full-time position is available, with the possibility for extension based on funding availability.

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.

Who We Are

CIRES is an internationally recognized leader in innovative environmental science and research and is located at the University of Colorado Boulder. At CIRES, more than 900 environmental science professionals work to understand the dynamic Earth system, including people's relationship with the planet. CIRES has partnered with NOAA since 1967, and our areas of expertise include weather and climate, changes at Earth's poles, air quality and atmospheric chemistry, water resources, solid Earth sciences, and more. Our vision is to be instrumental in ensuring a sustainable future environment by advancing scientific and societal understanding of the Earth system.

The mission of the Global Monitoring Laboratory (GML) is conducting research that addresses three major challenges: greenhouse gas and carbon cycle feedbacks, changes in clouds, aerosols and surface radiation, and stratospheric ozone recovery. The TTEA division aims to advance observing capabilities for direct measurements of atmospheric trace gases to enhance (a) global and regional scale carbon emissions and/or uptake detection, (b) model and satellite evaluation used to understand trends and variability of greenhouse gases and ozone-depleting substances, and (c) the understanding of tropospheric and stratospheric composition feedbacks on earth's radiation budget in a changing climate. The TTEA division develops, implements and/or transitions to operations new and innovative atmospheric observing platforms, instruments, and sampling techniques to fulfill this mission.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Specify, design, develop, test, document, maintain and repair atmospheric sensors, trace gas measurement systems, or sampling equipment for ground, aircraft, balloon and/or unmanned system applications (50%).
• Deploy measurement systems to the field and provide ongoing technical support for field projects (20%).
• Provide input to collaborating scientists and partner organizations on engineering solutions for measurement needs (20%).
• Guide transition of new atmospheric observing technologies and/or platforms toward operational research applications (5%).
• Perform other relevant duties as necessary (5%).
• Please note that the above-mentioned percentage weights will be adjusted for candidates hired in the Sr. Associate Scientist career track, to accommodate project management, including defining budgets and milestones, and supervision of junior personnel. Senior Associate Scientists will also lead IP application efforts, when appropriate, and participate in internal and external communication about technological advancements via presentations and written articles and white papers.

What You Should Know

• This is a one-year position with the possibility for extension to additional years based on funding availability.
• Anticipated start date: July 1, 2026. Visa sponsorship is not offered for this position. Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the U.S on a full-time basis and pass a federal clearance background check by the start date.
• This position will be rostered in CIRES at the University of Colorado Boulder but will be physically situated in the David Skaggs Research Center, 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305, on a federal research campus.
• If you are the finalist, you will be required to pass a background check. Non-US citizens without green cards will have limited building access and require a federal escort in the building.
• Occasional field work, such as balloon launches or installation of equipment on aircraft, will require out-of-state travel approximately 3-4 times per year.
• This position requires in-person work 5 times a week to start, although situational telework up to 2 days/week may be possible if desired after an initial training period.

What We Can Offer

• CIRES offers a generous compensation package.
• The annual hiring salary range for this position is $72,428 - $132,066. Salary is commensurate with education and experience and determined based on our CIRES internal career-track classification.
• Some relocation funds are available to help offset moving expenses, following CIRES and the University of Colorado's relocation processes and procedures.
• This position can accommodate a hybrid work modality after an initial training period.
• The University of Colorado Boulder offers a robust training curriculum, opportunities for professional development and a Mentorship Program.
• Boulder is a vibrant community with access to mountain parks, dog parks, miles of trails, rivers, lakes, cafes, restaurants, boutiques, theaters, museums, and sports venues.
• As an employee at CU Boulder, you will have free access to the regional public transit system, an outstanding network of buses and light rail systems that service Boulder and connect to Denver, the Denver airport, and surrounding communities.

Benefits

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. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

What We Require

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related engineering field.
• A minimum of three years relevant experience post-degree.
• Ability to conduct full-time, in-person laboratory work in a U.S. government facility (which requires successful completion of a federal background check).
• Ability to travel and conduct fieldwork up to 20% of time per year on average.

What You Will Need

• Expertise with analog and digital electronics design and development.
• Advanced knowledge of computer programming languages (e.g., Python, C/C++, for electronics development, instrument control, and data acquisition and analysis).
• Advanced knowledge of programming small microprocessor control systems (e.g., Arduino, Teensy, Raspberry Pi).
• Advanced knowledge of printed circuit board design and development.
• Strong knowledge of computer-aided design / computer-aided manufacturing.
• Understanding of mechanical systems and materials.
• Practical, hands-on mechanical abilities.
• Ability to productively manage multiple tasks and thrive in a highly interactive team environment.
• Good oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.

What We Would Like You to Have

Please note that while the position details both required and preferred skills and experience, we invite applicants to apply even if they do not have the preferred skills and experience outlined in this section. If you meet the requirements and have passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. We encourage on the job training for any additional skills or knowledge that become relevant to the position.

• M.S., or higher degree in electrical engineering or related engineering field.
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 certification as Trained Unmanned Systems Pilot.
• Experience and coding capability with Ardupilot software and MAVLink protocol communication.
• Strong mechanical engineering experience.
• Creative problem solver.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and meticulous.
• Strong troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to design, program, integrate, and implement mobile command, control, communications and measurement systems, including power, avionics, telemetry and scientific sensors to support UAS operations.

Special Instructions

To apply please submit the following materials with your application:

1. Resume or CV.
2. Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.
3. Although not needed at the time of application, please be ready to submit contact information for 5 professional references. If you are identified as a finalist for this position, you will be asked to invite your references to complete a Crosschq questionnaire on your behalf. Crosschq is an online reference check solution. All information is kept confidential and shared only with the members of the search committee.

This position will close on May 29, 2026.

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

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.