Electronics Shop Manager, AIDC Core

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Position Focus:

The Electronics Shop Manager engages with the Yale research community to support advanced electronics development within the Advanced Instrumentation Development Center (AIDC). The AIDC is a Research Core providing advanced instrumentation, technical expertise, and facilities in machining, electronics, and prototyping to enable cutting-edge scientific research.

This position focuses on leading and developing the electronics design and fabrication capabilities of the Core. The Electronics Shop Manager will guide and mentor a small team of electronics engineers and technicians while performing significant hands-on engineering work.

Responsibilities include PCB design and fabrication, analog and digital hardware development, and advanced instrumentation electronics spanning FPGA-based designs, low-noise circuits, RF/microwave hardware, mixed-signal systems, and embedded systems. The Manager will establish fabrication and testing workflows, select and procure electronics lab equipment, and ensure safe, efficient, well-organized operations.

The role requires close collaboration with researchers to scope electronics projects, evaluate feasibility, propose design strategies, and deliver high-quality electronic systems for scientific instrumentation. The position requires broad electrical engineering expertise and the ability to train, mentor, and support researchers and staff.

Dept/Section URL

Advanced Instrumentation Development Center (AIDC) | Yale Research

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Proven ability to engage with students and researchers to understand the scope and feasibility of electronics design and prototyping projects. Demonstrated ability to converge on actionable plans to deliver robust, high‑quality circuits, assemblies, and electronic systems in a timely manner.
2. Broad and in-depth knowledge of electronics engineering, including:
   • PCB design
   • Analog and digital circuit development
   • FPGA-based system design and implementation
   • Low-noise electronics
   • RF and microwave circuit design
   • Embedded systems and firmware development
   Demonstrated capability to evaluate initial schematics for manufacturability and performance, provide technical feedback, develop and validate PCB layouts, solder, perform hardware debugging, and deliver high-quality electronics systems for research instrumentation.
3. Demonstrated ability to establish, maintain, and enforce a safe, efficient, and well-organized electronics development environment. Ability to set and uphold standards for equipment usage, ESD safety, regulatory compliance, and lab organization while effectively delegating responsibilities.
4. Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and motivate a small electronics team in a fast‑paced, technical environment. Proven track record of organizing project queues, managing priorities, and coordinating procurement of electronics fabrication equipment, PCB supplies, components, and specialized test instrumentation.
5. Strong interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills, with proven ability to train users, document procedures, mentor junior staff, and communicate complex electronics concepts clearly and effectively to a diverse research community.

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills:

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field. Five or more years of professional experience in electronics design, prototyping, or research instrumentation development.

Expertise in PCB design and layout using software (e.g. Altium, KiCad).

Expertise in fabrication (e.g. soldering).

Experience with FPGA development workflows (e.g. VHDL/Verilog).

Familiarity with RF/microwave testing, spectrum analysis, and low noise measurement techniques.

Experience building and managing an electronics development facility or prototyping lab.

Prior experience mentoring junior engineers or technicians.

Principal Responsibilities

1. User Training: Refine training methodologies and train and mentor users of the research core, providing guidance and expertise.
2. Experiment Support: Collaborate closely with researchers and lead complex projects requiring customized solutions within the research core.
3. Facility/Instrument Support: Lead and manage research projects within the research core.
4. Technique Development: Contribute to the development of research strategies within the research core and evaluate and implement cutting-edge technologies and methodologies.
5. Data Analysis/Interpretation: Analyze and interpret complex scientific data, providing critical insights and recommendations.
6. Equipment Procurement: Assist in the evaluation, acquisition, and maintenance of research core equipment.
7. Professional Development: Stay updated with emerging research trends and technologies. Participate and present in professional development activities and scientific conferences, representing the research core at conferences and events.
8. Scientific Participation: Collaborate with users on manuscript preparation and grant proposals, as applicable.
9. Staff Training and Mentoring: Mentor and support junior staff members in their professional growth.
10. Leadership: Collaborate with senior core leadership on research core-related initiatives.
11. Finance and Admin: Support the Core Director with development and implementation of strategic plans and budgets for the research core.
12. Vendor Relations: Oversees strategic vendor partnerships, manages negotiations, and evaluates vendor performance for the research core.
13. Education and Outreach: Develop education and outreach activities within the core, including tours, events, etc..

Required Education and Experience

Master's Degree in a related discipline and five years of related experience or an equivalent combination of skills, education, and experience.