Electrical Technician

Priority application date: Monday, July 27, 2026 @ 11:55pm PT. Hiring preference given to on-campus applicants in CSUEU Bargaining Units 2, 5, 7, and 9.

About the Role

The Electrical Technician provides comprehensive technical support for the College of Engineering and Computer Science by maintaining, repairing, installing, and upgrading instructional and research laboratory equipment used in electronics, power systems, instrumentation, and student projects.

Qualified individuals fabricate, assemble, and install electrical and electronic components following prints, diagrams, rough sketches, or verbal instructions. They debug and troubleshoot complete electronic systems using test equipment and schematic diagrams, devise assembly methods, and integrate components with other electrical devices to ensure proper wiring, mounting, and physical isolation, minimizing electrical interference, regenerative feedback, and mechanical failure under expected conditions.

The Technician develops plans and schematic diagrams for equipment and systems, prepares diagrams for planning installations, and assists in designing modifications or revised plans for existing systems. They calibrate, test, adjust, and repair complex or specialized laboratory equipment, including devices requiring specialized training.

A key responsibility is supporting hands-on engineering education by assisting students in developing research and project equipment, designing and fabricating electronic controls, test fixtures, PCBs, and devices, demonstrating proper operation of specialized instruments, and ensuring safe, effective use of laboratory resources.

The Technician manages the EEE Service Center, oversees workflow and parts inventory, performs preventive maintenance, and coordinates installation of new systems and facility improvements. The role requires strong judgment, technical expertise, and consistent attention to safety while interacting with students, faculty, staff, and vendors.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, repair, install, and upgrade a wide range of instructional and research laboratory equipment in electronics, power systems, instrumentation, and student projects.
• Fabricate, assemble, and install electrical and electronic components following prints, diagrams, rough sketches, or verbal instructions.
• Debug and troubleshoot complete electronic systems using test equipment and schematic diagrams.
• Devise assembly methods and integrate electronic components with other electrical devices to ensure proper wiring, mounting, and physical isolation.
• Develop plans and schematic diagrams for equipment and systems, and prepare diagrams for planning complete installations.
• Assist in designing modifications or drawing revised plans for existing systems.
• Calibrate, test, adjust, and repair complex or specialized laboratory equipment, including devices requiring specialized training.
• Provide guidance to faculty and students on equipment selection, explaining advantages, performance characteristics, and costs.
• Support hands-on engineering education by assisting students in developing research and project equipment, designing and fabricating electronic controls, test fixtures, PCBs, and devices.
• Demonstrate proper operation of specialized instruments and ensure safe, effective use of laboratory resources.
• Develop detailed system layouts after an engineer or supervisor proposes basic designs and certify accuracy and proper functioning of equipment.
• Manage the EEE Service Center, oversee workflow and parts inventory, perform preventive maintenance, and coordinate installation of new systems and facility improvements.
• Interact with students, faculty, staff, and vendors to support the department’s instructional and research missions.

Requirements

• AA degree in electronics, telecommunications, industrial technology, or a closely related field, OR equivalent training and experience.
• Two years of journey-level or skilled experience in the maintenance, repair, fabrication, or operation of electronic, electrical, electromechanical, or laboratory equipment.
• Two years of semi-skilled technical experience supporting engineering labs or maintaining technical equipment may substitute for one year of required experience.
• Completion of two years of trade school, technical arts training, an apprenticeship program, or military specialization in electronic/electrical equipment repair may substitute for one year of experience.
• Extensive experience installing, maintaining, modifying, and repairing electrical and electronic hardware in a multi-vendor environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of electrical, electronic, and computer-interfaced systems commonly used in engineering laboratories.
• Experience safely using hand tools, power tools, soldering and de-soldering equipment, and standard test instruments (oscilloscopes, multimeters, function generators, etc.).
• Experience working in environments that enforce electrical safety practices.
• Good interpersonal communication skills, technical writing ability, and the ability to work effectively with students, staff, and faculty.
• Some design experience related to electrical/electronic/mechanical interfaces and peripherals is desirable.

Skills

• Thorough knowledge of methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in the construction, installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of electrical and electronic systems.
• Ability to perform complex troubleshooting and diagnostics of analog, digital, electromechanical, and computer-interfaced equipment.
• Ability to design, fabricate, modify, and repair electronic or electrical equipment using schematics, drawings, rough sketches, or verbal instructions.
• Ability to interpret wiring diagrams, PCB layouts, data sheets, and equipment manuals.
• Proficiency in soldering (through-hole and surface-mount), wiring, cable fabrication, and safe equipment handling.
• Ability to install, maintain, and configure a wide variety of laboratory and instructional equipment (oscilloscopes, meters, power supplies, motors, instrumentation, data acquisition systems, etc.).
• Ability to use computer software to document work, prepare schematics, generate PCB files, perform basic programming or configuration, and maintain records.
• Ability to manage parts inventory, lab equipment inventory, repair workflows, and documentation.
• Ability to make arithmetic calculations and measurements appropriate to the duties of the position.
• Ability to read and write at a level appropriate to the job duties.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and exercise sound judgment in troubleshooting and repair.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and manage workflow in a fast-paced teaching environment.
• Ability to interact effectively and professionally with students, including providing guidance on proper tool usage, safety, and fabrication techniques.
• Ability to maintain a safe working environment and enforce department safety procedures.
• Commitment to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive work environment with diverse colleagues and constituents.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with PCB design and fabrication, including CAD tools such as KiCad, Altium Designer, Eagle, or equivalent.
• Experience operating PCB prototyping equipment (e.g., CNC PCB mills, UV exposure units, reflow ovens, pick-and-place machines).
• Experience supporting students with hands-on projects, makerspace environments, or engineering design courses.
• Experience fabricating or assisting with prototypes, test fixtures, power electronics assemblies, RF circuits, or embedded system projects.
• Experience with microcontroller programming environments (Arduino, STM32, TI, etc.) relevant for student projects.
• Familiarity with high-voltage, motor-drive, or power electronics equipment used in an academic engineering environment.
• Experience troubleshooting and repairing test equipment such as oscilloscopes, power supplies, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, or electronic loads.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Mechatronics, or a closely related discipline.
• IPC certifications (e.g., IPC-A-610, IPC-7711/7721) or equivalent soldering and rework credentials.
• Formal electrical safety training, such as OSHA 10/30 (General Industry or Construction) with emphasis on electrical safety, NFPA 70E training, or documented Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) training.
• Training or certification in high-voltage and high-energy lab safety, including safe operation of power systems, rotating machinery, and energized equipment in an instructional setting.
• Prior experience developing or implementing lab safety protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs), checklists, or safety briefings for students.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor students, manage lab resources, and collaborate with faculty on instructional and research projects.

Pay

Anticipated hiring range: $4,595 per month (Step 1) - $5,175 per month (Step 7). Full CSU classification salary range: $4,595 - $6,694 per month (Step 20). Salary step placement determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience.

Schedule

Full-time, Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm. Hours may vary depending on operational needs.

About the Department

The College of Engineering and Computer Science is dedicated to providing high-quality education that transforms students into professionals capable of contributing to technological knowledge, progress, well-being, and sustainable growth in the Capital region and the State of California.

The College’s mission is to produce career-ready engineering, computer science, and construction management professionals with critical thinking skills, creativity, communication abilities, and problem-solving expertise. Sixty-eight full-time faculty members, who earned degrees from some of the nation’s best universities, are committed to educating and training young people with a practical, design-oriented philosophy that encourages independent thinking and problem-solving.

The academic programs prepare over 5,000 students for professional practice and advanced study in their chosen disciplines.