Electronics and Instrumentation Specialist

About the Role

Towson University's Department of Physics, Astronomy & Geosciences is seeking an Electronics and Instrumentation Specialist to support teaching and research laboratories in physics, astronomy, chemistry, biology, and geosciences. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys troubleshooting complex electronic systems, building custom solutions, prototyping electronics and helping scientists and students turn ideas into working instruments. The university environment brings opportunities for mentorship, and the position affords flexibility and professional autonomy in managing multiple priorities and adapting to evolving needs of the faculty, staff, and students in the Fisher College of Science and Mathematics.

Responsibilities and Duties

Science Complex Instrument Support

• Provide general electronics and technical instrument support for classrooms and research labs in the Science Complex.
• Utilize electronics expertise to troubleshoot and repair research and instructional lab instrumentation.
• Consult with vendors on lab equipment maintenance and repair as necessary.
• Consult with faculty and students on the design of new equipment and instruments.
• Improve lab efficiency through applied programming and technological support for existing and newly designed devices.
• Assist department and college faculty and staff with capital equipment purchase and installation.
• Maintain electronic shop in an orderly fashion and manage electronic budget.
• Maintain supply of electronics components and replacement parts.
• Manage Electronics Shop budget.

Department Instructional Laboratory Support

• Assist faculty in development of laboratory exercises and demonstrations.
• Assist faculty who are new to the teaching labs.
• Provide guidance and support to students in projects involving electronics/electronic instrumentation.

Department Laboratory Property Management

• Serve as inventory coordinator for department laboratory equipment with TU Property Control.
• Coordinate property acquisitions and disposal with TU Material Management.
• Maintain an inventory of instructional laboratory equipment and plan for repair or replacement as necessary.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Engage in professional development by maintaining up-to-date knowledge of programming, technologies and design.

Qualifications and Skills

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, physics or a related field or equivalent technical experience.
• Experience with microcontrollers, FPGA programming, and LabVIEW.
• Proficiency with tools such as oscilloscopes, signal generators (including microwave), spectrum analyzers, soldering stations, and CAD software.
• Strong practical skills in analog and digital electronics and ability to diagnose problems specialized lab equipment and perform some repairs.
• Ability to manage multiple pressing priorities and tasks and follow up with internal and external stakeholders through closure.
• Excellent communication, customer service and interpersonal skills, with the ability to project a professional and positive image of the institution.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse team and foster an inclusive collaborative environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in electrical engineering, physics or a related field.
• Experience working in academic laboratory settings.
• Familiarity with cryogenic and vacuum systems.
• Demonstrated experience in teaching and/or mentoring.

Candidates who meet many but not all the preferred qualifications, especially those with strong hands-on electronics, maker, robotics, embedded systems, audio engineering, amateur radio, research lab, or experimental project experience, are encouraged to apply. We value curiosity, practical problem-solving ability, and willingness to learn as much as prior experience with specific tools or platforms.

Salary and Benefits

Targeted hiring range is $65,000-$70,000 and full university benefits that include 22 days of annual leave, up to 17 holidays, personal and sick days; excellent health, life, and retirement plans; and tuition remission. TU also offers a variety of great perks and discounts.