Instrument Developer in Support of Atmospheric Trace Gas Measurements

About the Role

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) is seeking an instrument developer to support the NOAA Global Monitoring Laboratory's (GML) Technology Transitions, Engineering, and Applications (TTEA) division. This one-year full-time position, with the possibility of extension, will support four specific efforts:

• NOAA’s shipborne instruments for measuring pCO₂ in surface seawater and atmospheric greenhouse gas composition.
• TraceAIR: Installation of the MACH package aboard United Airlines commercial aircraft to measure trace gas atmospheric composition.
• NOAA’s GHG Aircraft System for Light Aircraft (NGAS-LA): A flexible and robust instrument package for measuring greenhouse gases in targeted field studies.
• High-Altitude Operational Returning Uncrewed System (HORUS): A balloon-borne scientific package with a glider to return science payloads.

These projects are transitioning from conception to active deployment, and this role will help shape their trajectory.

Key Responsibilities

• Calibrate, test, document, maintain, and repair atmospheric sensors, trace gas measurement systems, or sampling equipment for ground, aircraft, ship, balloon, and/or autonomous system applications (60%).
• Provide input on engineering solutions for measurement needs to collaborating scientists and partner organizations (15%).
• Deploy measurement systems to the field and provide ongoing technical support for field projects (15%).
• Guide the transition of new atmospheric observing technologies and/or platforms toward operational research applications (5%).
• Perform other relevant duties as necessary (5%).

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelor’s degree in marine and ocean technology, environmental science, or a similar field.
• Ability to conduct in-person laboratory work in a U.S. government facility (requires successful completion of a federal background check).
• Ability to travel and conduct fieldwork approximately 15% of time per year.
• Experience with the computer programming languages Python and C.
• Experience with programming small microprocessor control systems (e.g., Arduino, Teensy, Raspberry Pi).

Qualifications

• Ability to productively manage multiple tasks and thrive in a highly interactive team environment.
• Strong knowledge of electrical engineering principles and procedures.
• Creative problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and meticulousness.
• Good oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong troubleshooting skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in marine science technology or similar.
• Experience with analog and digital electronics design and development.
• Ability to design, program, integrate, and implement mobile command, control, communications, and measurement systems.
• Experience with soldering and electronics troubleshooting, including the use of digital oscilloscopes, signal generators, and logic analyzers.
• Experience using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
• Understanding of mechanical systems, materials, and machining.
• Experience with trace gas measurement equipment and techniques.

Additional Information

• Anticipated start date: December 1, 2026.
• 12-month appointment with the possibility of extension.
• Visa sponsorship is not offered. Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the U.S. full-time.
• Requires passing a federal clearance background check by the start date.
• Position is physically situated at the David Skaggs Research Center, Boulder, CO.
• Non-US citizens without green cards will have limited building access and require a federal escort.
• Occasional field work (3-4 times per year, 1-2 weeks per deployment) requiring out-of-state and/or international travel.
• Requires in-person full-time work initially, with potential for situational telework up to 2 days/week after training.
• Annual hiring salary range: $59,888 - $87,770. Salary commensurate with education and experience.
• Some relocation funds may be available.
• Hybrid work modality possible after initial training period.
• Application deadline: November 2, 2026.