Job Description
Electronics Instrumentation Specialist
Department of Physics and Astronomy - Purdue University - West Lafayette, IN
Purdue University’s research enterprise depends on labs that are precise, reliable, and safe. This role offers an opportunity to apply specialized electronics expertise in direct support of world-class faculty, students, and experimental research within a leading public institution.
Position overview
The Electronics Instrumentation Specialist supports the department’s research mission and all experimentalist labs by providing advanced electrical and electronic analysis for laboratory equipment and systems. In this role, you will be a go-to problem solver for complex electronic issues, ensuring that research and teaching activities can run safely, efficiently, and with minimal downtime. You will also serve as a key contributor to the department’s safety committee, helping maintain safe and compliant lab environments.
Key responsibilities
- Provide electrical and electronic analysis, troubleshooting, and repair for lab instruments, experimental setups, and related equipment
- Collaborate directly with faculty and instructional staff to understand research and teaching needs and develop practical electronic solutions
- Support the design, modification, and optimization of electronic systems used in experiments and demonstrations
- Maintain documentation of instrumentation configurations, repairs, and modifications to support continuity and reliability
- Serve as an active member of the safety committee, advising on and helping implement safe practices related to electrical and electronic systems in labs
- Assist with evaluating new equipment and technologies to support evolving research and instructional needs
What you’ll bring
- Strong knowledge of electronics, instrumentation, and electrical troubleshooting in a lab or technical environment
- Ability to diagnose complex issues, think creatively, and provide practical, timely solutions
- Comfort working closely with faculty, staff, and students in a collaborative, service-oriented manner
- Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement in support of research and teaching
Why Purdue
At Purdue, technical experts play a critical role in advancing discovery, learning, and engagement. In this position, you will:
- Contribute directly to cutting-edge research and hands-on education
- Work in an environment where learning, innovation, and collaboration are valued
- Be part of a community that invests in the growth and well-being of its employees while driving impact far beyond campus