Electrical Engineer

Department of Physics

The Grainger College of Engineering

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, construct, assemble, test, and operate electronics and apparatus to be used in physics research in consultation with faculty and in coordination with research and engineering staff at the University of Illinois and at other research facilities and national laboratories. Not limited to the following, this activity will include:
• Engineering design, procurement, assembly, testing and integration of electronic devices and scientific apparatus used in research labs at UIUC and/or at collaborating external institution (eg. LANL or CERN) for physics research.
• Computer-aided design, simulations, and manufacturing of electronic and mechanical components for research apparatus.
• R&D, manufacturing, testing, and implementation of:
  • low noise analog electronic circuits
  • electronics operating at low temperatures
  • digital FPGA based electronics
• Design of electronics for slow control systems.
• R&D, construction, testing, integration and operation of particle detectors based on all technologies commonly in use in nuclear and particle physics experiments.
• Development of new types of particle detectors and targets used in fixed target and accelerator research.
• Development and implementation of software based on programming languages C, Python, and programming languages for FPGAs, including VDHL and Verilog.
• Train and support students and staff in the field of electronics and scientific instrumentation. This may include teaching assignments in PHYS 404, Electronic Circuits.
• Modify, redesign, or repair experimental equipment and electronic.
• Continuously acquire additional new skills and techniques as needed to support the research in the nuclear physics group and other research groups.
• Serve as a liaison between Illinois faculty and researchers collaborating with engineers at external universities, national and international laboratories (eg. LANL, CERN), and external fabrication facilities, with the goal to coordinate, integrate, and align all stages of electronics and instrumentation development with project requirements. Travel as necessary to offsite locations.
• Provide complete documentation, at the level required for the publication of results in peer reviewed literature, of the assembly, testing, and performance of the apparatus built, including the maintenance of paper and CAD drawings and the use of paper and electronic scientific logbooks. Assume additional appropriate related duties to further the mission of the department.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, electrical engineering, or closely related degree.
• Two years’ experience in the design and fabrication of advanced analog and digital electronics for instrumentation applications in physics research.
• Two years’ experience in using electronic test equipment such as oscilloscopes, network analyzers, ampere meters and voltmeters.
• Two years’ experience in using software and tools for the design of electronic circuit boards, their simulation and testing.

Preferred Qualifications:
Familiarity with low noise and low temperature electronics.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Ability to carry out software and hardware maintenance and upgrades for computers for data acquisition and for general use.
Ability to travel to off-site laboratories, including international locations.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
This is a full-time academic professional position appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. Applicants may be interviewed before the closing date; however, no hiring decision will be made until after that date. The budgeted salary range for this position is $75,000 - $95,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. This position will be expected to work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus on a full-time basis per the University’s Workplace Flexibility policy Sponsorship for work authorization is available for this position.


APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND DEADLINE INFORMATION
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on November 7, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Please upload your cover letter, resume, and names/contact information for three references Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Stephanie Swearingen at sswearin@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.