Senior Instructional Lab Engineer

The College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) at CU Boulder is seeking a Senior Instructional Lab Engineer. The Senior Instructional Lab Engineer is a student-facing technical leader within the Integrated Teaching and Learning Program (ITLP) in the College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) at CU Boulder. This position--known internally as a Senior Engineering Projects Consultant--independently develops and leads hands-on learning initiatives, providing expert-level support in data acquisition (DAQ), instrumentation, and electromechanical systems to support students and faculty across multiple engineering fields.

This role designs and implements hands-on skill building workshops focused on industry-relevant data acquisition hardware and software, sensors, and instrumentation. Additionally, the Senior Engineering Projects Consultant provides engineering consultations and project-based technical mentorship, assisting students in selecting, implementing, and troubleshooting DAQ and instrumentation solutions for undergraduate and graduate coursework. This role proactively collaborates with program and college partners to develop innovative engineering education initiatives that enhance hands-on learning experiences and optimize lab resources for advanced testing and instrumentation applications.

Proof of eligibility to work in the United States shall be produced within three (3) days of hire.

Technical Leadership -Data Acquisition, Instrumentation, and Electromechanical Systems:

• Leads the implementation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of all data acquisition (DAQ), instrumentation and testing hardware and software in the Integrated Teaching and Learning Laboratory (ITLL).
• Develops and teaches hands-on technical skill building workshops on data acquisition hardware (e.g., NI DAQs) and software (e.g., NI LabVIEW), microcontrollers (e.g. Arduino), single-board computers (e.g., Raspberry Pi).
• Provides ongoing technical support and mentorship to students applying these skills in coursework and open-ended design projects.
• Guides students and faculty in experiment design, including sensor integration (accelerometers, strain gauges, flow meters, force transducers, thermocouples) and test fixture development, ensuring robust data collection and analysis.
• Programs, debugs, and optimizes LabVIEW VIs, Arduino code, and other DAQ-related programming languages as needed.
• Trains and mentors ITLP student and professional staff, to teach workshops offered during evening and weekend hours.
• Creates an inclusive, encouraging learning environment, adapting instructional techniques for students, faculty, and staff with varying levels of exposure and expertise.
• Researches and integrates new equipment, technology, and methods to expand hands-on learning opportunities, providing students with exposure to industry-standard engineering tools.

Laboratory Leadership - Process Improvement and Quality Control:

• Leads the maintenance and continuous improvement of DAQ systems, sensors, and instrumentation, ensuring functionality and reliability for student and faculty use.
• Independently evaluates and recommends upgrades to ITLL DAQ hardware, software, and instrumentation equipment based on industry trends, student needs, and faculty-driven course applications. This includes securing funding through grant-writing, when applicable.
• Collaborates with faculty and ITLP technical staff to strategically integrate new DAQ and sensor technologies into hands-on demonstrations, experiments, and engineering coursework.
• Establishes standards and technical guidelines for DAQ and instrumentation systems for safe and effective use in an educational setting.

Engineering Education Curriculum Development:

• Leads the development of hands-on learning activities focused on DAQ and instrumentation, partnering with faculty to enhance engineering coursework.
• Evaluates ITLP experiments for effectiveness in demonstrating fundamental engineering concepts to students in intriguing and informative ways. Makes refinements as needed.
• Develops assessment strategies and implements data-driven improvements based on faculty and student feedback to continually enhance hands-on learning experiences.

Other Duties:

• Undertakes other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Serves as an engineering role model for visitors, making a positive impression and promoting interest in engineering and technology careers.
• Stays apprised of and current on relevant University and State of Colorado policies and procedures.
• Participates in professional development activities and serves on unit, college, or campus committees as applicable.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited college or university.
• Three years of experience focused on data acquisition, instrumentation, or technical instruction.
• A combination of education and relevant experience in data acquisition hardware & software, instrumentation, electromechanical systems, or technical instruction may substitute on a year-for-year basis.

• Proficiency with data acquisition (DAQ) systems and sensor selection & integration.
• Strong programming and debugging skills in LabVIEW (preferred), MATLAB, Simulink, Arduino, and other DAQ-related platforms.
• Hands-on experience with electrical and mechanical systems including circuit design, wiring, soldering, crimping, and operating power supplies, oscilloscopes, and other test and measurement equipment.
• Ability to develop and deliver technical instruction, including hands-on workshops and one-on-one student consultations.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Strong problem solving and troubleshooting abilities, particularly in a fast paced, dynamic, service-focused engineering environment.
• Sensitivity to and appreciation of cultural, political and geographical differences, with ability to work well with faculty, staff, and students from around the world.

• Master's degree in engineering from an accredited college or university.
• Five years of professional experience focused on data acquisition, instrumentation, or technical instruction.
• Proficiency using data acquisition hardware and software.
• Bilingual language skills.