Apprentice Instrumentation Technician Jobs in California

Job Summary

Department of Meteorology and Climate Science is seeking a Meteorological Electronic Technician to support the department's teaching and research programs. This position works independently to perform skilled repair, maintenance, calibration, installation, and modification of electrical and electromechanical equipment, with a primary focus on meteorological instrumentation used in laboratories, research, rooftop observatories, field locations, and vehicle-mounted applications

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain, repair, install, troubleshoot, and calibrate sophisticated scientific instrumentation
• Diagnose and repair equipment such as Doppler radar, lidar, weather stations, cameras, and air-quality instruments
• Install instrumentation on fixed and mobile platforms and participate in occasional scientific field deployments
• Maintain data communications between instruments, data loggers, and campus websites.
• Design, develop, modify, and fabricate specialized equipment for faculty and student research and instruction
• Maintain equipment and component inventories and work with vendors to obtain quotes and technical information

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to communicate with constituents in a professional and respectful manner
• General awareness of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), and a willingness to develop skills in their appropriate, responsible, and ethical use in a higher education environment, consistent with institutional policies and practices
• Thorough knowledge of methods and procedures of electronic equipment
• Thorough knowledge of workings of standard electronic equipment used in various scientific enterprises
• Thorough knowledge of electronic diagnostic equipment with high and low voltage shock hazards
• Thorough knowledge of equipment repair, maintenance, troubleshooting and overhaul
• Ability to understand the basic concepts of physics and mathematics, and knowledge and experience in digital electronics
• Ability to analyze and troubleshoot equipment problems and determine what repairs are needed
• Ability to review and prepare specifications for technical equipment
• Ability to install, repair, and maintain a wide variety of equipment
• Thorough knowledge of all safety methods, procedures and practices
• Knowledge of basic software applications (word processing, spreadsheet, etc.) and ability to work with instrument-specific software applications
• Ability to perform accurately in a detail-oriented environment
• Ability to handle multiple priorities, organize and plan work and projects
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive communications with employees and external agencies
• Strong oral communications skills. Must possess excellent customer service and public relations skills

Required Qualifications

• Equivalent to three (3) years of progressively responsible journey-level or skilled experience in the maintenance, repair and operation of scientific or technical equipment in the specialty area to which assigned, including one (1) year involving design modifications and fabrication of complex and highly technical equipment or equivalent to two (2) years of semi-skilled experience maintaining and repairing scientific or technical equipment or related equipment experience as part of instructional support activities may be substituted for one year of the required experience or equivalent to two years of trade school or technical arts training with specialization in the type of equipment repair to which assigned. Completion of an apprenticeship program or completion of a full military specialization in the required type of equipment maintenance and repair may be substituted for one year of the required experience. A Federal Communications Commission license is required for some positions

Preferred Qualifications

• BS in a field in which electronic instrumentation is widely used (e.g., Physics, Engineering, Meteorology or a related field), or comparable military experience
• Experience in calibration, testing and repair of such electronic equipment
• Experience in weather station surface networks, data management and data communications systems
• Experience working with radar and/or lidar remote sensing systems
• Knowledge of radar and lidar theory

Compensation

Classification: Equipment Technician III, Electronic
Anticipated Hiring Range: $6,941/month - $7,513/month (Step 16 - Step 20)
CSU Salary Range: $5,157/month - $7,513/month (Step 1 - Step 20)
San Jose State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Letter of Interest

All applicants must apply within the specified application period: August 10, 2026 through August 24, 2026. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

Contact Information

People and Culture
jobs@sjsu.edu

CSU Vaccination Policy

The CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus. The system wide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to jobs@sjsu.edu.

Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.
The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.
SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (e.g. H1-B VISAS)
All San Jose State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Incumbent is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Office or report any discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Housing Fire Safety Notification: 

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Annual Security Report (ASR) is also now available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Security-Report.pdf. The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and Sexual Assault prevention information, and information about drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery crimes for San Jose State University locations for the three most recent calendar years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the Office of the Clery Director by phone at 408-924-1501 or by email at clerycompliance@sjsu.edu.

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is also available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Fire-Safety-Report.pdf. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within SJSU on-campus housing facilities for the three most recent calendar years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on Campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Housing Office by phone at 408-795-5600 or by email at uhs-frontdesk@sjsu.edu.

Campus Security Authority - In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and CSU systemwide policy, this position is subject to ongoing review for designation as a Campus Security Authority. Individuals that are designated as Campus Security Authorities are required to immediately report Clery incidents to the institution and complete Clery Act training as determined by the university Clery Director.

Equal Employment Statement

San Jose State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San Jose State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. San Jose State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.