NEON Instrumentation Technical Specialist - CO

Battelle delivers when others can’t. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients—whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Company Overview

Battelle manages and operates the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) program, which is solely funded by the National Science Foundation. A 30+ year project dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, land use and invasive species impact ecology, the observatory’s scientists and engineers are collecting a comprehensive range of ecological data on a continental scale across 20 eco-climatic domains representing US ecosystems. Our teams use cutting-edge technology, including an airborne observation platform that captures images of regional landscapes and vegetation; mobile, relocatable, and fixed data collection sites with automated ground sensors to monitor soil and atmosphere; and trained field crews who observe and sample populations of diverse organisms and collect soil and water data. Once structures are completed, a leading-edge cyberinfrastructure will calibrate, store and publish this information. The Observatory includes more than 500+ personnel and is the first of its kind designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change at continental scales.

We are currently seeking a NEON Instrumentation Technical Specialist. This is an onsite position located in Boulder, CO. The Instrumentation Technical Specialist III is a member of the NEON Instrumentation Group, supporting the design, documentation, maintenance, and improvement of scientific instrumentation used across observatory operations. This role assists with mechanical design tasks, documentation updates, component evaluations, lab assembly work, and troubleshooting activities for instrument assemblies and field‑deployed equipment.

This position also includes occasional field work and travel to help diagnose issues with deployed systems, validate engineering solutions, and support field staff with implementation guidance. Field assignments are performed under the direction of senior engineers and in coordination with operations and science teams.

• Assist with reviewing and updating drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), product structures, and engineering documentation for instrument components and subassemblies.
• Support development of mechanical designs, simple fixtures, prototypes, and test setups under the guidance of senior engineers.
• Contribute to documentation improvements that enhance manufacturability, assembly clarity, and maintainability.
• Participate in basic troubleshooting of mechanical and electromechanical issues in both laboratory and field environments.
• Perform occasional field visits and travel to help diagnose instrumentation issues, collect information for engineering analysis, and support implementation of approved solutions.
• Support quality and reliability activities, including verifying components meet design specifications and assisting with basic root‑cause investigations.
• Assist with supplier engagement, including collecting component information, evaluating replacement parts, documenting qualification results, procuring components, and supporting obsolescence management.
• Assist in implementing engineering changes to improve serviceability, reliability, and standardization of fielded instrumentation.
• Collaborate with various teams (science, operations, quality, and field teams) to communicate design intent and reliability considerations.
• Perform hands‑on lab work for electromechanical assemblies, including basic machine shop tasks, 3D printing, soldering, and manual component modifications.
• Follow all NEON safety requirements, policies, and procedures.
• Assist with procurement and tracking of prototype parts, instrumentation components, and materials.
• Support evaluation of the impacts of minor design changes on cost, manufacturability, and field installation.

• Associate’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related discipline; seven (7) years of technical maintenance and repair experience; or an equivalent combination of education and or experience in a related field.
• Experience or familiarity with CAD tools and engineering documentation systems (e.g., SolidWorks, Windchill).
• Ability to learn and apply drawing standards, documentation requirements, and BOM management.
• Basic understanding of mechanical systems, materials, manufacturing processes, or instrumentation.
• Foundational understanding of electromechanical troubleshooting.
• Electromechanical assembly and soldering experience.
• Ability and willingness to travel for short‑duration field assignments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate across diverse teams.
• Self‑motivated with the ability to learn new technologies and adapt to shifting priorities.
• Ability to safely climb towers up to 300 feet and lift to 50 pounds.
• Ability to drive company vehicles (training provided).Applicants must have authorization to work in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of any employment Visa at this time.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related discipline; five (5) years of technical maintenance and repair experience; or an equivalent combination of education and or experience in a related field.
• Experience with instrumentation, sensing technology, data acquisition, or environmental monitoring equipment.
• Familiarity with quality systems (ISO 9001, Six Sigma, etc.).
• Exposure to manufacturing, prototyping, field operations, or laboratory environments.
• Experience supporting configuration management or documentation control.

• Battelle is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role is $64,000 - $89,000 per year, in addition to our comprehensive benefits package. A candidate’s salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to education, relevant work experience, skills, and certifications. Salary ranges may vary based on geographic location and market conditions.

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Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life
We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.

• Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
• Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
• Better together: Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
• Build your financial future: Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
• Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.

A Work Environment Where You Succeed
For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity’s most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.

You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:

• Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
• Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
• Partner with world-class experts in a collaborativeenvironment
• Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders
• Give back to and improve our communities

Vaccinations & Safety Protocols

Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients’ requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).

Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.

The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.

For more information about our other openings, please visit www.battelle.org/careers