APL FIELD ENGINEER 2
Req #: | 166432 |
Department: | APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY |
Job Location: | Seattle Campus |
Posting Date: | 04/09/2019 |
Closing Info: | Open Until Filled |
Salary: | Salary is commensurate with experience and education |
Shift: | First Shift |
Notes: | As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For detailed information on Benefits for this position, click here. |
UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. All of which has allowed the UW to be nationally recognized as a “Great College to Work For” for five consecutive years.
The Applied Physics Laboratory is searching for a Field Engineer 2 to provide APL researchers with hands-on engineering and technical support for their sponsored research activities, both at the lab and in the field. Research supported by this position is conducted in the areas of oceanography, marine renewable energy, and marine robotics. APL Field Engineers conduct electrical and mechanical fabrication, assembly, integration, bench testing, calibration, field deployment, operation, maintenance and recovery of scientific equipment and instruments. Field Engineers play an integral role in our research, as they may be asked to design or assist in the design of custom, one-off scientific instruments, to make independent judgments on behalf of the researcher while in the field, and to contribute information toward a researcher's decisions regarding scientific equipment.
Research projects supported by this position solve oceanographic problems significant to both basic (e.g., National Science Foundation, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, National Aeronautic and Space Agency), applied (e.g., US Navy, Defense Applied Research Projects Agency) and private industry research funding sponsors.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Electronic Fabrication, Assembly and Testing
-Fabricate, assemble, integrate, and calibrate custom electronic components (e.g., circuit boards, cable assemblies) to be integrated into custom and modified, commercial equipment.
-Maintain operational condition of equipment by cleaning, calibrating, modifying, diagnosing problems and repairing.
-Identify problems with the research equipment or methods, and identify and implement solutions.
-Procure equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish research program objectives.
-Maintain safety standards in the laboratory.
Fieldwork
-Prepare, deploy, operate, repair, maintain, recover field equipment both locally (e.g., Puget Sound) and globally (e.g., Pacific Ocean).
-Assist with experiment logistics, including: shipment of equipment to remote field locations; obtaining lodging, communications, and sourcing supplies; at the conclusion of each field experiment, manage the proper storage and inventory of equipment and supplies.
-Maintain safety standards during operations onboard research vessels; and assume responsibility for safe and effective operation of complex experimental equipment.
-Assist in all aspects of field data collection, including: small vessel operations, instrument calibration, computer data acquisition, and record keeping.
Other
-May instruct and supervise support staff and students on methods and procedures.
-May schedule and document the work of team members.
-May analyze fieldwork results; develop conclusions and recommendations.
-May contribute to research results in publishable form.
REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering; equivalent experience can substitute for degree requirement.
At least four years of relevant work experience that includes:
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of electronics principles and theories is required.
• Demonstrated experience with advanced electronic component and scientific equipment fabrication, assembly, testing, deployment, maintenance, operation, repairs.
• Demonstrated experience in the application of common electronics fabrication methods and tools, especially micro-electronic component fabrication.
• Able to meet the physical requirements necessary to work at sea in small to large vessels for extended periods and willing to perform the required duties aboard ships.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds in materials.
• Able to work independently, and as part of a research team, interacting cooperatively with people from diverse backgrounds, academic levels, and nationalities.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Able to acquire and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
DESIRED:
• Experience with AUVs or UUVs
• At sea experience
• Vessel operator experience
• Scuba diver certification
• Experience working for research lab at an R1 University
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Laboratory setting (50%) at APL and occasionally other labs on campus.
In the field (50%) including most commonly Lake Washington, Puget Sound, Washington/Oregon Coast and around the globe (e.g., Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, Beaufort Sea).
Duration of fieldwork ranges between one day to a few weeks at a time, and can occur any time during the year.
Research platforms can range from Skiffs/RIBs to global class UNOLS vessel (e.g., R/V Thomas G Thompson) to sea-ice camps.
Application Process:
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.
Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.
The University of Washington is a leader in environmental stewardship & sustainability, and committed to becoming climate neutral.
The University of Washington is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 / 206-543-6452 (tty) or dso@uw.edu.