Field Engineer 2

Job Description

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state, and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills, and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities, and unique resources in an environment noted for academic excellence, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.

The Department:

The Ocean Physics Department (OPD) conducts seagoing research into the fundamental fluid dynamics of the ocean, including its interactions with the atmosphere and its role in the climate system. OPD also engages in research focused primarily on the study of small-scale to meso-scale oceanographic physical processes, the design and development of unique instruments for use in these studies, and the education of undergraduate and graduate students through instruction and employment. This position primarily supports the following programs in the Applied Physics Laboratory:

(1) Operations and Maintenance of the Northwest Environmental Mooring program, operated and maintained as part of the Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems (NANOOS), funded through the NOAA IOOS and Ocean Acidification Research programs, and the Washington Ocean Acidification Center. The purpose of the research projects is to provide reliable, long-term, real-time, high-quality oceanographic and atmospheric observations in support of 1) long-term studies to investigate ocean acidification, hypoxia, harmful algal blooms, and climate change within Washington waters, 2) rapid resource management decisions using real-time observations, and 3) Washington Coast and Salish Sea environmental modeling efforts.

(2) Shelf Real-time Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) mooring.  Since 2016, APL has been working with other institutions to deploy a real-time HAB monitoring system seasonally on the Washington shelf to provide early warning of offshore toxic HABs and to inform HAB forecasts. This project is presently funded through the NOAA Marine Event Response to HABs (MERHAB) project. This position would work closely with both APL field engineers and NOAA Northwest Fisheries Science Center collaborators to prepare our primary instrument, the Environmental Sample Processor, for the twice-annual deployments.

See Yourself at APL as a member of the Ocean Physics Department We are seeking a full-time Field Engineer 2 to join the team. This position has a salary range of $90,000 to $96,600 per year ($7,500 to $8,000 monthly), along with great employment benefits and competitive total compensation incentives.

The Position:

The Field Engineer 2 (FE2) will work as a technical lead and will function as a part of a team of research scientists and engineers to support long-term oceanographic observing systems, including 6 Puget Sound moorings, 2 offshore moorings, and a mooring in Bellingham Bay. Work will be performed in a laboratory environment and in the field aboard research vessels. The field engineer will lead regular maintenance on oceanographic instrumentation, laboratory, and field support systems. This includes maintaining safety standards, managing team schedules, planning multi-step system maintenance to meet team schedules, procurement of supplies, developing standard operating procedures and safety protocols, keeping asset and inventory records current, and documenting system operations. Other responsibilities include remote troubleshooting through data analysis, hands-on benchtop troubleshooting and repairs of electro-mechanical systems, and overseeing logistics and preparation for field operations.

Field work for this position will include 1-day operations aboard small vessels up to multi-week research cruises on global-class research vessels. This field engineer will operate small boats, APL vehicles, forklifts, cranes, and overhead lift systems. The field engineer will be responsible for ensuring that safety standards are maintained in laboratory and field work settings.

Field Engineer 2 Responsibilities:
As a Field Engineer 2 in the Ocean Physics Department, your responsibilities will include:

• Manage material and overall logistics related to service and refurbishment of ocean instrumentation and instrument platforms. Assist with research logistics, including transporting 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.

• Plan and lead testing and checkout of scientific oceanographic instruments. Identify problems with the research equipment or methods, and implement solutions. Attend regular team meetings and provide operational updates to the rest of the team.

• Participate in developing and constructing custom instrument systems, and oversee instrument platform integration, assembly, and testing. The FE2 will make independent decisions on minor system modifications, and will carry out system operations, repairs, maintenance, testing, and calibrations of equipment used in the Laboratory and the field.

• Plan and lead maintenance of laboratory and field equipment, including test tanks and small boat/trailer maintenance. Procure supplies, keeping asset and inventory records current, and documenting system operations. Develop standard operating procedures and safety protocols as needed.

• Maintain field and laboratory safety standards in all work environments, and assume responsibility for safe and effective operation of complex experimental equipment.

• At sea maintenance and installation efforts (aboard small boats and large research vessels). Assist in all aspects of field data collection, including small vessel operations, instrument calibration, data acquisition, and record keeping. May instruct, train, and supervise support staff on methods and procedures; Schedule and document the work of team members.

General Requirements:

Bachelor's Degree or higher in Engineering, Sciences, or a closely related technical field. Equivalent experience can substitute for the degree requirement, AND at least 4 years of relevant work experience.

•   Able to work independently and as part of a research team, interacting cooperatively with people from diverse backgrounds, academic levels, and nationalities.

•   Experience with electromechanical system development, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

•   Independently determine and communicate about the kinds of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

•   Experience with standard electrical assembly and test equipment, including soldering, connector assembly, oscilloscope, and DMMs.

•   Strong organizational skills, and experience with inventory and/or maintenance management systems.

•   Experience with electrical communications protocols (serial, Ethernet).

•   Strong verbal and written communication skills.

•   Able to operate and perform maintenance tasks on small boats.

•   Experience with Linux OS and command-line computer operations.

•   Valid Driver's License.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

While not required, you'll stand out if you have:

• Database and data set handling and analysis experience.
• Programming Experience (Python, MATLAB).
• The willingness to complete a security background investigation.
• Experience operating small boats.

About APL:

The Applied Physics Laboratory is a research unit at the University of Washington. Our research expertise is in ocean physics and engineering, ocean and medical acoustics and imaging, polar science, remote sensing, and signal processing. We conduct research and development that is sponsored by a variety of federal and state agencies and take great pride in our long-standing status as a US Navy-designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). Our work takes place not only on the University of Washington campus and medical centers, but in field locations around the world – at sea, in the air, and on polar ice caps. We apply rigorous scientific inquiry and engineering excellence in pursuit of solutions to important problems for the good of our region, nation, and world.

We are focused on building and sustaining a laboratory where all students, staff, and collaborators can realize success. We believe every member of our team enriches our research enterprise by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and discover, design, and deliver solutions. We invite you to explore our laboratory, to find answers to Common Questions about the University's application process, and to See Yourself at APL.

About the University of Washington's Application Process:
The application process 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.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$90,000.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$96,000.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at or  

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law. 

---