Float Lab Engineer

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 build 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 diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.  

The Department of Oceanography has an outstanding opportunity for a Float Lab Engineer (Temporary) to join their team. 

This position supports a high-impact research project focused on the design, testing, and deployment of autonomous ocean-monitoring floats used to study the physics and biogeochemistry of the world's oceans. These efforts contribute to three major international programs - Argo ), GO-BGC (go-), and SOCCOM ) - that collectively represent a global initiative in oceanographic observation. The Float Lab at the University of Washington manages over 600 active floats deployed across the world's oceans, making it a central player in this extensive research effort.

The individual hired for this role will be a key contributor to the design, development, and testing of embedded systems used in the control modules of autonomous oceanographic floats. These systems support various functions including satellite telemetry, GPS/Iridium geolocation, scientific sensor operation, and autonomous instrument control in challenging marine environments.

Responsibilities will include maintaining and extending existing embedded firmware (primarily in C) for float platforms, as well as designing and implementing new firmware for next-generation float systems. This involves bare-metal and processor-level firmware development, real-time data handling, and mechanical integration of new sensors and hardware components. The person in this role will be involved in the full development cycle—from prototyping and bench testing to deployment and monitoring of floats in the field.

A solid understanding of electronics is essential, including the ability to read and interpret schematics, work with wiring diagrams, and use diagnostic tools such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, logic analyzers, and JTAG.

The individual will also be responsible for integrating and communicating with a wide variety of oceanographic sensors, requiring familiarity with digital communication protocols such as RS-232, SPI, and I²C, as well as state machine architectures and hardware-level concepts including interrupt service routines, configuration of processor peripherals, and management of persistent memory.

Experience with embedded systems in harsh environments, particularly in oceanographic or remote sensing applications, is highly desirable

Key Responsibilities

The major duties for this position include:

• 50% – Design and develop embedded firmware for next-generation float controller systems, ensuring functionality, reliability, and seamless integration with hardware components.

• 15% – Design and develop hardware for a next-generation float controller and associated testing apparatus, including schematic design, PCB layout, and hardware validation.

• 10% – Manage and maintain Linux-based systems supporting the local intranet, including server configuration, security updates, performance monitoring, and troubleshooting.

• 10% – Monitor and evaluate the performance of deployed oceanographic floats through real-time, satellite-based data summaries. Perform troubleshooting in both laboratory and field settings as needed. Maintain a real-time data visualization webpage to ensure efficient access to float telemetry and operational status.

• 10% – Maintain and enhance firmware and hardware designs for existing float systems, while developing new firmware, designing updated hardware, and integrating sensors based on evolving project requirements. Collaborate with vendors and research partners to support hardware component selection and integration.

• 5% – Contribute to the creation of technical reports, research publications, and grant proposals, compiling and interpreting float data to support both internal development and external scientific communication efforts. Ensure timely transfer of float data to a global public database.

Required Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and any additional requirements listed below. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering, Oceanography or related field and four years of relevant experience, OR Equivalent combination of education/experience:
  - Extensive experience in electrical engineering and electronics, with practical use of Eagle or similar CAD tools. 
  - Skilled in developing embedded systems, with deep knowledge of microprocessors, C/C++ programming, and managing Linux-based environments. 
  - Background in mechanical engineering and design, with experience using CAD tools such as OnShape or FreeCAD.
  - Willingness and ability to support at-sea and field deployments, including travel to remote locations and working in challenging environmental conditions.

 

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

Preferred Qualification

• Experience with underwater sensors is desirable, as is some familiarity with basic concepts of physical and chemical oceanography.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$92,736.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$126,000.00 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 temporary 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 proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. 

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. 

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