COMET Engineer I

University Corporation for Atmospheric Research•Boulder, CO

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The UCAR Community Program (UCP) is seeking an Engineer I for its COMET program, specifically within the Innovative Capacity Development Program (ICDP) team. This role focuses on reducing the impact of weather, water, and climate hazards in developing countries by providing cutting-edge, low-cost environmental monitoring technology to local partners globally. The engineer will design, assemble, test, and enhance environmental monitoring systems, including 3D-printed automatic weather stations, stream gauges, and air quality sensors, utilizing low-cost sensors, microcontrollers, and rapid prototyping for resource-limited settings. Responsibilities include evaluating system performance and recommending improvements in electronics, software, sensor integration, communications, and data quality. A significant aspect of the role involves developing and delivering hands-on training workshops for international partners on system fabrication, installation, and operation, along with providing ongoing technical support. Collaboration with COMET scientists, engineers, educational designers, and administrative staff is expected, with potential for significant domestic and international travel. A background in environmental instrumentation and/or boundary layer meteorology is preferred, but candidates with strong relevant technical skills are encouraged to apply.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related science field (e.g. meteorology, environmental science, earth science, computer science)
1 year of engineering experience Or a combination of education and relevant experience.
Relevant experience includes application of engineering principles to instrumentation, environmental monitoring systems, electronics, sensor systems, or related technical areas.
Knowledge of basic engineering principles related to instrumentation, sensors, electronics, and environmental monitoring systems, including familiarity with low-voltage power systems and embedded systems.
Ability to analyze system performance, interpret diagnostic results, and identify technical issues affecting reliability and data quality.
Ability to apply basic engineering concepts to system configuration, testing, and integration; skill in reading and interpreting technical documentation such as schematics, system diagrams, and specifications.
Experience with standard computer applications and data analysis tools.
Good oral and written communication skills and ability to work effectively as a member of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.
Ability and willingness to travel internationally for extended periods (approximately 4-6 trips a year, with trips lasting up to 3 weeks).

Nice To Haves

Background in environmental instrumentation and/or boundary layer meteorology.
Experience installing or maintaining weather stations or sensor networks.
Experience with microcontrollers or IoT devices (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi).
Familiarity with communications systems such as cellular IoT, Wi-Fi, or LoRa.
Experience operating 3D printers and/or 3D CAD software for fabrication of mechanical components.
Experience teaching or facilitating hands-on training courses.
Experience working in developing countries or international field programs.

Responsibilities

Support sensor calibration, verification, and performance testing; assist with evaluating results and identifying factors affecting data quality.
Assist with integration, configuration, and testing of instrumentation prior to deployment, ensuring systems meet performance requirements.
Support documentation of system performance, testing approaches, and technical findings, including manuals, procedures, and field guides.
Assist with installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of instrumentation during domestic and international field deployments.
Support evaluation of system performance under real-world operational and environmental conditions; help identify limitations and recommend improvements based on field observations.
Assist partner organizations during deployments, supporting their understanding of system operation and performance evaluation.
Assist in the development, delivery, and refinement of hands-on training workshops for international partner institutions on system fabrication, installation, configuration, and operation.
Support explanation of system behavior, troubleshooting approaches, and performance considerations to audiences with varying technical backgrounds.
Assist in building partner capacity through direct technical support, follow-up assistance, and ongoing communication with collaborating institutions.
Support fabrication and prototyping of instrumentation components using 3D printing and rapid prototyping tools; assist in refining mechanical designs for durability and performance in field conditions.
Assist with testing and evaluation of new sensors, hardware components, and fabricated parts; help identify performance issues and recommend improvements.
Support development of technical documentation including design notes, evaluation summaries, and development records.