Field Engineer 2

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

2d•$90,000 - $96,000

About 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.

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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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.