R&D Engineer 1 - 133805

Within the Marine Physical Laboratory Division at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the Coastal Observatory Research and Development Center (CORDC) was established to provide focus to the development of new technologies to observe the ocean; conduct basic and applied research; and to serve as an interface between science, research and marine technology with local, state, and federal agencies. CORDC develops new instrumentation and platforms, conducts sea-going science, and provides both formal and informal education. CORDC maintains partnerships with sponsors from all branches of the Department of Defense and the defense research enterprise, Department of State, Department of Commerce - NOAA, Department of Homeland Security - USCG, and the National Science Foundation. CORDC also maintains local partnerships with State of California, City, and County agencies. CORDC maintains core competencies across a variety of disciplines including physical oceanography, marine robotics; undersea systems; radar; sonar; imaging; environmental sensors and networks; data fusion; marine optics; marine hydrodynamics; and diver technologies.

The Marine Physical Laboratory Division (MPL) was originally established as a Navy-oriented research laboratory in 1946 prior to becoming a division of Scripps Institution of Oceanography in 1949. MPL has offices on both the UC San Diego Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) La Jolla campus and at the Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) on Naval Base Point Loma. MPL is the only certified facility UC-wide for classified research and holdings. It is part of SIO's Oceans and Atmosphere (OA) Section with multi-disciplinary programs of scientific research including: ocean acoustics, signal processing, underwater imaging, acoustics of marine mammals, air-sea interaction and surface waves, upper ocean physics, ocean optics, atmospheric optics, seismology/geophysics, marine geology and geomorphology, and ocean chemistry.

The Marine Physical Laboratory Division at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego is seeking a Research and Development Engineer 1.

Under direct supervision, the R&D Engineer 1 is responsible for conducting coastal oceanographic research, air-sea interaction studies, and naval hydrodynamics research, and research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) of expeditionary sensors: assists in the design, fabricate, and test of mechanical and electronic instrumentation systems for observing the ocean in fixed and underway deployment scenarios. Under instructions from scientific personnel and other group engineers, prepare and test mechanical and software configurations for oceanographic equipment with a focus on autonomous platforms (autonomous underwater vehicles (Remote Environmental Measuring UnitS (REMUS)), waveglider and unmanned aircraft) as well as ADCPs, CTDs, scanning laser ranging system (e.g. LIDAR), echo sounders (e.g. Reson T-50 multibeam). Coordinate the preparation and execution of field expeditions and laboratory measurements. Assist in the design, programming, and maintenance of computer code for real-time data acquisition. Acquire skills to independently perform and conduct advanced operator training tactics, techniques, and procedures in support of emerging undersea operations. Gathers and analyzes data analysis and graphic production for journal publications and conference presentations. Participate in the preparation of materials for technical reports, proposals, scientific publications, and oral presentations.

• Knowledge of engineering principles and methods to perform entry-level professional engineering functions. B.S. in Engineering or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Knowledge of the fundamental concepts of the field. Knowledge of REMUS (Remote Environmental Monitoring UnitS) functionality. Knowledge of wave glider functionality.

• Familiarity using Robot Operating System (ROS) middleware.

• Proficient in Python with experience programming sensors and documenting processes using Jupyter notebooks.

• Experience with data analysis using programming languages (i.e. MATLAB, Python)

• Ability to track and accurately describe and document revisions of firmware and sensor assemblies.

• Assist in shipboard operations including over-the-side deployment of oceanographic equipment.

• Ability to track the performance of deployed environmental sensors.

• Ability to provide data support to, and liaison with, existing and future data users regarding environmental sensors.

• Familiarity with rapid prototyping manufacturing processes including 3D printing and laser cutting.

• Analytical skills, and strong skills in attention to detail. Ability to communicate effectively with technical and scientific personnel. Ability to prepare and print materials for technical reports, proposals, scientific publications, and oral presentations.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Analytical and judgment skills to conduct analyses and develop appropriate recommendations.

• Ability to work in a collaborative manner. Ability to work with others under demanding conditions, sometimes for extended periods of time.

• Ability to assist with sensor assemblies and manufacturing by detailing parts assemblies and creating bill of materials (BOM) for raw materials.

• Ability to relay learned skills to non-University personnel in the use, maintenance, and deployment of sensors.

• Must have access to reliable transportation and a valid driver's license.

• At-sea &/or remote location work (5-7 trips per year).

• Remote-site and/or at-sea operations for field testing and experiments for up to 30 days at a time.

• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.

• Overtime may be required.

• Must be able to obtain and maintain secret security clearance.

• Offer of employment is contingent upon candidate clearing the background check process.

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• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
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• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace