R&D Engineer 2-TX - 135095

The R&D Engineer 2 uses professional engineering concepts to perform moderately complex engineering assignments. Works in a specialized engineering field on a major training and / or research effort. Works on assignments of moderate scope where analysis of situations or data requires a review of a variety of factors.

As a mechanical engineer and part of a field research group conducting coastal oceanographic research, air-sea interaction studies, and naval hydrodynamics research, and research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) of expeditionary sensors: under general supervision, design, fabricate, and test of mechanical and electronic instrumentation systems for observing the ocean in fixed and underway deployment scenarios. Prepare mechanical designs of ocean-going mounts and enclosures for instrumentation deployment using computer-aided design tools. 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), and echo sounders (e.g. Reson T-50 multibeam). Coordinate the preparation and execution of field expeditions and laboratory measurements. Participate in the design, programming, and maintenance of computer code for real-time data acquisition. Under senior level Engineer, conduct advanced operator training tactics, techniques, and procedures in support of emerging undersea operations. Ability to operate and pilot small boats in support of field efforts. Perform data analysis and graphic production for journal publications and conference presentations. Participate in preparation of materials for technical reports, proposals, scientific publications, and oral presentations. Help prepare for and participate in program review meetings such as Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR), Critical Design Reviews (CDR), Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), and Sea Acceptance Tests (SAT).

Acts as an equipment technical lead while on field operations with emphasis on equipment operations, programming, equipment health checks, and subsystem troubleshooting. These duties can vary from mission programming of autonomous undersea vehicles to advanced software development of in-house sensor packages. The position will also at times serve as the primary point of contact for at-sea operations, acting as a liaison between ships and science operations. These duties will involve reporting of equipment status, mission readiness, and safety concerns with limited input from senior level engineers.

• Working knowledge of engineering principles and methods in order to independently perform professional engineering design work of limited scope and complexity.

• Experience with mechanical engineering design software packages (i.e. Solidworks, AutoCad).

• Experience with data analysis programming languages (i.e. MATLAB, Python). Working knowledge of concepts in underwater acoustics, ocean physics, statistical analysis.

• Working knowledge of electrical and mechanical interfaces for sensor integration on AUVs.

• Demonstrated experience operating underwater sonar systems including multibeam and sidescan sonar.

• Demonstrate experience with the design of ocean-going hardware.

• Demonstrated experience with small boat operations.

• Willing to assist in shipboard operations including over-the-side deployment of oceanographic equipment.

• Demonstrated experience tracking the performance of deployed environmental sensors.

• Demonstrated experience in providing data support to, and liaison with, existing and future data users regarding environmental sensors.

• Experience in assisting with sensor assemblies and manufacturing by detailing parts assemblies and creating bill of materials (BOM) for raw materials.

• Working knowledge of software protocols for internal communications with AUV navigation and auxiliary sensor suites.

• Familiarity with manufacturing processes including 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC machines.

• Organizational abilities and decision-making to prioritize work assignments. Analytical and judgment skills to conduct analyses and develop appropriate recommendations.

• Working knowledge necessary to begin independent application of principles, practices and procedures in the completion of assignments. Working knowledge of operating underwater sonar systems including multibeam and sidescan sonar

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work in a collaborative manner, to assist in identifying any challenges or barriers.

• Demonstrated in experience in tracking and accurately describing and documenting revisions of firmware and sensor assemblies.

• Demonstrated experience in relaying learned skills to non-University personnel in the use, maintenance, and deployment of sensors.

• Demonstrated experience as technical leader in field operations with multi-partner experiments

• Position is expected to travel to campus and various off-site locations at least 10-15%* of the time (*2-3 times per week)

• 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.

• Able to obtain and maintain secret security clearance.

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

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