PAY GRADE: 31S

DEADLINE: Open until Filled

CONEXT OF THE JOB:

Under limited direction, the Senior Engineer will be responsible for the day to day management, planning, and engineering initiatives for a number of ongoing projects. Principal areas of responsibility include planning and conducting independent as well as collaborative research with faculty, research professionals and students. Provide technical engineering direction for the operation, maintenance, research and development of oceanographic platforms and instrumentation. Platforms include REMUS autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), small remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and ship-mounted systems. Instrumentation includes various geophysical sensors (side-scan sonar, multibeam echosounder, magnetometer, and sub-bottom profilers), optical sensors (camera, laser, spectral), and oceanographic sensors (CTDs, fluorometers). The position will require frequent extended travel to remote locations to conduct and occasionally lead these activities. Additionally, this individual will lead data analysis, reporting and logistic planning and support as needed for a number of ongoing research and exploration projects. Requires a high level of independent judgment.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as technical lead and program management for multiple externally funded research and engineering projects.
• Troubleshoot vehicles computer and logic systems, to include embedded hardware and operating systems, networking, serial device protocols. Efficiently use software applications and utilities as related to performing required work. Acts independently on technical matters.
• Perform maintenance, testing and repairs to AUV/ROV electrical systems, to include vehicle power distribution, acoustic navigation systems, imaging sensors and data acquisition instrumentation.
• Lead in all aspects of vehicle operations at sea to include mission programming, pre-mission checkout, vehicle tracking and post mission analysis.
• Mobilize and demobilize platforms, sensors and ancillary equipment on various sized vessels.
• Collaborate on proposals and participate in securing independent funding for projects, participates on proposal teams.
• Responsible for overseeing a budget for multiple research projects which includes spending, expenditures, and procurement. Coordinates with the Business Office. Has signature authority.
• In the absence of the PI, has oversight in meeting grant obligations.
• Read engineering drawings and use lab instrumentation to assist in maintenance, troubleshooting, and development efforts.
• Write software and code for platforms, instrumentation and board-lead function and development.
• Implement engineering changes or upgrades to vehicles and sensors.
• Author and present work including theory, approach, results and conclusions; provide input concerning results and suggested modifications for future works, etc.
• Manage laboratory spaces and maintain an inventory of parts and supplies.
• Maintain a broad knowledge of state-of-the-art science, engineering technology, equipment, and/or systems.
• Lead all shipping and logistics for deployment in the field.
• Provide oversight of IT infrastructure for SMSP in collaboration with the College Director of Computing Operations that includes server operations, developing code for database organization/service, managing internal IT networks data storage and data processing. Lead coordination efforts for SMSP for system upgrades and cyber security, in accordance with UD IT regulations and policy.
• Lead data processing, data analysis, and code development (includes Matlab, Python, R, C, C++, and Unix scripting) for SMSP.
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree with six years of engineering experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Degree in ocean-related Engineering preferred.
• Operations, maintenance, and development experience with AUVs, ROVs and ship-mounted systems.
• Knowledge of REMUS (Remote Environmental Monitoring Unit) functionality.
• Basic understanding of standard commercially available PCB layout and testing software packages (Protell, Orcad, SPICE).
• Experience (deployment/data processing) with various oceanographic geophysical and optical sensors.
• Specialized experience in acoustic mapping systems, robotic systems, data processing packages such as SonarWiz, GeoSwath, Hypack, CARIS or MB-Systems.
• Proficient computer skills (especially Matlab, Python, R, C/C11) including knowledge of basic scientific data processing techniques, statistics and experience with using communication protocols.
• Experience with underwater image processing, ortho-mosaicing, and 3D rendering preferred.
• CAD, CAE, CAM experience preferred.
• Experience with configuring and maintenance of data storage (NAS) systems and networks preferred.
• Familiarity with micro-controllers and real-time operating systems and computer-based communications a plus.
• Ability to deploy on multiple extended periods of two to six weeks each in remote field settings.
• Experience in leading programs requiring security efforts and controls.
• Experience handling small boats.
• SCUBA certification with AAUS certification preferred.
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral) to include ability to write technical reports, make presentations to management teams of potential sponsors and collaborative partners, develop winning proposals, and perform marketing tasks and develop customer relations.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Ability to self-motivate, be well-organized, and be detail oriented.
• Knowledge of basic electronics and background with programming languages.

OCCUPATIONAL/ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES: The physical environment requires the employee to work exposed to all conditions found aboard a ship at sea. This includes heavy weather, extreme heat/cold, and all forms of precipitation. Duties will also require work in remote locations with limited access to health facilities. The individual will occasionally be required to use personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to hazardous materials. With or without assistance, the individual must have the ability to routinely lift sensitive scientific equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. Must be able to perform normal duties aboard ships.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• US citizenship and able to obtain or in possession of TWIC certification.
• Fluency in English. Other languages welcomed
• High level of swimming proficiency and ability to maintain research diver certification under AAUS ( www.aaus.org/diving_standards ).
• Must be able to pass basic First Aid, CPR, and Oxygen Provider training.
• Must have strong interpersonal relationship skills and able to work closely with others in confined space for extended periods.
• Must have great sensitivity to the accomplishment of the field mission.
• Must be able to spend extended periods away from home-port; as much 100 days in the field or at sea for periods of up to 4 weeks at a time.
• Ability to receive training in hazardous shipping within the first six months of employment.
• Previous foreign work experience is preferred.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer which encourages applications from Minority Group Members, Women, Individuals with Disabilities and Veterans. The University's Notice of Non-Discrimination can be found at http://www.udel.edu/aboutus/legalnotices.html

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