| | The Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington (APL/UW) is a premier center for research, development and advanced education in science and engineering. APL/UW was formed in 1943 at the request of the U.S. Navy to bring university resources to bear on urgent WWII defense problems. From a wartime beginning focused on effective torpedo exploders, APL/UW initiated acoustic studies and oceanographic research programs to understand how variations in the ocean environment affected the performance of Navy systems. Decades of acoustic and oceanographic studies yielded an understanding of the world's deep oceans.
Today our scientists and engineers make important contributions to understanding the earth's climate cycles with satellite and in situ sensing of ocean winds, currents, and air-sea fluxes; observations of Arctic sea ice, its variations and effects on mid-latitude oceans; and ocean tomography that reveals how the abyssal ocean mixes and sequesters carbon. APL-UW continues to lead research in the basic and applied physics of sound—from sonars used to probe the geology of the deep ocean floor to hand-held high-frequency focused ultrasound devices to image and stop internal bleeding without surgery.
APL-UW has an outstanding opportunity for an Electronic Fabrication Technician in the Ocean Engineering Department to support oceanographic research programs. For half a century APL/UW ocean engineers have demonstrated expertise in science and technology that has gained them an international reputation. The Ocean Engineering Department serves as a resource to scientists at APL/UW, the University of Washington more broadly, other National and International research organizations, and the U.S. Navy. The Ocean Engineering Department provides electrical, mechanical, software and field engineering know-how to support ambitious basic and applied research programs in extreme environments around the globe, from the Arctic to the depths of the oceans.
The purpose of this position is to provide APL researchers with hands-on engineering and technical support, primarily at the Lab and occasionally in the field, for their sponsored research activities. This support includes electrical fabrication, assembly, integration, testing, calibration, field deployment, operation, maintenance and recovery of commercially available and custom scientific equipment and instruments.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Electronic Fabrication, Assembly and Testing (85%)
-Following instructions and schematics provided by professional electrical engineers, fabricate, assemble, integrate, calibrate, test and repair electronic components (e.g., circuit boards, cable assemblies, components) for unique, one-of-a-kind scientific instruments.
-Apply knowledge of electronics principles and theories.
-Apply common electronics fabrication methods and tools (e.g., soldering), especially micro-electronic component fabrication.
-Procure equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish research program objectives.
-Identify/troubleshoot problems with the research equipment or methods, and identify and implement solutions.
-Maintain operational condition of equipment by cleaning, calibrating, modifying, diagnosing problems and repairing.
-Develop and manage inventory lists; order, stock, catalog and store electronic components such as transistors, resistors, circuit boards, capacitors, inductors, tubes, connectors, etc.
-Maintain a PADS parts library.
-Managing parts kit process between engineers and external vendors (e.g., PCB fabrication).
-Maintain safety standards in the workspaces and Labs.
Fieldwork (10%)
-Deploy, operate, repair, maintain and recover scientific instruments in the field.
-Assist with experiment logistics preparations, including shipment of 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.
-Maintain safety standards during operations in the field and onboard research vessels. Assume responsibility for safe and effective operation of complex experimental equipment.
-Assist in field data collection, including instrument calibration, computer data acquisition, and record keeping.
*Most fieldwork is expected to be local (e.g., Lake Washington/Union or Puget Sound), however will vary based on project.
Other (5%)
-May provide direction to other technicians and students on methods and procedures.
-May schedule and document the work of team members.
-May analyze fieldwork results; develop conclusions and recommendations.
-May contribute to research results in publishable form.
As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world. UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. All of which has allowed the UW to be nationally recognized as a “Great College to Work For” for six consecutive years.
REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Physics, or technical related field with specific demonstrated knowledge and application of electronics principles and theories. Equivalent combination of education and experience can substitute for degree.
Requires least 2 years of job-related experience to include:
Demonstrated experience with advanced electronic component and scientific equipment fabrication, assembly, testing, deployment, maintenance, operation, repairs.
Demonstrated experience in the application of common electronics fabrication methods and tools (e.g., soldering), especially micro-electronic component fabrication.
Able to meet the requirements necessary to work at sea in small to large vessels for extended periods and willing to perform the required duties aboard ships.
Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds in materials repeatedly.
Able to work independently, and as part of a research team, communicating and interacting cooperatively with people from diverse backgrounds, academic levels, and nationalities.
Able to acquire and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
DESIRED:
Experience with autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) or unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs)
Experience with PADS software
Experience with inventory management
At sea experience
Vessel operator experience
Scuba diver certification
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
May be subject to successful completion of E-Verify process.
Application Process:
PLEASE NOTE: Within your cover letter, in addition to any helpful information you want us to consider, please tell us what about this position and the Applied Physics Laboratory – UW drew you to apply?
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed. |
