Research and Development Engineer 3 - 138802

The Research and Development Engineer 3 uses skills as a seasoned, experienced engineering professional to lead design, deployment, and long term maintenance of specialized hydrometeorological stations to support major, long-term research efforts, overseeing the robust operation of the mechanical components of networks which could consist of hundreds of stations of various types.

Assignments typically require concentration in a field of application where subject matter knowledge relevant to research objectives and methodology is of great value in understanding and establishing engineering design criteria. The incumbent leads the development, documentation, and implementation for the integration, configuration, and maintenance of data logging and telemetry platforms, including Campbell Scientific, Onset HOBO MicroRX, and Sutron Satlink systems, as well as other emerging or future technologies. The incumbent regularly balances multiple project deliverables and manages dynamic schedules that may change due to stakeholder needs, environmental considerations, or other factors.

Under general direction, the engineer is independently responsible for hardware development, design, and fabrication of stations from off the shelf and designed components, demonstrating good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions. The engineer stays current with the latest technologies and research advances. The incumbent is responsible for robust documentation of designed systems including schematics, standardized CAD designs, engineering drawings, lab testing, and installation procedures. The incumbent provides technical leadership for CW3E field operations, working alongside staff to design, prepare, test, deploy, and maintain specialized field equipment in harsh environments, while coordinating efforts to meet sponsored project deliverables across multiple projects.

Responsibilities include coordinating multidisciplinary design and telemetry efforts, ensuring reliable data collection and transmission, and maintaining system documentation and configuration standards. The incumbent also oversees the incorporation of new sensors, communication modules, and telemetry units into established workflows.

The Research & Development Engineer 3 completes project deliverables on time and within budget with minimal oversight. The incumbent provides regular technical updates and recommendations to management and sponsors, and proactively identifies and resolves issues to maintain operational reliability and data integrity.

• Thorough knowledge and experience with engineering principles and methods to independently perform the full range of engineering professional design work. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in materials selection, fabrication techniques, procurement procedures, assembly techniques, testing, troubleshooting, and calibration methods used in hydrometeorological instrument development and production.

• Thorough knowledge necessary to apply principles, practices and procedures in the completion of assignments. Strong background in designing unique mechanical engineering solutions to deploy hardware in a variety of harsh environments.

• Demonstrated organizational and decision-making abilities to prioritize competing work assignments in order to meet deadlines and adherence to quality standards. Strong decision-making and ability to use independent judgement and to respond effectively to unexpected events or changes. Proven ability to perform design and fabrication, assembly and maintenance, and other tasks under stressful and difficult conditions (e.g., in the field).

• Strong analytical and judgment skills to independently conduct analyses and develop appropriate recommendations.

• Effective written and verbal communication and presentation skills.

• Ability to work in a collaborative manner; identify challenges and barriers and recommend resolutions. Excellent interpersonal communication skills including thoughtfulness, diplomacy and flexibility with students, staff, faculty, vendors, collaborators, stakeholders, communities, and partners from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Ability to problem solve and resolve conflict. Willingness and demonstrated ability to embrace and consistently uphold the principles of community for a collaborative work environment.

• Ability to lead and influence others. Demonstrated ability to routinely monitor production and quality of work performed by staff, to assess staff capabilities and workloads, and to teach/train staff in all aspects of job duties/responsibilities.

• Proven ability to develop and maintain strategic relationships and partnerships with remote stakeholders and partners.

• Proven experience in planning and performing laboratory work and fieldwork necessary to meet project objectives in a safe manner including when traveling with hazardous materials, in adverse environmental conditions and remote areas.

• Demonstrated ability to use independent judgment and make responsible and safety-conscious decisions in the lab and in the field. Proven ability to work in ambiguous conditions and take relevant responsible action as required.

• Organizational abilities and decision-making to prioritize work assignments. Strong project management skills and ability to adhere to project timelines and deliverables. Demonstrated ability to adapt team tasks in response to changing priorities and deadlines in the laboratory and in the field.

• Experience using a variety of hand tools, power tools, cutting tools, etc.

• Work experience in safely operating a variety of vehicles such as trucks, trailers, and forklifts.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within and help guide small teams. Experience supporting high-quality work through coordination, clear communication, and knowledge-sharing. Ability to mentor and train colleagues on job duties and responsibilities as needed. Communicates expectations clearly and helps motivate others through collaboration and example.

• Thorough knowledge with CAD software for drawings, designing parts, 3D modeling, and running simulations.

• Thorough knowledge of Matlab, Python, BASIC/CRBasic, or similar programming languages and ability to quickly become conversant in a variety of languages.

• Thorough knowledge and experience working with 3rd party data acquisition systems, communication modules and telemetry systems. Demonstrated good working knowledge of meteorological sensors including but not limited to soil moisture, soil temperature, surface meteorology, vertical pointing radars, GPS, and optical disdrometers.

• Working knowledge of UCSD network security policy and standards. Proven ability to install firewalls, password protections, and anti-virus software. Proven ability to install patch updates, minimize unencrypted authentication and set up firewalls.

• Demonstrated good working knowledge of Windows and Unix operating systems as pertains to system administration and maintenance.

• Ability to perform heavy physical labor and to work under adverse conditions. Ability to lift up to 60 pounds. Ability to climb ladders and stairs.

• Must be willing to go in the field for up to two months per year for periods of up to three weeks throughout the year.

• Evenings and weekends and irregular hours may be required.

• Must be willing to perform fieldwork in variable terrain using rugged 4WD vehicles. Must be prepared to travel within mountain regions at high altitudes; travel to remote areas in all sorts of adverse weather conditions; and travel to remote mountain areas in all seasons including winter travel by tracked vehicles, skis, and snowshoes.

• Must be willing to work with hazardous materials.

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

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

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For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

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Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

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