Job Description

Payroll Title:
RSCH AND DEV ENGR 2
Department:
MARINE PHYSICAL LABORATORY
Hiring Pay Scale
$36.88 - $51.77/Hour
Worksite:
SIO
Appointment Type:
Career
Appointment Percent:
100%
Union:
Uncovered
Total Openings:
1
Work Schedule:
8 hrs/day, Mon-Fri (with occasional weekends)

#134135 R&D Engineer 2

Filing Deadline: Thu 1/30/2025

UC San Diego values equity, diversity, and inclusion. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 01/28/2024 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Special Selection Applicants: Apply by 01/30/2024. Eligible Special Selection clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

THIS POSITION REQUIRES A U.S. PASSPORT AND ABILITY TO WORK AT SEA FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME.

DESCRIPTION

The Marine Physical Laboratory Division at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego is seeking a skilled Research and Development Engineer 2.

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.

Under general supervision, participates in the maintenance, testing and deployment of off-the-shelf instrumentation and the development, fabrication and testing of novel oceanographic electronic and mechanical instrumentation systems in support of ocean physics research. Under direction provide planning, design, fabrication, transportation, deployment, and recovery of sensors and instrumentation in the field or at sea in support of oceanographic research programs. Under direction perform logistics support including laboratory equipment maintenance, purchasing and international or domestic shipping and receiving of oceanographic equipment and supplies. Operate heavy machinery/vehicles, forklifts, and bridge cranes as required. Operate boats for field operations.

This position has recently been accreted by TX union and will be a part of that union moving forward.

QUALIFICATIONS

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

  • Experience in electronic assembly such as soldering cables and connectors, simple PCB electromechanical component assembly, ability to understand basic electronic schematics, and the use of general-purpose electronic test equipment such as DMM’s, meggers and oscilloscopes.

  • Working knowledge necessary to begin independent application of principles, practices and procedures in the completion of assignments. Knowledge of the physical/chemical properties of materials in seawater and the associated problems such as galvanic corrosion. Ability to formulate solutions to best solve these problems.

  • Experience with reading and documenting complex wiring diagrams for new and existing instrumentation. Ability to fabricate wiring harnesses for complex systems from diagrams.

  • Effective hands-on machining and standard fabrication techniques to make prototypes. Ability to create various CNC toolpaths using CAM and construct unique hold down techniques.

  • Experience in operation of general shop equipment including the lathe, mill, drill press, band saw, belt sander, router, table saw, disk sander, grinder, etc.

  • Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel, SketchUp, Autodesk Inventor, Fusion 360, Solidworks, and LucidChart. Experience with Macintosh and Windows based computer systems.

  • Ability to work in remote locations and at sea under potentially adverse conditions for extended periods. Skills in shipboard operations including over-the-side deployment of a wide-range of oceanographic equipment

  • Experience with the operation of boat hoists. Demonstrated ability to launch, maneuver and anchor boats from a pier and other areas.

  • Experience in fabrication, design and construction of oceanographic instrument systems for the marine environment.

  • Knowledge of shipboard deck equipment and rigging such as electric and hydraulic winches, cranes and A-frames as well as the safe use of rope, chain, cable, pulleys, and bridles.

  • Ability to perform design and fabrication, assembly and maintenance tasks under stressful and difficult conditions (e.g. in the field, at sea)

  • Experience in fabrication, design and construction of oceanographic moorings and instrument systems for the marine environment.

  • Organizational abilities and decision-making to prioritize work assignments. Ability to exercise independent judgement, discretion, and resourcefulness in making decisions pertaining to field experimental procedures and operations under general supervision. Providing training assistance and mentoring junior staff (student engineers).

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills. Excellent interpersonal and written and oral communication skills including the ability to work with a diverse group of people and to demonstrate tact and diplomacy. Must be able to deal effectively with vendors, lab, shipboard and support personnel. Demonstrated ability to assist engineering staff with design or modification of specialized components.

  • Ability to work in a collaborative manner, to assist in identifying any challenges or barriers. Background in computer networking and file sharing using productivity software and cloud based platforms. Ability to read and understand mechanical and electrical drawings and extrapolate from manufacturer's data sheets. Ability to source and procure essential components for novel designs from third parties.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

  • This position has recently been accreted by TX union and will be a part of that union moving forward.

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

  • Must be willing and able to travel.

  • Will be required to hold valid driver's license to operate University vehicles and have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures.

  • Overtime and weekends may be required.

  • U.S. Passport required for seagoing operations and travel to foreign ports.

  • Ability to obtain certification to perform small boat and SCUBA operations through SIO.

  • Ability to obtain forklift driver certification, 5000 pound rating minimum.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $77,000 - $139,200 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $36.88 - $66.67

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).


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.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

UC San Diego is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20
For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional 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; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

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

Application Instructions

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