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Form of workJob Description Summary:
UCAR is excited to announce the job opening for the COMET Instrumentation Engineer II role. This position is responsible for supporting the International Capacity Development Program (ICDP) within the UCAR Community Programs (UCP) COMET program. The mission of the ICDP is to support capacity development in underdeveloped countries to reduce societal risks due to weather, water, and climate hazards. The incumbent will support ongoing development of low-cost 3D-Printed Automatic Weather Stations (3D-PAWS) and other low-cost observation platforms such as, but not limited to, stream gauges, snow depth sensors, air quality sensors, and soil sensing sensors.
The low-cost, innovative sensor designs include 3D-printed components, low-cost microsensors and microcontrollers, and are built using locally sourced materials. Previous hands-on environmental observation sensor experience will be beneficial in the position. This will require a general working knowledge of computer software and programs. The COMET Instrumentation Engineer II will apply hydrometeorological knowledge and experience to assess quality and performance to support the development of quality assurance protocols to detect sensor issues. The ICDP provides comprehensive learning and instruction on how to fabricate and use the sensor technology for their partners, which will require the incumbent to travel domestically and internationally up to one or two times a month. Some experience with teaching or mentoring as well as good interpersonal skills will be helpful for these tasks. It is expected that this role will be highly collaborative but will also include times that the person will need to work independently on assigned tasks. Given the nature of the project, a background in environmental instrumentation and/or boundary layer meteorology is preferred, though not required.
Position Details:
Visa Sponsored Job:
Yes
Relocation Assistance Eligible:
Yes
Job Location:
Boulder, Colorado
Position Type & Term:
Full time, Regular
Compensation Range:
$74,136 - $92,672
*Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, and skills relevant to the role.*
Application Notes
Application Deadline:This position will be posted until filled with priority given to applications submitted by February 9, 2024. Applications submitted past this date may not be fully considered, depending on the quality and volume of applications received.
Required application materials(preferably in PDF Format):
Background checksare conducted for candidates selected for hire. Learn more.
Work Location: This position is open to candidates seeking in-person and hybrid (combination of in-person and remote) opportunities, with the expectation that relocating to Boulder, CO will happen within the first year of employment. Regardless of flexible work arrangements, UCAR requires ALL positions to be performed within the U.S., excluding U.S. Territories.
What You Will Do
Here is a summary of what one would expect to be generally responsible for in this role.
Key Responsibilities
This position is heavily collaborative, working directly with COMET Scientists, Software Engineers, and Administrative Staff to 1) develop low-cost environmental monitoring sensors and supporting equipment, 2) develop protocols for the transmission, display, and analysis of environmental monitoring data, and 3) support the preparation for and execution of field deployments and training programs.
The work will include, but is not limited to:
Who We'd Love To Join Our Team
Successful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria:
Education & Experience
Desired, but not required:
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Desired, but not required:
Benefits Overview
UCAR affirms its commitment to employees through competitive benefits. In addition to medical, dental, vision, retirement, and life insurance, UCAR offers a variety of programs focused on work-life balance and professional, and personal development. These include:
Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Our organization is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment and fostering a culture where everyone feels welcome and supported. To learn more about these efforts, visit the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategic Plan and our Diversity & Inclusion: A Welcoming Workplace site.
Research shows that women and people of color are less likely to apply for a position if they do not meet almost 100% of the desired skills and experience. Please note this is not necessary! If you meet the minimum requirements and have a passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. We can provide on-the-job training for the rest!
Some Final Considerations
At UCAR|NCAR|UCP, you will work alongside a dedicated team of professionals conducting critical research and community outreach to solve complex Earth system science problems including climate change, air pollution, extreme weather, floods, drought, wildfires, and space weather, all with the goal of improving human life and reducing economic loss. Each of us, from scientists to the professionals who support their work, serves the public and a collaborative community of scientists in our mission to understand the complex processes that make up the Earth system, from the ocean floor to the Sun's core.
Flexible Work
At UCAR, we are committed to supporting our mission by giving staff the flexibility to find the schedule and location that works best to maintain their own work-life circumstances and reach their full potential as professionals. Many positions within our organization are eligible for fully on-site, hybrid, fully-remote and/or flexible work schedules.
Equal Opportunity Employer
UCAR is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy. Whatever your intersection of identities, you are welcome at UCAR.
Export Control
All positions are required to comply with U.S. export compliance regulations work location requirements regarding access to facilities and research systems.
Visa Wait Times
Please consider the length of visa procurement when applying for this posting, understanding that you will not be able to begin employment until you are able to get a visa and enter the U.S.
UCAR is excited to announce the job opening for the COMET Instrumentation Engineer II role. This position is responsible for supporting the International Capacity Development Program (ICDP) within the UCAR Community Programs (UCP) COMET program. The mission of the ICDP is to support capacity development in underdeveloped countries to reduce societal risks due to weather, water, and climate hazards. The incumbent will support ongoing development of low-cost 3D-Printed Automatic Weather Stations (3D-PAWS) and other low-cost observation platforms such as, but not limited to, stream gauges, snow depth sensors, air quality sensors, and soil sensing sensors.
The low-cost, innovative sensor designs include 3D-printed components, low-cost microsensors and microcontrollers, and are built using locally sourced materials. Previous hands-on environmental observation sensor experience will be beneficial in the position. This will require a general working knowledge of computer software and programs. The COMET Instrumentation Engineer II will apply hydrometeorological knowledge and experience to assess quality and performance to support the development of quality assurance protocols to detect sensor issues. The ICDP provides comprehensive learning and instruction on how to fabricate and use the sensor technology for their partners, which will require the incumbent to travel domestically and internationally up to one or two times a month. Some experience with teaching or mentoring as well as good interpersonal skills will be helpful for these tasks. It is expected that this role will be highly collaborative but will also include times that the person will need to work independently on assigned tasks. Given the nature of the project, a background in environmental instrumentation and/or boundary layer meteorology is preferred, though not required.
Position Details:
Visa Sponsored Job:
Yes
Relocation Assistance Eligible:
Yes
Job Location:
Boulder, Colorado
Position Type & Term:
Full time, Regular
Compensation Range:
$74,136 - $92,672
*Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, and skills relevant to the role.*
Application Notes
Application Deadline:This position will be posted until filled with priority given to applications submitted by February 9, 2024. Applications submitted past this date may not be fully considered, depending on the quality and volume of applications received.
Required application materials(preferably in PDF Format):
- Resume
- Questionnaire (to be answered within the application) -
- Describe your specific experience with the following:
- Establishing and maintaining environmental monitoring networks, including maintaining communications for these sites.
- Using 3D printers and using 3D Computer-aided Design (CAD) software.
- Teaching, mentoring, and providing hands-on training.
- Are you willing to travel both internationally and domestically 1-2 times per month?
- Describe your specific experience with the following:
Background checksare conducted for candidates selected for hire. Learn more.
Work Location: This position is open to candidates seeking in-person and hybrid (combination of in-person and remote) opportunities, with the expectation that relocating to Boulder, CO will happen within the first year of employment. Regardless of flexible work arrangements, UCAR requires ALL positions to be performed within the U.S., excluding U.S. Territories.
What You Will Do
Here is a summary of what one would expect to be generally responsible for in this role.
Key Responsibilities
This position is heavily collaborative, working directly with COMET Scientists, Software Engineers, and Administrative Staff to 1) develop low-cost environmental monitoring sensors and supporting equipment, 2) develop protocols for the transmission, display, and analysis of environmental monitoring data, and 3) support the preparation for and execution of field deployments and training programs.
The work will include, but is not limited to:
- Updating current designs with the latest low-cost technologies.
- Developing new designs to build additional measurement capabilities such as air quality, lighting, etc.
- Testing, evaluating, and troubleshooting sensors.
- Documenting system designs and preparing user manuals.
- Maintaining materials lists and appropriate inventory.
- Contributing to design, software development, and analysis protocols.
- Contributing to project reports, system documentation, conference papers, and peer-reviewed manuscripts.
- Assisting international partners in maintaining and troubleshooting their sensor networks.
- Assisting in the preparation of training materials.
- Contributing to project reports, conference papers, and journal articles; presenting research results at project meetings, domestic and international conferences, and meetings with partners.
Who We'd Love To Join Our Team
Successful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria:
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or a science-related field (e.g. meteorology, environmental science, earth science, computer science, etc.);
- Practical experience using, maintaining, and/or designing mechanical and electrical/electronic systems;
- 3 years of related experience as an Engineer I (or equivalent position);
- Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Desired, but not required:
- Master's degree in engineering or a related field (e.g. meteorology, environmental science, earth science, computer science, etc.).
- Observation field experience.
- Experience teaching, especially hands-on training courses, and mentoring.
- Experience working in less-developed countries.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Skilled in using and programming microprocessors (Arduino, Raspberry Pi Pico, Pycom) with Python and Arduino/C++.
- Proficiency in the use of 3D Computer-aided Design (CAD) software for mechanical components (ideally OpenSCAD) as well as familiarity with the use of 3D printers, ideally for low-volume manufacturing.
- Knowledge of using, installing, and maintaining environmental sensors and associated networks.
Desired, but not required:
- Background in environmental instrumentation and/or boundary layer meteorology.
- Ability to work onsite in Boulder, CO is highly preferred.
- Understanding of communication systems (cellular IoT, wifi, LoRa, etc) for environmental monitoring networks.
- Familiarity with the latest developments in IoT, electronics, and environmental sensors.
- Basic understanding of electronics and electrical systems including low-voltage power supplies.
- Adept at producing documentation and instruction manuals for mechanical and electrical assemblies and preparing lists of materials and shipping documents.
- Ability to use basic manual tools (files, saws, hammers, etc).
- Knowledge of project management systems and the ability to work on concurrent projects at the same time.
- Ability to apply hydrometeorological knowledge and experience to assess quality and performance to support the development of quality assurance protocols to detect sensor issues.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work both as part of a diverse team and independently on assigned tasks.
- Willingness and ability to travel when requested to both international and domestic locations (1-2 times per month).
Benefits Overview
UCAR affirms its commitment to employees through competitive benefits. In addition to medical, dental, vision, retirement, and life insurance, UCAR offers a variety of programs focused on work-life balance and professional, and personal development. These include:
- Tuition Assistance, time off allowance to attend classes, and other professional development opportunities
- UCAR contributes 10% of your eligible pay into your retirement account; 100% fully vested on day one
- Starting minimum accrual of 20 days of personal time off each year (prorated for less than full-time positions)
- 10 paid holidays
- 10 days of sick leave each year
- 14 weeks of paid parental leave
- Short-term medical leave paid at 100% of your regular salary
- EcoPass for local Colorado residents to use the Denver and Boulder-area transit system at no cost
Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Our organization is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment and fostering a culture where everyone feels welcome and supported. To learn more about these efforts, visit the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategic Plan and our Diversity & Inclusion: A Welcoming Workplace site.
Research shows that women and people of color are less likely to apply for a position if they do not meet almost 100% of the desired skills and experience. Please note this is not necessary! If you meet the minimum requirements and have a passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. We can provide on-the-job training for the rest!
Some Final Considerations
At UCAR|NCAR|UCP, you will work alongside a dedicated team of professionals conducting critical research and community outreach to solve complex Earth system science problems including climate change, air pollution, extreme weather, floods, drought, wildfires, and space weather, all with the goal of improving human life and reducing economic loss. Each of us, from scientists to the professionals who support their work, serves the public and a collaborative community of scientists in our mission to understand the complex processes that make up the Earth system, from the ocean floor to the Sun's core.
Flexible Work
At UCAR, we are committed to supporting our mission by giving staff the flexibility to find the schedule and location that works best to maintain their own work-life circumstances and reach their full potential as professionals. Many positions within our organization are eligible for fully on-site, hybrid, fully-remote and/or flexible work schedules.
Equal Opportunity Employer
UCAR is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy. Whatever your intersection of identities, you are welcome at UCAR.
Export Control
All positions are required to comply with U.S. export compliance regulations work location requirements regarding access to facilities and research systems.
Visa Wait Times
Please consider the length of visa procurement when applying for this posting, understanding that you will not be able to begin employment until you are able to get a visa and enter the U.S.
