Research Engineer

Seattle, WA

Full time

REQ-0000137439

Job Description

The Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Engineer to join the Environmental and Information Systems Department.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the Senior Principal Oceanographer, the Research Engineer will support autonomous sensing and simulation of the ocean environment. The incumbent will independently design and oversee the development of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and their sensor/processing packages, and will deploy and test AUVs for sponsor-required applications. The finalist selected will also design, build, test, and demonstrate new capabilities for numerical simulation of the oceanographic environment for assessment of AUV system flight performance. The Research Engineer performs work on the cutting edge of applied marine robotics, particularly in the domain of physical sensing and real-time ocean modeling to support Navy-sponsored programs.

Key Responsibilities:

Research Activities (70% FTE):

• Oversee the design and development of autonomous underwater platforms and their sensor/processing packages.

• Collaborate with co-PIs and sponsors to design new concepts of operation for these systems, and demonstrate those concepts in at-sea testing events.

• Track and schedule progress and work both in the lab and with outside vendors to meet deadlines.

• Design, configure, and implement high-performance computer servers for ocean modeling and analysis.

• Develop technical support and system administration for Linux-based analysis servers supporting advanced high-performance computing (HPC) workflows.

• Support software installation and user support, monitor and optimize RAID storage systems, and manage large datasets generated on HPC systems and stored on group-maintained infrastructure.

• Balance the competing requests of funding agencies, peer collaborators, and industry partners to optimally succeed in funded programs and grow as a lab.

Fundraising and Reporting (15% FTE):

• Pursue funding opportunities through routine channels, particularly Navy program offices, DARPA, or other applied defense-oriented sponsors.

• Produce material for peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed publications as in conjunction with co-investigators and sponsors.

Laboratory Management (15% FTE):

• Collaborate with co-investigators to manage laboratory team efforts such as meetings, local testing, and domestic and international field testing.

• Supervise and advise both lab staff and supporting collaborator and contractor personnel.

• Source and follow up with vendors.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or a closely related discipline, and at least ten years of progressive experience in research, development, and application of novel marine technologies on autonomous underwater vehicles with successful field programs.

Additionally, the candidate must have:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

• US Citizenship.

A federal security clearance is required to hold this position. The person hired into this position must be a U.S. citizen and successfully obtain and continue to maintain a Department of Defense (DOD) Personnel Security Clearance. The process for obtaining a DOD Security Clearance can be viewed using the following links: Processing Applicants (dcsa.mil) or General Investigations and Clearance Processes (dcsa.mil) (

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Department.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing and administering enterprise-level high-performance computing systems.

• Experience with development and at-sea testing of underwater vehicle operations.

• Experience with developing software for sensor autonomy, data processing, and data visualization.

Desired Qualifications:

• Operational management, staff supervision, and small team dynamics.

About APL:

The Applied Physics Laboratory is a research unit at the University of Washington. Our research expertise is in ocean physics and engineering, ocean and medical acoustics and imaging, polar science, remote sensing, and signal processing. We conduct research and development that is sponsored by a variety of federal and state agencies and take great pride in our long-standing status as a US Navy-designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). Our work takes place not only on the University of Washington campus and medical centers, but in field locations around the world – at sea, in the air, and on polar ice caps. We apply rigorous scientific inquiry and engineering excellence in pursuit of solutions to important problems for the good of our region, nation, and world.

We are focused on building and sustaining a laboratory where all students, staff, and collaborators can realize success. We believe every member of our team enriches our research enterprise by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and discover, design, and deliver solutions. We invite you to explore our laboratory, to find answers to Common Questions ( about the University’s application process, and to See Yourself at APL ( .

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$168,000.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$200,004.00 annual

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81 ( .

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io .

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law ( .

Use the filters or enter keywords in the search box (such as “custodian,” “nursing” or “manager”) to explore available opportunities. To find temporary opportunities, enter “temporary” in the search box.

If you are a current UW employee:

You must log into Workday and apply internally through the UW Jobs Hub.

Looking for faculty, librarian or academic staff positions?

Please visit our Academic Jobs ( site.

Looking for student employment?

Learn more on our Student Employment ( site.

There are many perks to working for the University of Washington. Learn more about the benefits ( that could be available to you as a UW employee.

Sign up for Job Alerts ( to be notified about job opportunities at the UW that interest you; you’ll be one of the first to learn when openings become available. You will be asked to create an account if you do not already have one.

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.