Job Title: NOAA GLERL Observing and Acoustic Systems Engineer (Engineer V)
Job Summary:
A coastal observation network with nodes on Lakes Michigan, Superior, Huron, and Erie has been developed that encompasses the Buoys and off shore structures of the Real-time Coastal Observation Network (ReCON) and uncrewed air, surface and underwater systems (UxS) to provide continuous observations of chemical, biological, and physical environmental parameters. The system currently supports projects addressing harmful algal bloom (HAB) detection, human health observations related to beach closures and drinking water processing concerns, rip current warnings, physical observations supporting US Coast Guard, commercial, and public information needs, and year-round ecosystem research.
The purpose of this position is to provide observation and acoustic engineering support.
Responsibilities Include:
- Deployment of uncrewed underwater and surface systems (UxS) including mission planning, system deployment/retrieval, piloting, sensor installation, data retrieval, data processing, and reporting to project leaders
- Deploy, process acoustics data, and maintain acoustic zooplankton and fish detection systems for real-time and UxS observation nodes
- On a continuing basis, participate in ReCON observing system support for remote data
- acquisition, network support, and real-time data management
- Work with real-time buoy team on hardware and software systems development projects using Python, R, or Linux scripting languages
- Work with real-time systems team on engineering systems development projects
- Work with real-time observations field support team to deploy and maintain on-water data collection platforms such as buoys and offshore structures from GLERL research vessels
- Program Campbell Scientific data loggers using CRBasic, LoggerNet, and Device Configuration Utility
Required Qualifications and Skills:- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science or environmental engineering.
- At least 2 years of full-time engineering experience
- At least 1 year of experience leading complex projects/programs
- Experience with programming languages such as C, Python, R, or Linux
- The ability to do field work on marine vessels
- The ability to lift and carry a 50lb load
- Familiarity with sensor installation and integration into a real-time environmental observation network
- The ability to work both independently and as a part of a team
- Excellent programming skills
- Ability to obtain Public Trust clearance
Desired
- Master’s degree in environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, or electronics engineering.
- At least 2 years of experience working on “in situ” observing systems in aquatic environments
- At least 2 years’ experience working at sea on research cruises
Work Setting and Environment:
- Work is to be performed at NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) facility in Ann Arbor, MI
- Telework to be approved for tasks conducive to remote work
- Some field travel to local Great Lakes will be required from May to November, approximately 4 days per month. Travel from December to April associated with meetings, approximately 3 trips during this period.
- Monday – Friday, between the hours of 6 AM and 6 PM, between 2 and 10 hours per day
- On-site federal contractors, in federal buildings or on federal lands must comply with CDC guidelines with respect to wearing masks, maintaining physical distance, and other public health measures.