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The Applied Physics Laboratory at the University of Washington (APL-UW) is a national center for advanced science and engineering research and development and education. APL-UW was formed in 1943 for the U.S. Navy to bring university research resources to bear on urgent WWII defense problems. APL-UW has developed an international reputation for its broad based programs in science, engineering and for designing, building, and deploying the advanced technology required to meet the research needs of numerous government and commercial sponsors. With modern facilities, equipment and over 350 talented researchers and staff, APL-UW provides a unique, dynamic work environment with many opportunities.
APL has an outstanding opportunity for a Senior Mechanical Engineer.
The Electronic and Photonics Department (EPS) builds world class and innovative ocean instrumentation and data collection systems.
EPS engineers create state-of-the-art research products to advance important scientific inquiries made by sponsors ranging from the National Science Foundation to the United States Navy.
The Mechanical Engineer Senior will lead the design of mechanical components used for a long running, mission critical shipboard data collection program. This program has existed for more than five decades, and its scope has substantial breadth and depth. For example, EPS delivers software updates annually, and major hardware refreshes every 10 years that take two to three years to develop and two to three years to implement. In addition, the program can require ad hoc special projects that typically take 6-12 months to complete.
The candidate must have advanced knowledge of the complexities and requirements of designing, documenting, fabricating, assembling and testing systems to have the reliability and ruggedness necessary to be installed and operated for decades in harsh and demanding environments with very little maintenance. Environmental considerations include thermal heat flow, vibration and shock isolation, cable management, exacting physical constraints in installation, and minimizing generated audio noise from the systems. The candidate must create unique and novel solutions to meet all the technical requirements and regulations for installing shipboard systems.
The EPS department is also responsible for operating and maintaining the world’s largest scientific ocean cabled observatory, the National Science Foundation (NSF) funded OOI-CA (link). The candidate will be part of project teams designing electronic systems and scientific instrumentation for deployment in ocean environments for both cabled and standalone operation. The candidate must work with the engineers and the program’s Principal Investigator to understand all the environmental/ thermal/ shock / pressure/ weight/ size / handling / cost / materials / corrosion and deployment requirements needed to meet the goals of the projects.
For both research programs, the incumbent has full responsibility for specific aspects (sub-projects or tasks) of the larger program. The Mechanical Engineer Senior independently makes determinations for design, approach, method, and work plan, and is responsible for implementing their plan and executing it successfully and timely. The incumbent interacts with the programs’ Principal Investigators and the programs’ sponsors to gather requirements, to confer throughout the design, fabrication, and testing process, and also onsite/at sea with the PI or sponsor as the systems and instruments are deployed.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Mechanical Engineering Design & Analysis
-Work with program sponsors to conceptualize and design systems, assemblies and parts to meet exacting environmental requirements
-Perform stress and thermal analysis using both analysis software and empirical equations
Build, Test and Maintain
-Direct the APL Machine Shop and technicians in the fabrication, assembly, integration and testing of systems and parts
-Specify and procure commercial off-the-shelf mechanical materials, parts and assemblies
-Test parts and final assemblies to ensure they meet overall system requirements
Project Management
-Develop, then implement plan for engineering-related work, including management of timeline, budget, and schedule of deliverables
-Provide direction to researchers in the execution of sponsored research activities (e.g., feasibility of design, engineering, or fabrication concepts; use of alternative engineering approaches; recommendations for future design improvements)
Research Sponsors/Stakeholders (e.g. NIH, NSF, other schools or research institutions, etc.)
United States Navy, National Science Foundation
REQUIREMENTS:
PhD and at least six years of experience; OR
Master’s and at least eight years of experience; OR
Bachelor’s and at least 10 years of experience; OR
Associate’s at at least 12 years of experience; OR
At least 14 years of experience (no degree)
Eligible to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance
SolidWorks solid modeling computer-aided design
Expertise in mechanical engineering systems design
Proficient in the creation of mechanical drawings
Proficient in the use of ASME Y14.5-2009 GD&T standards
Ability to work with machine shop technicians to monitor part fabrication
Heat transfer in electronics systems
Ability to create assembly documentation
Demonstrated success working independently and as part of a research team, and interacting cooperatively with people from diverse backgrounds, academic levels, and nationalities
Simulation of mechanical systems using computer tools
Demonstrated excellent organizational skills, including:
-Documentation - to maintain and expand system procedures and configuration control.
-Attention to detail - to ensure the system is operated at a high level of availability and in a reliable and consistent manner.
-Communication skills - to support all members of the team on a daily basis and to be able to effectively work in high pressure situations dealing with at sea ship operations or quickly troubleshooting systems in collaboration with all members of the diverse team.
-Time management – to effectively prioritize diverse task list and operational needs of the team.
Travel to customer’s site
System requirements analysis
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
DESIRED:
Complete understanding of design criteria for subsea pressure housings
Experience building scientific instrumentation
Experience in ocean engineering design
Experience with hydraulic system design
Fluid dynamics analysis
Experience using PDM Vault
Packaging of electronic systems including CPU, interface card and power electronics
Experience building ruggedized rack mount equipment systems
Ability to meet the physical requirements necessary to work at sea in small to large vessels for extended periods and willing to perform the required duties aboard ships
Familiarity with systems engineering process
AutoCAD
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Application Process:
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed. |
