Senior Equipment Specialist - Physics

Posted:
10/1/2024, 6:24:34 AM

Location(s):
Waverley, England, United Kingdom ⋅ England, United Kingdom

Experience Level(s):
Senior

Field(s):
Mechanical Engineering

Workplace Type:
Remote

Scheduled Hours

37.5

Position Summary

This position is responsible for developing, assembling, testing, and operating state-of-the-art electronic systems that are key to our cosmic-ray, gamma-ray and X-ray instrumentation, including procurement of components and interfacing with contract assembly companies. The position furthermore includes maintaining various research laboratories, including vacuum systems and clean-room instrumentation, as well as procurement of components and interfacing with contract assembly companies.

The work includes work on field campaigns in remote locations that require travel for weeks and sometimes one to three months.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Procure electronic components and instrumentation, keeping accurate track of purchase orders and expenditures.

  • Assemble electronic boards and assemblies, including NASA-qualified soldering, potting high-voltage power supplies, cabling, and mechanical assembly, and assembly of test fixtures.

  • Select and interface with contract assembly companies.

  • Mechanical design of detector holding fixtures and electronic panels using Solid Works CAD software. Interface with the machine shop during fabrication.

  • Maintain laboratories and lab systems, including vacuum systems and instrumentation of our class-100 clean room, and take leadership role in organizing lab space and workflow among students and post-docs in the clean room.

  • Provide field support for balloon flights of cosmic-ray instruments in remote locations (including Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility in Texas and McMurdo Base in Antarctica).

  • May be responsible for driving WashU or other vehicle.

  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:
Job Location/Working Conditions

  • Normal office environment

  • Dust, dirt, grease or other disagreeable elements

  • Develop and design mechanical structures for cosmic-ray, gamma-ray, cryogenic, high vacuum and x-ray instruments and tooling required for assembly  

  • Works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to chemical hazards

  • Must be physically able to wear protective equipment

Physical Effort

  • Typically sitting at desk or table

  • Repetitive wrist, hand or finger movement

  • Ability to move to on and off-campus locations

  • Frequent lifting 25 lbs or more

  • Using tools requiring high dexterity


Equipment

  • Office equipment

  • Lab/research equipment

  • Simple hand tools

  • Operate a motor vehicle

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.


Certifications:

Certified Soldered Electrical Connections - NASA - Jet Propulsion Laboratory


Work Experience:

Assembling High-Reliability Electronics (5 Years(, Relevant Experience (10 Years)


Skills:

Not Applicable


Driver's License:

A Class E (MO) or Class D (IL) license and a good driving record are required for this position.

More About This Job

Required Qualifications:

  • Technical training in electronic assembly and soldering.
  • Ability to obtain NASA Certified Soldered Electrical Connections (STD 8739.3) within six months.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with scientific balloon-flight expeditions.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

No additional education beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.


Certifications:

No additional certification beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.


Work Experience:

Experience With Class-100 Clean Room (5 Years), Procuring And Assembling High-Reliability Electronics And Components (10 Years)

Skills:

Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Data Preparation, Detail-Oriented, Dexterity, High Voltage Systems, Industrial Electronics, Machine Shop Operations, Machining, Mechanical Assemblies, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, SolidWorks, Teamwork

Grade

R10

Salary Range

$48,000.00 - $86,900.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email [email protected] or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

  • Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

  • Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

  • Want to Live Near Your Work and/or improve your commute? Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees. We also offer a forgivable home loan of up to $12,500 for closing costs and a down payment for homes in eligible neighborhoods.

  • WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

  • Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

  • We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.

  • WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO/AA Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.