SDA Atmospheric and Aerosol Science Systems Engineer

British-Antarctic-Survey; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

British Antarctic Survey in Cambridge is seeking a specialist to commission atmospheric science systems aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough, including trace gas instrumentation and inlet characterisation. The role requires a relevant degree, English proficiency and willingness to work at sea or in polar environments.

You will develop and maintain systems, support engineering projects for UK teams, and contribute to long-term observations and datasets, with medical clearance for Antarctic work.

Qualifications

• Experience with atmospheric science instrumentation.
• Field work experience.
• Experience with gas handling systems.
• Troubleshooting instrumentation.
• Proficient in written and spoken English.
• Demonstrable teamwork.
• Willingness to work on ships or in remote polar environments.
• Medical fitness to work in Antarctic conditions.

Responsibilities

• Develop scientific or operational electronic and electrical systems.
• Maintain scientific or operational systems including ships or remote locations.
• Provide engineering support to scientific and operational departments in the UK.
• Collaborate with engineering colleagues to deliver projects and tasks.
• Carry out other duties as appropriate.

Skills

Atmospheric instrumentation experience

Field work experience

Gas handling systems

Instrumentation troubleshooting

English proficiency

Teamwork

Medical fitness for Antarctic work

Problem solving

Education

HNC or higher

Masters/PhD or equivalent

Tools

Python

Design software

Job description

British Antarctic Survey- BAS 26 75
Contract type 3 year Fixed-Term Contract
Location Cambridge
Salary Band D S1 £46,444 - £51,088 per annum
Closing date 15/11/2026
Interview date w/c 23/11/2026

Overview
Purpose
To commission the atmospheric science systems onboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough (SDA) including:

• the operation of the trace gas and aerosol instrumentation.
• implementing air sampling methods for the atmospheric science instrumentation on board the SDA, including sample flow control and inlet characterisation.
• developing standard operating procedures (including routine maintenance schedules, calibration procedures, responsibility for stock and consumables).
• supporting the modification of equipment where necessary.
• writing relevant health and safety documentation (input of data into BAS information management system), automation of the systems to build high-quality, long-term observations and datasets.

Duties

• To develop scientific or operational electronic and electrical systems.
• To maintain scientific or operational systems including those on ships or at remote polar locations. Some ability to support and understand mechanical systems would also be expected.
• Provide engineering support and projects to the scientific and operational departments in the UK, and users on board ships and in polar regions.
• Working with and supporting engineering colleagues, delivering projects and tasks in a professional manner.
• Other duties as appropriate.

Skills, Qualifications, and Experience

Essential

• Experience with atmospheric science instrumentation.
• Field work experience.
• Experience with gas handling systems.
• Troubleshooting instrumentation.
• Relevant HNC or higher Degree level.
• Suitable engineering or scientific mathematical capabilities.
• Proficient in written and spoken English.
• Demonstrable Teamwork.
• Willingness to work on ship or remote polar environment.
• You will need to pass a medical to demonstrate that you are medically fit to work in Antarctic conditions.

Desirable

• Experience with trace gas or aerosol measurements.
• Knowledge of traceability of standards/calibration scales as applied to atmospheric measurements.
• Experience with Polar or marine systems, including the maintenance of instrumentation or measurement systems.
• Data acquisition.
• High level programming, Python, or similar.
• Degree level Relevant Degree and/or extensive experience. Masters/PhD or equivalent experience.
• Experience use of design software.
• Project and budget management for small projects.
• Able to communicate to a wide range of audiences.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

Employees applying for any opportunity which may mean being away from your substantive role for a temporary period of time, please refer to the UKRI Internal Movement Guidance for further information in the first instance. If you are made an offer, please ensure you liaise with your Line Manager and your HR Team as soon as possible in order that implications of any move are clear and understood, prior to a move taking place.