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 is seeking a contractor to commission atmospheric science systems onboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough. You will operate trace gas instrumentation, implement sampling methods, and develop SOPs with maintenance schedules and calibration procedures.

The role requires a degree (or equivalent experience), fieldwork experience, and skills in Python and design software. You may work on ships or remote polar environments and must pass security screening.

Qualifications

• Experience with atmospheric science instrumentation.
• Fieldwork experience is essential.
• Experience with gas handling systems.
• HNC or higher degree level qualification.
• Proficient in English, both written and spoken.
• Ability to work in team settings and communicate to diverse audiences.
• High level programming (Python) or similar.
• Experience with polar or marine instrumentation and maintenance.
• Project and budget management for small projects.

Responsibilities

• To develop scientific or operational electronic and electrical systems.
• To maintain scientific or operational systems, including ships or remote locations.
• Provide engineering support and projects to scientific and operational teams in the UK and on ships.
• Collaborate with engineering colleagues to deliver projects professionally.
• Other duties as appropriate.

Skills

Atmospheric instruments

Field work

Gas handling

Python

Teamwork

English proficiency

Problem solving

Design software

Project management

Security screening

Education

HNC or higher degree

Masters/PhD or equivalent

Tools

Design software

Job description

Contract type 3 year Fixed-Term Contract

Location Cambridge

Salary Band D S1 £46,444 - £51,088 per annum

Interview date w/c 23/11/2026

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

• Experience with atmospheric science instrumentation.
• Field work experience.
• Experience with gas handling systems.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.