SDA Atmospheric and Aerosol Science Systems Engineer

British Antarctic Survey; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

British Antarctic Survey is seeking a skilled engineer to commission atmospheric science systems aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough (SDA). You will manage trace gas and aerosol instrumentation, sampling methods, and SOPs, ensuring calibration and safety protocols are in place.

The role involves work on ships and remote polar environments, with strong emphasis on data quality and long-term observations. Applicants should have an engineering or scientific background, experience with gas

Qualifications

• Experience with atmospheric science instrumentation.
• Field work experience.
• Experience with gas handling systems.
• Proficient in written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Develop scientific or operational electronic and electrical systems.
• Maintain systems on ships or remote polar locations and support related mechanical systems.
• Provide engineering support and projects to scientific and operational departments in the UK and onboard ships.
• Collaborate with engineering colleagues to deliver projects professionally.
• Other duties as appropriate.

Skills

Atmospheric science instrumentation

Field work experience

Gas handling systems

English proficiency

Teamwork

Ship/remote polar work

Python or similar

Trace gas / aerosol measurements

Calibration standards knowledge

Polar/marine systems experience

Design software

Project & budget management

Communication to diverse audiences

Problem-solving

Engineering or scientific mathematics

Education

HNC or higher degree

Degree level relevant degree

Masters/PhD or equivalent experience

Job description

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.

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.