SDA Atmospheric and Aerosol Science Systems Engineer

The Methodist Church in Britain; England; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

British Antarctic Survey seeks an engineer to support atmospheric science systems on the research ship RRS Sir David Attenborough. The role involves commissioning instruments, operating trace gas and aerosol equipment, and developing air sampling methods for long-term datasets.

Required are an HNC or higher degree, field experience with atmospheric instruments, and strong English communication. Willingness to work at sea and in remote polar locations is essential, with medical fitness and

Qualifications

• HNC or higher degree required.
• Experience with atmospheric science instrumentation.
• Field work experience is essential.
• Experience with gas handling systems is desirable.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Demonstrable teamwork and ability to collaborate.

Responsibilities

• Commission atmospheric science systems on RRS Sir David Attenborough.
• Operate trace gas and aerosol instrumentation.
• Implement air sampling methods including sample flow control and inlet characterisation.
• Develop standard operating procedures covering maintenance, calibration and consumables.
• Support modification of equipment as needed.
• Automate systems to build long-term observations and datasets.
• Write health and safety documentation and enter data into BAS information management system.
• Develop scientific or operational electronic and electrical systems.
• Maintain scientific or operational systems on ships and at remote polar locations.
• Support mechanical systems and provide engineering support to scientific and operational departments.

Skills

Atmospheric instrumentation

Field work

Gas handling systems

Troubleshooting instrumentation

English proficiency

Teamwork

Education

HNC or higher degree

Job description

This three-year fixed-term post sits in British Antarctic Survey, supporting the atmospheric science systems on the research ship RRS Sir David Attenborough. The work centres on running trace gas and aerosol instruments, designing air sampling methods and writing the operating procedures that govern them. The role needs willingness to work aboard ship or in remote polar environments, with a medical confirming fitness for Antarctic conditions. Security screening or vetting suited to the role is also required.

What the job involves

• Commission atmospheric science systems on RRS Sir David Attenborough
• Operate trace gas and aerosol instrumentation
• Implement air sampling methods, including sample flow control and inlet characterisation
• Develop standard operating procedures covering maintenance, calibration and consumables
• Support the modification of equipment where needed
• Automate systems to build long-term observations and datasets
• Write health and safety documentation and enter data into the BAS information management system
• Develop scientific or operational electronic and electrical systems
• Maintain scientific or operational systems on ships and at remote polar locations
• Support mechanical systems
• Provide engineering support and projects to scientific and operational departments, and to users on ships and in polar regions
• Other duties as appropriate

Qualifications

• HNC or higher degree level

Experience

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

Skills & knowledge

• Troubleshooting instrumentation
• Suitable engineering or scientific mathematical capabilities
• Proficiency in written and spoken English
• Demonstrable teamwork

Checks & eligibility

• Medical confirming fitness for Antarctic conditions
• Security screening or vetting appropriate to the role

Other

• Willingness to work on ship or in remote polar environments

Nice to have

• Experience with trace gas or aerosol measurements
• Knowledge of traceability of standards and calibration scales as applied to atmospheric measurements
• Experience with polar or marine systems, including maintenance of instrumentation or measurement systems
• Data acquisition and programming, such as Python
• Relevant degree and/or extensive experience, with Masters or PhD or equivalent experience
• Experience using design software
• Project and budget management for small projects
• Ability to communicate with a wide range of audiences