Engineer II (Casual)

University Corporation for Atmospheric Research; United States; Remote; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Part time

Job summary

UCAR is seeking a casual, part-time staff member to support the COMET program and the development of low-cost 3D-PAWS sensors and other observation platforms. The role emphasizes hands-on instrumentation, sensor testing, and workshop support in collaboration with COMET scientists and international partners.

The position offers remote work with potential on-site requirements; a B.S. in Engineering or related science is preferred along with strong problem-solving and teamwork skills.

Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Engineering or a science field and practical experience with mechanical/electrical systems.
• Three years related engineering experience or equivalent education.
• Experience with environmental instrumentation and field deployments is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support field deployments, training workshops, and sensor networks.
• Print, assemble, and test 3D-PAWS sensors and related equipment.
• Collaborate with COMET scientists and partners to diagnose issues and improve designs.
• Travel nationally and internationally to sensor networks and training sites.

Skills

Arduino

Python

OpenSCAD

3D printing

Environmental sensors

IoT networks

Electronics basics

Tools handling

Training delivery

Travel willingness

Education

B.S. in Engineering or related science

Tools

OpenSCAD

CAD software

3D printers

Job description

Position Type: Casual Visa Sponsored Job: No Relocation Assistance Eligible: No Hiring Range: 79,040.00 USD - 98,800.00 USD *Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, and skills relevant to the role.

Application Closes at 12:00am MST on: 2026-10-31

About the Role

The position will support the Innovative Capacity Development activities within the UCAR Community Programs (UCP) COMET program. The incumbent will support ongoing development of low-cost 3D-Printed Automatic Weather Stations (3D-PAWS) and other low-cost observation platforms such as, but not limited to, stream gauges, snow depth sensors, air quality sensors, and soil sensing sensors. Previous hands-on environmental observation sensor experience will be beneficial in the position. Some experience with teaching or mentoring as well as good interpersonal skills will be helpful for these tasks. Given the nature of the project, a background in environmental instrumentation and international capacity development would be beneficial.

Works with COMET scientists and Business Shared Services staff to support the preparation for and execution of field deployments and training programs, which include, but are not limited to, printing, assembling, and testing of 3D-PAWS sensors, leading training workshops, and assisting international partners in maintaining and troubleshooting their sensor networks. This task will require national and international travel to sensor networks and training locations.

Collaborates with COMET scientists and software engineers on improvement of low-cost environmental monitoring sensors and supporting equipment using 3D-print technology, basic construction materials, and commercial, off-the-shelf sensors. The work will include but not be limited to: Updating current designs with the latest low-cost technologies; Testing, evaluating, and troubleshooting sensors Developing training materials (e.g. manuals) Ability to diagnose and solve problems that can include data analysis, software analysis tool debugging, quality control methodologies, instrument assembly and testing, sensors maintenance, graphical analysis, and evaluation of observations datasets with guidance from supervisor and other team members. Ability to develop and implement scientific and engineering methodologies related to achieving the goals of a project based on experience and general scientific and engineering skills. The incumbent will seek guidance from their supervisor and other team members when needed to ensure methodologies for assigned tasks are sound.

This is a casual position that can be worked fully remote. This is a part-time position and the adjusted pay range is $38.00 - $47.50/hour.

Job Description

B.S. degree in Engineering or a science field (e.g., meteorology, environmental science, earth science, computer science, etc.) plus practical experience using, maintaining, or designing mechanical and electrical/electronic systems AND three years related experience as an Engineer I (or equivalent position); or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skill Requirements

• Using and programming microprocessors (Arduino, Raspberry Pi Pico, Pycom) with Python and Arduino/C++
• Proficiency in the use of 3D Computer-aided Design (CAD) software for mechanical components (ideally OpenSCAD)
• Use of 3D printers, ideally for low volume manufacturing
• Experience using, installing and maintaining environmental sensors and associated networks
• Understanding of communication systems (cellular IoT, wifi, LoRa, etc) for environmental monitoring networks
• Familiarity with the latest developments in IoT, electronics and environmental sensors
• Basic understanding of electronics and electrical systems including low voltage power supplies
• Experience using basic manual tools (files, saws, hammers, etc)
• Experience teaching hands-on training courses
• Ability to work on concurrent projects at the same time
• Knowledge of project management systems
• Ability to apply hydrometeorological knowledge and experience to assess quality and performance to support the development of quality assurance protocols to detect sensor issues.
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to work both as part of a diverse team and independently on assigned tasks.
• Ability and willingness to travel internationally

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in environmental instrumentation and/or boundary layer meteorology preferred
• Observation field experience preferred
• Experience working in less developed countries preferred

Background checks and/or federal screenings are conducted for candidates selected for hire.

UCAR is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all individuals. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants are not required to provide age-related information (like date of birth or graduation dates) in initial submissions.

For sponsored positions: UCAR can sponsor individuals for H-1B status only if they are already in the U.S. in H-1B status or another visa status that allows them to change to H-1B status within the U.S. UCAR is unable to sponsor new H-1B visas for individuals who are outside the U.S. and need to obtain H-1B status through Consular Processing.

While UCAR does not prohibit the use of AI tools in job applications, we strongly recommend that applicants submit primarily original work.

All roles require compliance with U.S. export control regulations and work location requirements.

All hybrid staff are expected to work on-site approximately 3 days per week.

At NCAR - the National Center for Atmospheric Research - we study weather, water, climate, air quality, and space weather to help protect lives and livelihoods, grow the economy, and enhance our nation’s security and well-being. We collaborate with research partners to advance the science that makes predictions better and with end users to develop applications for forecasters, farmers, resource managers, retailers, the military, and many other stakeholders.

UCAR - the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research - manages NCAR on behalf of the National Science Foundation. We are a nonprofit consortium of more than 115 colleges and universities with research and training programs in Earth system science. We bring together the academic community and provide the operational management that are both essential to NCAR’s success.

UCAR’s community programs, from educational resources to data delivery and other services, extend the reach and impact of NCAR’s world-class research to the community and society. We seek talented people with diverse backgrounds, training, and skills to join us in our mission of science in service to society.