Instrumentation Engineer/Mechanical Engineer

This position is with the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Ice Drilling Program (IDP) group at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. IDP supports ice drilling and subglacial rock coring development and operations for the NSF. The team conceptualizes, designs, tests, and operates drilling equipment in glacial environments worldwide, primarily in polar regions.

About the role

The selected candidate will work closely with multidisciplinary teams of scientists, engineers, and technicians to develop state-of-the-art ice coring and drilling systems. Responsibilities include supporting engineering requirements, system design, component procurement, part fabrication, and system assembly, test, and operational use. This role involves defining and conducting trade studies and leading the development of mechanical, electrical, electromechanical, and thermal subsystems.

Additional duties may include leading test programs, developing procedures, creating unique test hardware, analyzing test data, and producing test reports. The position also supports maintenance, problem resolution, and upgrades for legacy ice drilling systems while maintaining communications with internal and external partners.

Periodic deployment to remote polar camps for 1-3 months is required to provide technical support and field operation of equipment.

Responsibilities

• Provides expertise and experience in mechanical, electrical, electromechanical, and thermal system design and development.
• Uses computer design applications (e.g., SolidWorks) for modeling, analysis, and fabrication efforts.
• Prepares reports on design status and technical research for professional organizations, government/sponsor review boards, and design reviews.
• Identifies problems, issues, and needs, and provides solution options to support decision-making.
• Coordinates project activities and supports research and development of new processes, techniques, and approaches for advanced instrumentation systems.
• Conceptualizes, specifies, designs, constructs, integrates, operates, tests, calibrates, documents, and improves instrumentation systems.
• Supports field operations, including commissioning, troubleshooting, adjusting, and repairing mechanical and electromechanical systems in remote environments.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering (required).
• Experience in mechanical system design.
• Experience in the operation, analysis, and deployment of mechanical and electromechanical systems.
• Proficiency in Computer-Aided Design (CAD), specifically SolidWorks, or the ability to quickly learn it.
• Experience with machine assembly, including troubleshooting and fabrication of fixtures or tooling.
• Skill in using Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Strong verbal communication skills, including the ability to present to groups with varying levels of expertise.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting mechanical systems in the field, including commissioning, troubleshooting, adjusting, and repairing equipment.
• Experience conducting Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) studies on mechanical components and systems.
• Knowledge and experience in fabrication and shop practices.
• Working knowledge of control systems, electromechanical devices, and electronics; familiarity with embedded programming is a plus.
• Familiarity with electrical safety practices, such as Lockout/Tagout.
• Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder training.

Pay

Starting salary will be based on experience and qualifications, with a minimum starting annual salary of $67,500 for well-qualified applicants.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off.
• Competitively priced health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Tax-advantaged savings accounts.
• Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund.

Schedule

This position is eligible for up to 40% remote work with an approved flexible work arrangement (FWA). Remote work requires high-speed internet and phone access. Periodic deployment to remote polar camps for 1-3 months is required.