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The Ocean Engineering team at the Applied Physics Laboratory at the University of Washington is hiring – see yourself at APL!

The Applied Physics Laboratory is a research unit at the University of Washington. Our research expertise is in ocean physics and engineering, ocean and medical acoustics, polar science, environmental remote sensing, and signal processing. We conduct research and development that is sponsored by a variety of federal and state agencies, and take great pride in our long-standing status as a US Navy-designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). Our work takes place not only on the University of Washington campus and medical centers, but in field locations around the world – at sea, in the air, and on polar ice caps. We apply rigorous scientific inquiry and engineering excellence in pursuit of solutions to important problems for the good of our region, nation, and world.

Diversity is a core value at University of Washington and the Applied Physics Laboratory shares this commitment. We are focused on building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable research environment for all students, staff, and collaborators. We believe every member on our team enriches our community by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and to discover, design and deliver solutions.

The Mechanical Engineer-Senior, Ocean Technology (senior level) in the Applied Physics Laboratory’s Ocean Engineering Department will be responsible for the design, construction, testing and field deployment of specialized mechanical systems for oceanographic, marine renewable energy and acoustic research. The candidate must have advanced knowledge of the complexities and requirements of designing, documenting, fabricating, assembling and testing systems to have the reliability and ruggedness necessary to be installed and operated in harsh and demanding environments.  Design tasks will be varied and may range from structural frames and pressure vessels to electronics chassis and hydraulic systems for extremely specialized and unique marine hydrokinetic and robotic devices. Special emphasis will be placed on the design of mechanical and electromechanical systems for long term operation in the ocean. Design decisions are complex and involve non-technical factors such as budget and project timelines and milestones.

The Senior Mechanical Engineer has wide latitude to determine direction, design, approach, method, and work plan, and is responsible for implementing their plan and executing it successfully and timely, including directing teams of other engineers and fabricators. The incumbent also coordinates activities with leads from other research programs. The incumbent interacts with various research programs to gather requirements, to confer throughout the design, fabrication, and testing process, and also onsite/at sea when the systems are deployed.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Detailed Mechanical Design and Analysis:
Partners with scientists and engineers to meet grant/contract objectives by collaborating on and designing mechanical parts and assemblies using the CAD software package SolidWorks.  Performs stress analysis using both structural analysis software (ANSYS FEA) and empirical equations.  Analyzes system mechanical requirements and designs mechanical frames to be deployed, and analyzes material suitability for deployed environments.  Develops and implements plans for engineering-related work, and provides direction to researchers in the execution of sponsored research activities.

Mechanical Fabrication, Prototyping and Testing:
Submits work orders for mechanical parts/assemblies to the APL Machine Shop and resolves any issues that arise.  Assembles and bench tests to ensure proper assembly before the systems are deployed in the field.  Oversees data collection and technology characterization of effectiveness.  Presents performance results and calibrations from bench testing to scientists and engineers, creates and presents detailed mechanical subsystem designs at programmatic reviews.  Specifies and procures parts, materials and assemblies.  Supervises CAD engineers to ensure the manufacturing packages are accurate, and tests parts and final assemblies to ensure they meet the overall system requirements and are built to print.  Oversees installation of oceanographic equipment in the field, and performs complicated operations and maintenance in the field.

Deploy and Operate Mechanical Systems:
Works with research group to develop and execute equipment deployment/recovery plans.  Performs installation of oceanographic equipment and operation/maintenance of systems in the field (e.g., Puget Sound or at sea).

Other Duties:
Manages/leads mechanical engineering efforts for sponsored research.  Ensures laboratory and fieldwork meets UW safety standards including managing lab chemical and equipment inventory.  Supports OE department strategy and planning, contributes to APL sponsored research proposals and reports, and supports laboratory functions in fast paced environment through auxiliary tasks as needed.

REQUIREMENTS:

Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering and 8 or more years of related experience.

• Mechanical engineering design experience using Computer Aided Design (CAD) software.
• US Citizenship.
• Demonstrated ability to execute a complex project with high attention to detail.
• Ability to independently prioritize and organize work to meet deadlines; ability to seek help.
• Willingness and ability to learn new systems and to implement new processes in response to changes.
• Capability to work well with a team of interdisciplinary engineers and scientists.
• Able to meet the physical requirements necessary to work at sea in small to large vessels for extended periods and willing to perform the required duties aboard ships.
• Able to work independently, and as part of a research team, interacting cooperatively with people from diverse backgrounds, academic levels, and nationalities.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

DESIRED:

• Heat transfer analysis.
• Fluid mechanics analysis.
• Hydraulic systems.
• Corrosion control theories and methods

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

May be subject to successful completion of E-Verify process.

Application Process:

The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process.  These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others.  Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.