The Marine Physical Laboratory (MPL) has offices and laboratory space on both the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) campus in La Jolla and at the Scripps Nimitz Marine Facility on Point Loma.
It is part of SIO's Oceans and Atmosphere (OA) Section with multidisciplinary programs of scientific research including: ocean acoustics, bioacoustics, seafloor geophysics, signal processing, ocean optics and underwater imaging, air-sea interaction and surface waves, upper-ocean physics, and ocean chemistry. MPL has contracts & grants with federal agencies, industry, other Universities and nonprofits, and various state agencies. MPL's research programs are both theoretical and applied, The MPL machine shop at Point Loma supports MPL and SIO research programs fabricating unique and complex instrumentation in support of exploratory technological development appropriate to applied research programs. MPL expenditures exceed $50 million per year. MPL has over 130 permanent academic and staff employees and about 100 annual students, visiting appointments, and volunteers.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Development Technician II
The core emphasis is to support the research, development, production and deployment of oceanographic research equipment for the Multiscale Ocean Dynamics (MOD) group. Under supervision, the incumbent will perform simple mechanical, hydraulic and electrical assembly, calibration, and testing procedures. Under supervision, provide support in the loading of oceanographic equipment onboard research vessels. Under supervision, test apparatus for various routine lab procedures. Careful documentation skills and meticulous, detail-oriented work habits are necessary to ensure the high quality required for successful sea-going operations. Under supervision, the incumbent will oversee instrument inventory associated with shipping and fieldwork arrangements.
Development Technician III
The core emphasis is to support the research, development, production and deployment of oceanographic research equipment for the Multi-scale Ocean Dynamics (MOD) group. Under supervision, as a fully operational Development Technician, the incumbent will perform mechanical, hydraulic and electrical assembly, calibration, and testing procedures. They will fabricate test apparatus for various lab procedures. Strong documentation skills and meticulous, detail-oriented work habits are necessary to ensure the high quality required for successful sea-going operations. Under supervision, provide support loading oceanographic equipment onboard research vessels, using large trucks, forklifts, cranes, winches, etc. The incumbent will oversee instrument inventory and lead logistics associated with shipping and fieldwork arrangements.
The Multi-scale Ocean Dynamics (MOD) group is a lively, diverse and dynamic collection of scientists (Matthew Alford, Drew Lucas, Jen MacKinnon, Rob Pinkel, Jerry Smith, Gunnar Voet, and Amy Waterhouse), engineers, postdocs and students that seeks to better understand small-scale processes in the ocean, and their impact on everything from coastal circulation to global climate change. We have multiple overlapping sea-going projects in various far-flung parts of the world, using innovative instruments that have largely been developed in house.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Graduation from high school or a general education diploma and three (3) years of technical and craft experience or equivalent combination of education and experience in machine shop work, wood-working, tool and die-making, welding and steel fabrication, or mechanics.
- Experience with electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical assembly procedures.
- Experience with fabricating and machining techniques, and the ability to read and understand mechanical drawings.
- Prior experience (level 2) OR proficient (level 3) with electronic test equipment including the digital multi-meter and soldering station, and the ability to read and understand schematics.
- Prior experience (level 2) or proficient (level 3) in operating general test equipment including scales, hydraulic systems, and various measurement devices.
- Organizational skills to maintain laboratory space, tools, supplies, and equipment.
- Experience with laboratory, shop, and field safety procedures.
- Experience with purchasing procedures and ability to procure tools, materials, components, and supplies in a cost effective and timely manner.
- Demonstrated experience in marine construction or repair work.
- Experience with fabricating complete and complex oceanographic/scientific instruments.
- Ability to train others in performing safe and efficient deck operations.
- Experience with shipping logistics to domestic and international destinations including import / export restrictions.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact with a variety of diverse individuals, including scientists, engineers, vendors, lab, research vessel crew, and support personnel.
- Ability to set priorities and effectively manage and organize multiple tasks with competing demands.
- Computer proficiency with email, internet, google drive, MS word and MS Excel and familiarity with Windows-based software.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
- Ability to obtain forklift driver certification, 4500 pound rating minimum.
- Valid California driver's license.
- Must be willing and able to travel.
- Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.
- This position has a background check requirement and offer of employment is contingent upon candidate clearing the background check process.
Annual Full Pay Range: $55,165 - $66,231
Closing Date: November 9, 2023
