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Job description
# Oceanographic Instrumentation Engineer
Filing Deadline: Thu 10/1/2026 DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
UNDERSTANDING AND PROTECTING THE PLANET SINCE 1903
Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego is one of the most important centers for global earth science research and education in the world. Scripps scientists work to understand and protect the planet by investigating our oceans, Earth, and atmosphere to find solutions to our greatest environmental challenges. Scripps leads research in climate change impacts and adaptation, resilience to hazards, conservation and biodiversity, oceans and human health, national security, and innovative technology to observe the planet.The Oceanographic Instrumentation Engineer uses professional engineering concepts to perform moderately complex engineering assignments. Works in a specialized engineering field on a major training and / or research effort. Works on assignments of moderate scope where analysis of situations or data requires a review of a variety of factors.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Oceanographic Instrumentation Engineer provides technical support in the calibration, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, deployment, and operational support of specialized portable and shipboard oceanographic instrumentation systems. Working as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team, this position supports oceanographic research programs both ashore and at sea, ensuring the reliability and performance of scientific equipment used in oceanographic data collection. While shore-based, the position is primarily responsible for supporting calibration laboratory operations, including maintaining sensor inventories and calibration schedules, performing calibrations and routine maintenance of CTD, pressure, temperature, and meteorological sensors, and troubleshooting a wide range of oceanographic instrumentation. The role also supports expedition preparation activities by configuring, testing, packing, shipping, loading, and installing scientific equipment and spare components for research cruises. Additionally, the position provides technical and electronic support to research vessels both in port and remotely while at sea.
While at sea, the position supports oceanographic instrumentation deployment and recovery operations, stands operational watches, and conducts scientific data collection.
Our employees enjoy competitive compensation packages and educational opportunities in a diverse, stimulating workforce. This position is also eligible for full:
1) Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
2) Vacation/Holidays
3) Life Insurance
4) UC Retirement Plan.
You are encouraged to review additional information about our organization at the following:
About Shipboard Technical Support:
Benefits:
NOTE: Salary placement is determined by the top candidate’s overall qualifications/relevant experience, market data and internal equity.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in electronic or mechanical engineering or equivalent combination of related experience and education.
Working knowledge of engineering principles and methods in order to independently perform professional engineering design work of limited scope and complexity.
Experience working at sea on oceanographic research vessels or similar field work.
Demonstrated experience working with oceanographic instrumentation systems used on research vessels, which includes safety aspects of operation.
Proven knowledge and experience using electronic test equipment for maintaining, troubleshooting, and calibrating electronic equipment.
Demonstrated knowledge of ocean data collection theories and practices.
Working knowledge of oceanographic sample collection and analysis techniques.
Demonstrated ability to maintain detailed and accurate records including journal of laboratory and field work activity; ability to compose reports and prepare technical documents.
Ability to work in a collaborative manner, to assist in identifying any challenges or barriers. Must be able to interact and work cooperatively with a wide variety of people, representing the institution and the university when participating in national and international research projects.
Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Demonstrated experience and skill using soldering iron or wire-wrapping tools to assemble electronic circuits from circuit diagrams.
Demonstrated proficiency using standard application software and computers, i.e. text editors, Microsoft Outlook Suite, databases, CAD packages, data analysis software, etc.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.
Must be willing and able to participate on research cruises of up to 3 months duration, for a total of up to 6 months annually without restrictions, holidays and weekends included.
Must be able to travel globally without restriction.
Must be physically fit to carry out duties without causing undue risk to self and others.
Must possess a U.S. passport.
Must possess or be able to obtain Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
Pay Transparency Act
Annual Full Pay Range: $154,200 - $306,600 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)
Hourly Equivalent: $73.85 - $146.84
Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).
If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit
UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
Abusive Conduct in the Workplace
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Worksite address
san diego, CA, 92189, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.