SENIOR MECHANICAL ENGINEER

University of Washington   Seattle, WA   Full-time
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Req #: 172825
Department: APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY
Job Location: Seattle Campus
Posting Date: 10/09/2019 
Closing Info: Open Until Filled 
Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and education. 
Shift: First Shift 
Notes: As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs.  For detailed information on Benefits for this position, click here.  

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. All of which has allowed the UW to be nationally recognized as a “Great College to Work For” for six consecutive years. 

The Applied Physics Laboratory at the University of Washington (APL-UW) is a national center for advanced science and engineering research and development and education.  APL-UW was formed in 1943 for the U.S.  Navy to bring university research resources to bear on urgent WWII defense problems. APL-UW has developed an international reputation for its broad based programs in science, engineering and for designing, building, and deploying the advanced technology required to meet the research needs of numerous government and commercial sponsors. With modern facilities, equipment and over 350 talented researchers and staff, APL-UW provides a unique, dynamic work environment with many opportunities.

APL has an outstanding full-time opportunity for a Senior Mechanical Engineer.

The Electronic and Photonics Department (EPS) builds world class and innovative ocean instrumentation and data collection systems. The selected candidate will be an integral part of a research team that supports two large research programs in EPS. The Senior Mechanical Engineer will lead the design of mechanical components used for a long running, mission critical shipboard data collection program.

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 for decades in harsh and demanding environments with very little maintenance. Environmental considerations include thermal heat flow, vibration and shock isolation, cable management, exacting physical constraints in installation, and minimizing generated audio noise from the systems. The candidate must create unique and novel solutions to meet all the technical requirements and regulations for installing shipboard systems.

The EPS department is also responsible for operating and maintaining the world’s largest scientific ocean cabled observatory, the National Science Foundation (NSF) funded OOI-CA (link). The candidate will be part of project teams designing electronic systems and scientific instrumentation for deployment in ocean environments for both cabled and standalone operation. The candidate must work with the engineers and the program’s Principal Investigator to understand all the environmental/ thermal/ shock / pressure/ weight/ size / handling / cost / materials / corrosion and deployment requirements needed to meet the goals of the projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Mechanical Engineering Design & Analysis

-Work with program sponsors to conceptualize and design systems, assemblies and parts to meet exacting environmental requirements

-Perform stress and thermal analysis using both analysis software and empirical equations

Build, Test and Maintain

-Direct the APL Machine Shop and technicians in the fabrication, assembly, integration and testing of systems and parts

-Specify and procure commercial off-the-shelf mechanical materials, parts and assemblies

-Test parts and final assemblies to ensure they meet overall system requirements

Project Management

-Develop, then implement plan for engineering-related work, including management of timeline, budget, and schedule of deliverables

-Provide direction to researchers in the execution of sponsored research activities (e.g., feasibility of design, engineering, or fabrication concepts; use of alternative engineering approaches; recommendations for future design improvements)

REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field and at least ten years of experience as outlined below, OR Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field and at least eight years of experience as outlined below, OR Doctoral degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field and at least six years of experience as outlined below.

  • Designing electrical mechanical systems

  • Eligible to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance

  • SolidWorks solid modeling computer-aided design

  • Expertise in mechanical and ocean engineering design

  • Proficient in the creation of mechanical drawings

  • Proficient in the use of ASME Y14.5-2009 GD&T standards

  • Ability to work with machine shop technicians to monitor part fabrication

  • Heat transfer in electronics systems

  • Hydraulic system design

  • Packaging of electronic systems including CPU, interface card and power electronics

  • Ability to create assembly documentation

  • Demonstrated success working independently and as part of a research team, and interacting cooperatively with people from diverse backgrounds, academic levels, and nationalities

  • Fluid dynamics analysis

  • Simulation of mechanical systems using computer tools

  • Demonstrated excellent organizational skills, including:
    -Documentation - to maintain and expand system procedures and configuration control.
    -Attention to detail - to ensure the system is operated at a high level of availability and in a reliable and consistent manner.
    -Communication skills - to support all members of the team on a daily basis and to be able to effectively work in high pressure situations dealing with at sea ship operations or quickly troubleshooting systems in collaboration with all members of the diverse team.
    -Time management – to effectively prioritize diverse task list and operational needs of the team.

  • Extensive experience using PDM Vault

  • Travel to customer’s site

  • System requirements analysis

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

    DESIRED:

  • Complete understanding of design criteria for subsea pressure housings

  • Experience building scientific instrumentation

  • Experience building ruggedized rack mount equipment systems

  • Ability 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

  • Familiarity with systems engineering process

  • AutoCAD

    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.
  • Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

    The University of Washington is a leader in environmental stewardship & sustainability, and committed to becoming climate neutral.

    The University of Washington is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 / 206-543-6452 (tty) or dso@uw.edu.

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    University of Washington

    Seattle, WA