Using an engineering background, the Electrical Engineer will test, maintain, refine, design, build, and ready advanced geophysical equipment and associated components for field data acquisition. This position will have the freedom to conceive, design, and build hardware and software supporting data acquisition for a wide range of geologic applications. The Electrical Engineer will provides a leadership role in training of the proper use and handing of equipment. This person will troubleshoot electronic equipment, often in a field environment, and repair or implement replacement options.
SALARY, EMPLOYMENT STATUS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS: Full-time position with benefits, subject to a six-month probation and annual performance reviews. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
KU offers great benefits to employees with up to 22 days of paid vacation earned per year, 12 days of sick leave earned per year, nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day, a retirement program, medical & dental insurance, life and disability insurance, other benefit plan options, and State of Kansas discounts offered by various vendors. KU also offers employees educational and professional development opportunities. KU is a great place to work! The University actively encourages applications from members of underrepresented groups.
EXPLORATION SERVICES SECTION: The Kansas Geological Survey (KGS) Exploration Services (ES) section develops and uses several investigative methods to provide information about the subsurface, using both invasive and non-invasive approaches with a focus on higher resolution and accuracy while reducing cost.
The ES section provides drilling in support of water, energy, and basic subsurface research. It also runs a program designed to monitor changes and identify regional trends in the High Plains, Dakota, and alluvial aquifers, measuring about 1,380 wells in 47 central and western Kansas counties. As well, the ES section is responsible for installation, maintenance, and collection of data from earthquake recording stations in Kansas—both permanent stations and several temporary networks—to detect and analyze seismic activity.
For more information about the KGS visit our website: http://www.kgs.ku.edu
Job Description
40% Participates in research planning and development for a wide range of projects and programs using engineering background and expertise to determine optimum electronic systems and/or devices for purchase, design, or construction, based on project goals. Projects/programs include but are not limited to seismic, GPR, drilling, water level, earthquake, land surveying, logging, and other KGS sections as a need for expertise arises. Responsible for all section computers, plotters, and printers (purchasing, setup, and updates), with additional oversight of KGS cell phones.
20% Conceives, designs, and implements microcomputer/microcontroller systems/software as well as electronic and mechanical devices for the testing of advanced geophysical data acquisition and processing research. Help evaluate commercially available seismic instruments/components based on literature, laboratory, and field testing, fitness for KGS geophysical research, and determination of potential design flaws. Participates in development, pre-planning, and excursions as necessary to ensure electronic readiness for seismic research projects. Programming to manage data formats. Monitors and evaluates the overall fitness of seismic hardware and software for rapid deployment.
20% Acting as an electronics specialist, evaluate and compare, often without the aid of schematics or other published technical information, expected versus actual performance of a variety of specialized electronic and mechanical devices. Applying electronic/engineering principles to formulate and implement a solution that may involve repairing, rebuilding, redesigning, or discarding the equipment. Independently investigates and determines appropriate solutions to problems with KGS electronic equipment. Troubleshoot complex electronic systems, correct system problems, or recommend options. Design, build, and implement specialized electronic components for a wide range of applications.
10% Principle oversight and facilitator in preparing, updating, delivering, and retrieving electronic field systems for KGS and collaborators working on annual water level measurement program. Programming and revising of specialized software for android devices. Options to perform as a field member of the annual water level measurement program. Responsible for educating on the proper operation of all guidance and data logging hardware and software systems used by several state agencies. Assist in troubleshooting and resolving any issues arising from electronic systems. Responsible for preliminary analysis and safeguarding the accuracy of annual water level measurements.
10% Participate with data recording, transfer operations and data management of both temporary and permanent Kansas earthquake networks. Instruct and monitor earthquake technician on proper maintenance and installation of hardware at remote field locations. Field oversight will be necessary in cases where remote interaction is not providing 100% operational efficiencies.
Position Requirements
- Valid driver’s license.
- Occasional travel for around ten days at a time, averaging a total of 25-30 days per year.
- Work outdoors in challenging conditions for periods of several days.
- Lift and move up to 30 pounds short distance with or without accommodation.
- Work independently and make decisions with remote guidance.
Required Qualifications
- Associate's degree in electrical engineering technology with 3 years of relevant experience OR Bachelor's Degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering plus 1 year of relevant experience.
- Demonstrated experience with diagnosing/troubleshooting electronic equipment malfunctions and successful repair as evidenced by application material.
- Developed hardware, software, and/or firmware products as evidenced by application material.
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience programming in C, C++, and Visual Basic.
- Knowledge of DGPS/RTK systems and data protocols.
- Experience with field-based telemetered data systems.
- Seismic acquisition systems field experience.
- Familiarity with programming apps on android devices.