Job Description

The Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) has an outstanding opportunity for an Electrical Hardware Design Engineer 4 to join the Ocean Engineering Department (OED).

About this Opportunity:

Reporting to the Ocean Engineering Department Head, the Electrical Hardware Design Engineer 4 will be an integral member of the Ocean Engineering Department that supports Principal Investigators (PIs) by creating specialized electrical systems used to observe the natural and physical world. The incumbent will design, build, test, document, and deploy electrical solutions for oceanographic, ocean acoustic, marine renewable energy, autonomous vehicle, and marine robotic systems and instruments.

The incumbent serves as a lead electrical hardware engineer responsible for the full lifecycle development of sophisticated research instrumentation and electrical systems, from concept development and requirements definition through design, integration, testing, deployment, and long-term operational support. Working under broad objectives and expected outcomes, the incumbent independently plans and executes complex engineering assignments for projects ranging from moderate to large scale, often involving unique technical requirements and environments where standard solutions are not available. The position routinely manages multiple concurrent projects with competing priorities and timelines, applying advanced engineering judgment to evaluate alternatives, anticipate technical risks, and develop innovative solutions to challenging research and operational problems. While collaborating closely with Principal Investigators, the Department Head, and multidisciplinary teams of software, mechanical, and field engineers, the incumbent is expected to operate with independence in defining technical approaches, making engineering decisions, and ensuring successful project execution. The position requires proactively translating scientific objectives into engineering requirements, identifying and resolving complex technical issues, adapting to evolving project needs, and delivering reliable systems that directly support critical research activities and field operations.

Key Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will independently lead and execute all phases of electrical hardware engineering for advanced research and development projects, from concept development and requirements definition through design, integration, testing, deployment, and lifecycle support. The position supports a diverse portfolio of oceanographic, marine robotics, marine renewable energy, and acoustic instrumentation projects, requiring the application of advanced engineering principles to solve complex technical challenges in demanding operational environments. Assignments may range from the development of specialized electronic subsystems and custom circuit boards to the architecture and implementation of sophisticated autonomous and distributed marine systems.

Core responsibilities include the ability to:

• Design, Build, and Test Electrical Hardware (90% FTE): Approaches novel assignments and applies sophisticated research techniques, networks, and resources, and moves the project forward from inception to execution.
• Works on complex research endeavors that result in the creation of new concepts, applications, designs, or new areas of research.
• Gathers electrical system requirements from Principal Investigators.
• Designs and proposes system architectural designs to Principal Investigators.
• Establishes design approaches that balance performance, reliability, schedule, and cost.
• Designs circuit schematics and PCB layouts using Altium software.
• Designs for requirements involving data acquisition from scientific sensors, power management for low-power systems, hardware/software interfaces, and reliability.
• Specifies and procures electrical components.
• Works alongside APL technicians and external vendors for the fabrication, assembly, and bench testing of electrical components parts.
• Hand-solders, debugs, and integrates PCB’s and electrical systems.
• Designs, documents, and builds custom electrical harnesses.
• Diagnoses, documents, and resolves electronic hardware problems.
• presents technical approaches, design reviews, and project status to team members, Principal Investigators, and Department Heads.
• Adheres to APL Ocean Engineering documentation standards.

• Deploy, Operate and Maintain Electrical Hardware Systems (10% FTE): Plans and supports the at-sea installation, operation, and maintenance of systems.
• Troubleshoots and proposes solutions to real-time problems at sea under significant time constraints and resource limitations.

Required Qualifications:

To be considered for this opportunity, your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Department.

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or a related field and four years of relevant experience. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Additional Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to independently develop and implement electronic system architectures from requirements definition through design, prototyping, testing, field deployment, and lifecycle support.
• Demonstrated proficiency in electronic schematic capture, printed circuit board (PCB) design, and layout using industry-standard ECAD tools such as Altium Designer, KiCad, or equivalent software.
• Demonstrated experience independently managing PCB fabrication, assembly, vendor relationships, and manufacturing workflows, including design-for-manufacturing and design-for-test considerations.
• Proven ability to independently perform hardware bring-up, hand soldering, debugging, troubleshooting, and integration of complex electronic systems and custom PCBs.
• Experience designing, documenting, fabricating, and validating custom electrical harnesses, cable assemblies, and interconnect solutions for demanding operational environments.
• Demonstrated proficiency in diagnosing, documenting, and resolving electronic hardware failures through systematic root-cause analysis and corrective action development.
• Ability to independently plan, coordinate, and execute system-level integration and verification activities involving electrical, mechanical, and software subsystems.
• Experience leading or facilitating technical design reviews, providing constructive peer review, evaluating engineering trade-offs, and contributing to multidisciplinary engineering decision-making.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment in evaluating technical alternatives, identifying project risks, and developing innovative solutions to complex engineering challenges where established methods may be inadequate.
• Experience managing multiple concurrent projects and priorities with minimal supervision while balancing technical performance requirements, project schedules, operational constraints, and budget considerations.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with principal investigators, project managers, software engineers, mechanical engineers, technicians, and external partners while serving as a technical resource and subject matter expert.
• Demonstrated experience developing engineering solutions for systems operating in remote, harsh, or high-reliability environments, including the ability to anticipate operational challenges and incorporate reliability, maintainability, and risk mitigation into system designs.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a research team, interacting cooperatively with people from diverse backgrounds, academic levels, and nationalities.
• Must meet the physical requirements necessary to work at sea in small to large vessels for extended periods and be willing to perform the required duties aboard ships.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with electrical system design specifically for ocean engineering, acoustic systems, marine renewable energy, ocean physics, and/or marine robotics applications.
• Experience with mixed signal / analog electronic design.
• Experience with power electronics design, high-speed digital design, or RF design.
• Experience with digital protocols such as RS-232, RS-485, SPI, CAN, or Ethernet.
• Experience working with autonomous or high-reliability systems.
• Experience with C, C++, and Python programming for electrical bring-up and testing.
• Ability to acquire and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance.

About 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 and imaging, polar science, 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.

We are focused on building and sustaining a laboratory where all students, staff, and collaborators can realize success. We believe every member of our team enriches our research enterprise by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and discover, design, and deliver solutions. We invite you to explore our laboratory, to find answers to Common Questions about the University’s application process, and to See Yourself at APL.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum: $102,000.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum: $164,328.00 annual

Other Compensation: -

Benefits: For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift: First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular? This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent): 100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit: UAW Research

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.