Seismo-acoustic Systems Engineer (HR Title: Engineer 2)
Southern Methodist University Inc

Job Info

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Description

Salary Range:

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem - paired with entrepreneurial drive - creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU's relationship with Dallas - the dynamic center of one of the nation's fastest-growing regions - offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Department:

The seismology program at SMU has interests in seismic wave propagation with extension of seismological observations to high frequencies and in deep boreholes including mining related phenomenology. Inverse theory is used to process the seismic data. Seismological models are developed to explain earthquakes and industrial blasts. New designs of advanced seismic instruments and observatories are considered. Developmental work at SMU also consists of seismic and acoustic array design and deployment including the TXAR (Texas), NVAR (Nevada) seismo-acoustic arrays. This deployment is related to the seismic verification of nuclear arms-control treaties.

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

The SMU seismo-acoustic team operates and designs long-running and temporary deployments of seismic and infrasound real-time systems. Network operations serve as the cornerstone of a vigorous research program that includes the design of new sensor systems and experimental sensor deployments that enable us to explore scientific questions. The engineer will collaborate with the team to meet programmatic deliverables and would have the opportunity to participate in active research projects and advance to project management.

Essential Functions:

• Monitor real-time data from systems, performing scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on system hardware, software, or telecommunications/network facilities as needed. Utilize problem solving skills to recognize and diagnose data collection issues as they arise.
  
• Field Work: Assist in the installation and maintenance of equipment at local and remote facilities in the US and abroad. A valid US Passport required. Open to occasional travel for extended periods (e.g. ~2 weeks at a time). If responding to an outage situation, advance notice of travel may be limited.
  
• Liaise with local technicians and/or engineers and technical personnel from funding agencies to provide engineering solutions to technical problems.
  
• Test systems and lower-level assemblies in the laboratory and field. Board-level rework supervision as needed.
  
• Document plans, systems, inventory, and status of work, including a use-log of equipment. Requires ability to write accurately and clearly, good organizational skills and attention to detail.
  
• Provide thorough and accurate technical documentation and reporting for stakeholders and team members. Requires good time management as well as familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and potentially other programs. In addition to written reporting and documentation, some public speaking may be required to verbally present status of project work in group settings.
  
• Evening/weekend hours may be required, particularly when responding to an outage and/or when conducting field work.
  

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

A Bachelor's degree in Engineering or the physical sciences required.

A minimum of three years of experience is required. Experience with electronical engineering and/or field research is preferred. Experience with seismic and/or infrasound sensor systems and associated fieldwork is desirable.

An equivalent combination of education and experience, may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.

Candidate demonstrated ability to learn new technical skills is highly desirable.

Candidate knowledge of IT protocols and topology is desirable.

Candidate ability to work in a collaborative team environment is highly preferred.

Candidate attention to detail/tracking is a plus.

Candidate familiarity with Linux systems is preferred.

Candidate must be able to demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time
• Bend, squat, stand,
• Crawl, climb, kneel
• Walk for long distances
• Reach above shoulders
• Handle objects (dexterity)
• Push/pull
• Carry/lift over 50 lbs.
• Drives motorized equipment

Deadline to Apply:

Open until filled.

EEO Statement:

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.

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