Research Engineer 2

University Of New Mexico Albuquerque , NM 87102

Posted 5 days ago

Research Engineer 2

Requisition ID req30035 Working Title Research Engineer 2 Position Grade 14 Position Summary

The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of New Mexico is seeking applicants for a Research Engineer II. The successful candidate will independently evaluate, select, and apply standard engineering research techniques, procedures, and criteria to make minor adaptations and modifications to research equipment and instruments in the department. The individual should have a deep knowledge of electronics, instrumentation coding, diagnostics and repair. The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences has a wide array of analytical instrumentation, including microbeam (field emission TEM, ion and electron microprobes and a number of SEM instruments), mass spectrometers (multiple gas source, plasma and thermal ionization), gas chromatograph, optical emission spectrometers, X-ray diffraction and fluorescence, among others. The successful candidate will be required to repair and maintain the instruments and work with laboratory personnel to develop peripheral and add-on devices for existing equipment.

Position requires: a use of standard engineering and mathematical principles (circuit analysis) in the maintenance of special purpose research instrumentation. Adapt and modify research protocol for high vacuum methods and techniques and high voltage safety and operation for best performance.

These instruments are housed at two different buildings, Northrop Hall and PAIS as part of the Earth and Planetary Sciences Department.

1.Use of standard engineering and mathematical principles to design, build, and test both standard and special-purpose equipment and/or instrumentation for research and service purposes.

2.Coordination of repair of instruments with lab managers and ordering of parts required for repair.

3.Maintain electronic equipment, including high voltage circuit boards and high vacuum systems.

4.Work with laboratory personnel in developing new or modifying existing scientific equipment.

5.Troubleshoot circuit boards and isolate defective components and make equivalent substitutions or better substitutions.

6.Analyze and troubleshoot low and high voltage circuits and do the appropriate repairs.

7.Test and troubleshoot vacuum systems and make appropriate repairs and modifications.

8.Understanding of instrument software and coding to include: ladder logic, C, basic, and use of computer added design software.

9.Continue and develop relationships with manufacturing resources and service engineers.



  1. Making minor adaptations and modifications to research instrumentation as appropriate.

  2. Maintains currency of knowledge with respect to relevant state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and/or systems.

  3. Build and/or modify required infrastructure and electrical for instruments if needed.

  4. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.


See the Position Description for additional information.

Conditions of Employment

  • Professional Engineer (PE) may be required, depending upon field of expertise.

  • Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a directly related field; at least 1 year of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Ability to work independently in repair of complex research instruments which are part of an integrated research project.

  • A thorough knowledge and understanding of electronic and electrical circuits, vacuum systems and a general knowledge of instrumentation and control principals.

  • Knowledge of voltage and frequency-based signal detectors and counters.

  • Logic, EPROM, ROM, PLC, and Microcontroller programming abilities.

  • A thorough knowledge of testing and analytical equipment, such as oscilloscopes, and other voltage, current, RF and leak-detection.

Additional Requirements Please provide at least three Professional/Supervisory References. Campus Main

  • Albuquerque, NM Department Earth and Planetary Sciences E PS (133B) Employment Type Staff Staff Type Regular

  • Full-Time Term End Date Status Exempt Pay Monthly: $4,688.67 to $5,699.20 DOE Benefits Eligible This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information. ERB Statement As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid. Background Check Required Yes For Best Consideration Date 7/19/2024 Eligible for Remote Work No Eligible for Remote Work Statement Application Instructions

Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Please attach updated resume/application and cover letter.

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.


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