NZArC Radar System Engineer

British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is looking for an outstanding Radar System Engineer to join our Palaeo Environments, Ice Sheets & Climate Change team. BAS enables and delivers world-leading interdisciplinary research in the Polar Regions. We employ experts from many different professions to carry out our Science as well as keep the lights on, feed the research and support teams and keep everyone safe!

Working at BAS is rewarding. Our skilled science, operational and support staff based in Cambridge, Antarctica and the Arctic, work together to deliver research that uses the Polar Regions to advance our understanding of Earth as a sustainable planet. Through our extensive logistic capability and know how BAS facilitates access for the British and international science community to the UK polar research operation. Numerous national and international collaborations, combined with an excellent infrastructure help sustain a world leading position for the UK in Antarctic affairs. British Antarctic Survey is a component of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), which is part of UK Research and Innovation www.ukri.org

As a valued member of our team, you’ll be eligible for the following benefits:

• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays and 2.5 privilege days
• Excellent civil service pension (with 26% or more employer contribution, depending on your band)
• 24 hours/365 days access to employee assistance programme (EAP – including support with physical, mental, social, health and financial issues)
• Flexible and family friendly working opportunities
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to discounted shopping on a range of retail, leisure and lifestyle categories and much more.

You’ll be joining the Palaeo Environments, Ice Sheets & Climate Change team, working closely with the airborne engineering group.

You’ll help us to deliver a new pioneering ice depth sounding radar, to be deployed on a large (10 m wingspan) UAV. This will open new ways to study polar regions, while reducing the carbon footprint of data collection, as part of the Net zero Aerial Capability for Geophysical Sensing (NZArC GeoSen) project.

Within the role, there will be an opportunity to develop the radar system from the ground-up, working with BAS scientists and engineers, as well as international collaborators, to deliver an optimised system. You will develop skills in radar system design, an understanding of UAV system integration and operation, and insight into delivering pioneering technology to scientific users.

Current projects the team are working on include using airborne radar data to study flow of Thwaites Glacier, helping to determine how fast this region will change in response to warming. Future projects will take the radar you develop to Greenland and Antarctica. Depending on funding outcomes there may therefore be an opportunity to extend this post to participate in such polar field work.

You’ll be joining a world-leading interdisciplinary research organisation, that is committed to recruiting dedicated people like you, progressing your career and giving you the support, you need to thrive at BAS.

Some of your main responsibilities will include:

• Designing the radar system, with assistance from the existing science and engineering team.
• Fabricate the radar system from components.
• Develop interface/control software to configure and operate the radar system.
• Test radar system in the lab and when installed on the UAV

For the role of NZArC Radar System Engineer, we are looking for somebody who has:

• Degree/Masters in physics or engineering
• Knowledge of Radar system design
• Experience of designing and delivering a data logging or control system
• Ability to manage own time and delivery to project deadlines

If we’ve just described you, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now at bas.ac.uk/vacancies.

What experiences can we offer you?

At BAS, we believe everyone plays a vital role, is unique and valued, therefore, we embrace diversity as well as equality of opportunity and are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming working environment where everyone’s unique perspectives are valued.

Different perspectives and collaborative working help us achieve our best work and come together to form a high performing team which makes positive changes in the business. That’s the power of every individual. Our cultural values are built on mutual respect, inclusion, commitment and excellence.

If you are looking for an opportunity to work with world class and amazing people in one of the most unique places in the world, then British Antarctic Survey could be for you.

If you require the job information in an alternative format (i.e. email, audio or video), or would like any further information or support, please do not hesitate to get in touch at jobs@bas.ac.uk or alternatively you can call us on 01223 221508.