Job Description

Department: CAS Earth Sciences - Oregon Hazard Lab

Rank: Research Engineer

Annual Basis: 12 Month

Review of Applications Begins

October 23, 2026; position open until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

Complete application should include:

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Names and contact information for three professional references. Candidates will be notified prior to references being contacted.
• Cover Letter (less than one page) – Describe how your education and experience prepare you for this position, including relevant experience designing, testing, deploying, maintaining, or troubleshooting electronic, instrumentation, communications, or data acquisition systems. Where applicable, highlight experience independently coordinating technical or field projects, solving complex technical problems, and creating clear documentation such as procedures, system designs, maintenance records, or data-quality records.

Department Summary

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is the intellectual hub of the University of Oregon, serving nearly two-thirds of all students. Home to more than 800 faculty across 50+ departments and programs in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences, CAS is a dynamic and interdisciplinary academic community. Our faculty and advisors work closely with students to develop critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and clear communication skills to address real-world challenges. CAS staff and managers are integral to this work, playing vital roles in supporting academic excellence and advancing the mission of both the College and the University.

The Department of Earth Sciences (ERTH) is a member of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) that supports significant research activities in many fields of Earth and Environmental Science. The Oregon Hazards Lab (OHAZ) is a research program within CAS-ERTH. OHAZ uses science, technology, and community engagement to understand, detect, and mitigate multi-hazards within the Pacific Northwest. OHAZ consists of over 25 academic and research faculty, undergraduate student employees, and administrative staff. OHAZ works with a broad consortium of collaborators within the University of Oregon and with external groups across the United States. Support for the program comes from a diverse range of sources that includes the State of Oregon, various Federal agencies (U.S. Geological Survey, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency, National Science Foundation), and Utility providers. Research activities span a variety of disciplines that enable complex field deployments, robust and secure data telecommunications, stakeholder outreach and community engagement, and leadership in regional hazard monitoring initiatives. See ohaz.uoregon.edu for more information.

Position Summary

OHAZ seeks a skilled Multi-Hazards Field Engineer to pursue our mission of real-time, multi-hazards monitoring and research. Based in Eugene, OR, this position travels across Oregon and adjacent states to maintain, operate, and improve a monitoring system that produces research-grade scientific data to increase public safety and resiliency and support externally funded research.

The Field Engineer will oversee the design, testing, and maintenance of digital monitoring systems and related telemetry in support of defined research objectives. Working under the direction of OHAZ management, this position applies engineering principles to design, prototype, test, calibrate, deploy, and maintain digital monitoring equipment and associated communications and telemetry systems that support complex research initiatives and the collection of research-grade data. OHAZ values the capacity to work independently with minimal direct supervision as well as in a highly coordinated fashion within a collegial team, both in the lab and the field. The position involves coordinating with the federal, state, and local agencies to define and employ best practices, and to communicate technological innovations.

This position involves working outdoors in adverse weather and typically requires the ability to carry equipment up to 75 lbs for short distances over uneven terrain.

Minimum Requirements

• B.S. in engineering field.
• Two (2) years of relevant experience involving the design, testing, deployment, maintenance, or troubleshooting of electronic, instrumentation, communications, or data acquisition systems.

Professional Competencies

• Working knowledge of engineering standards and ability to apply standards to OHAZ research system functions.
• Ability to work well both autonomously and in a team.
• Ability to train staff members on specific technical matters.
• Ability to serve as technical lead, and exercise independent engineering judgement.
• Ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, and students from a variety of diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to contribute to institutional diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. in engineering field.
• Experience designing, deploying, and maintaining scientific instrumentation, digital monitoring, or data acquisition systems in laboratory and/or remote field environments.
• Experience designing or supporting communications and networking technologies, including radio telemetry (licensed and unlicensed), internet networking protocols, and Linux/Unix operating systems.
• Knowledge of electrical systems and applicable codes, including experience with National Electrical Code (NEC) compliance.
• Experience with logical system design, structured databases, and technical data management.
• Experience preparing technical documentation and communicating engineering concepts through reports, methodology documentation, presentations, or other research or technical deliverables.
• Experience operating 4x4 vehicles in remote or off-road environments.

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website.

The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541-346-5112.

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here.

In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online.