Ground-based Hardware Specialist

Competition 2689

This position is part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).

In accordance with the Trust/Research Academic Staff Agreement, this position has a comprehensive benefits package and an annual salary range of $59,822 to $74,785. This position has an initial appointment of one year with the possibility of extension.

Location -  This role is in-person at North Campus, Edmonton, and other remote research sites.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Space Physics group

The Space Physics group, led by Prof. Ian Mann at the University of Alberta, conducts both experimental and theoretical research in space physics, with a primary focus on geomagnetic phenomena. Prof. Mann’s CARISMA team are recognized as experts in magnetometry and operates one of the world’s leading ground-based arrays. The group collaborates closely with the Canadian Space Agency and NASA on satellite missions, integrating data from ground-based networks and satellite platforms to study the effects of solar activity on the near-Earth space environment-commonly known as “Space Weather.”

Position Summary

As the Ground-based Hardware Specialist, you will join the Space Physics Group’s magnetometer program in the Department of Physics. Reporting to the Senior Magnetometry Program Manager, you will be responsible for the development, deployment, maintenance, and repair of a remote magnetometer array. Your work will span both local and field-based operations, ensuring the network remains reliable and fully operational.

With your diverse skillset, you will be central to the setup, expansion, and maintenance of the electronic, sensor, computational, and communications systems that underpin the array's distributed infrastructure. Your hands-on involvement will include in-depth testing, repair, validation, and verification of field-deployed hardware. These systems generate critical data for research within the Space Physics Group, contributing to the understanding of space weather and its effects on Earth. Core responsibilities also include meticulous preparation for field activities, with a strong focus on the health and safety of all personnel. If you are ready to help ensure the long-term success of our array, we want you on our team.

Duties 

1. Plan, deploy and maintain remote sensor networks

• Participates in full lifecycle project planning, field operations, training, installation, repair, manufacturing, and operational support for reliable long-term performance. 
• Apply field experience to enhance and optimize hardware and software systems, ensuring robust operation and continuous data return from both current and future deployments. There would be typically 5-10 trips/year, each less than a week, prioritized during the summer according to group activity and equipment needs).

2. Equipment Maintenance and Troubleshooting

• Perform regular maintenance, repairs, and upgrades on scientific instruments in both laboratory and field environments to ensure continuous, reliable operation.
• Carry out troubleshooting at all levels, from basic servicing and part replacement to detailed, component-level fault diagnosis and repair of complex electronic systems, either on-site or through remote support. 

3. Remote Instrumentation Development 

• Assist with hardware and software design, system requirement specification, prototyping, performance modeling, and detailed data analysis to verify and refine designs.
• Design, build, and test custom electronic circuits—both analog and digital—for ground-based instrumentation with a focus on durability, field-repairability, and reliable integration with data logging, control, and communication hardware.

4. Quality Control and Documentation

• Maintain comprehensive technical documentation for all electronic components and systems.
• Prepare reports for the CSA and other external funding agencies to support instrument operations.
• Implement quality control measures to ensure system reliability, and contribute to field operations and safety plans in compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electronic Engineering or a related field. 
• Experience: At least 2 years of experience in electronics design, development, and maintenance.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in analog and digital circuit design, electronic troubleshooting, and the use of diagnostic tools.
• Field Skills: Ability to work in rugged, remote northern Canadian environments, including equipment setup, calibration, and troubleshooting. Strong problem-solving skills and adherence to safety protocols required. 
• Communication: Effective communicator with strong interpersonal and documentation skills; strong team player, self-motivated with high initiative.
• Adaptability: Demonstrated critical thinking and ability to address and resolve real-time technical issues in the field.
• Other Requirements: Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel to remote research sites. Fieldwork includes moderate to occasionally intense physical activity in challenging outdoor conditions (e.g., carrying equipment, digging, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with microcontroller programming is considered an asset.
• Experience with field-deployed systems is preferred.