Electronics Engineer

UKRI; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent research institution is seeking a qualified individual to maintain and operate scientific instruments in Antarctica. This role includes supporting communications systems while offering the unique experience of living in the Antarctic for up to 18 months. The ideal candidate will have electronic maintenance skills and the ability to work in challenging conditions. This fixed-term contract positions the successful candidate in a motivating team environment, commencing in May/June 2026 with a base in Cambridge followed by training for the Antarctic deployment.

Qualifications

• Experience with maintenance of electronic systems.
• Ability to perform fault finding to a component level.
• Competent to brief others on duties.

Responsibilities

• Install, check, operate, maintain and repair scientific experiments.
• Organize work in a safe and professional manner.
• Compile monthly and annual reports of work undertaken.
• Support the HF/VHF radio and Satellite communications systems.

Skills

Broad electronic experience

Good PC and computer literacy

Proficient in written and spoken English Language

Ability to problem solve

Adaptable to changing requirements

Education

Relevant HNC or higher

Tools

Linux terminal commands

C programming

Python programming

Job description

British Antarctic Survey

BAS reference: BAS 26/14

Contract type: Antarctic Employment Pool - Fixed-Term Appointment - approximately 24 months, with up to 18 months in Antarctica, commencing in May/June 2026

Location: Antarctica

Salary band: AEP B1A £31,183 per annum (pro rata)

Closing date: 15th February 2026, 23:55

Interview date: w/c 1st stage zoom interview, 26th or 27th March. 2nd Stage in-person interview, 9th or 10th April.

Background/Overview

The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) offers the opportunity for a suitably qualified person to overwinter in Antarctica at Rothera (68°S, 68 °W) station. This is electronics with a difference. As part of a small, highly motivated team, you will be spending a whole year in the Antarctic, life here is like nowhere else, so you must be ready to take on all the challenges and opportunities it offers. With the unparalleled beauty of the Antarctic, you will find this a profitable experience in more ways than one.

The primary role of the successful candidate will be to maintain and operate a suite of scientific instruments studying the atmosphere and geospace. You will also support the HF/VHF radio and Satellite communications systems. We do not expect the successful candidate to have experience in all technical aspects, but a willingness to learn and develop new skills is important.

The successful candidate will work in a small team that maintains, operates and makes minor developments to hardware and software for scientific experiments. You will have proven ability in electronics and computing hardware coupled with self-reliance and strong motivation. You must be adaptable and willing to take on various tasks as they arise, including a considerable amount of outdoor maintenance and general base work.

You’ll be joining our Engineering and Technology team in Cambridge, with a period of training lasting approximately 6 months before deploying to Rothera Research Station, living and working in Antarctica for the duration of the contract.

To operate and maintain a suite of scientific experiments in the Antarctic and support the HF radio and Satellite communications systems.

Duties & Responsibilities

• To install, check, operate, maintain and repair a suite of scientific experiments and communications equipment in the Antarctic.
• To organise and carry out the work in a safe and professional manner.
• To keep line management aware of progress and report any major problems as and when they arise.
• To compile monthly and annual reports of the work undertaken.
• To request replacement parts to meet the yearly shipping deadlines.
• To keep the facilities in a professional and orderly condition.
• To work with other staff to ensure the station's operational and safety standards are maintained.
• To assist other members of the science team in their duties, this will include taking part in a rota to undertake meteorological and other observations outside of normal working hours.
• To lead technical fieldwork activities away from the research station.
• Support the HF/VHF radio and Satellite communications systems.
• To train other team members in the use of communications equipment such as Iridium, Starlink and VHF radio.
• To document procedures and to develop technical drawings when needed.
• To undertake general duties as required by the station leader.

Duration

The appointment will be for approximately 24 months, with up to 18 months in Antarctica, commencing in May/June 2026. The successful candidates will assist in preparing the equipment needed for the next Antarctic season and will undertake appropriate specialist training in Cambridge prior to travelling to Antarctica in autumn 2026 and returning in spring 2028.

Skills, Qualifications, and Experience

Essential

• Relevant HNC or higher
• Broad electronic experience
• Maintenance of electronic systems
• Fault finding to a component level
• Simple mechanical workshop activities
• Good PC and computer literacy required
• Proficient in written and spoken English Language
• Competent at briefing others on duties
• Demonstrate ability to problem solve on a wide range of issues and to think clearly under pressure
• Must be adaptable to changing requirements
• You will need to pass a medical test to demonstrate that you are medically fit to work in Antarctic conditions.

Desirable

• Recognised electrical engineering qualification/certification
• Instrumentation, RF experience
• Gas Handling
• Atmospheric chemistry instruments
• Familiar with Linux terminal commands including remote access and file transfer protocols
• Some programming experience using C, Python or any widely used programming language
• Experience of managing a small team
• Able to complete cargo documentation
• Able to complete stores indent paperwork and write station reports

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.