Winter Research Associate

Leidos

. Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair scientific instrumentation, including spectroradiometers, GPS receivers, radio receivers, seismometers, imagers, lasers, magnetometers, photometers, interferometers, antennas, and optical systems .

Posted 10/2/2026full-timeMcMurdo Station • United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $69,550 - $125,725 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting scientific instrumentation, with strong capabilities in data collection, technical documentation, and electronic troubleshooting. Proficient in network connectivity and system administration across various platforms, ensuring effective support for scientific operations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Scientific Instrumentation OperationElectronic TroubleshootingNetwork Connectivity AdministrationData Acquisition Systems ManagementTechnical Documentation Maintenance

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Spectroradiometer OperationGPS Receiver MaintenanceSeismometer RepairLinux/Unix System AdministrationPython ScriptingSQL Database ManagementDigital and Analog TestingData Collection and ValidationRF Equipment TroubleshootingComputer Hardware Repair

Soft Skills

Strong Written CommunicationStrong Verbal CommunicationOrganizational SkillsMultitasking AbilitiesConflict Resolution Skills

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft WordData Acquisition SystemsNetworking ToolsDigital Test Equipment

Certifications & Qualifications

Public Trust Security ClearanceValid Driver's License

Industry Keywords

Scientific Data CollectionEquipment Life-Cycle PlanningAntarctic ResearchLaboratory Technical WorkCryogen Handling

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

LinuxPythonSQLUnix

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair scientific instrumentation, including spectroradiometers, GPS receivers, radio receivers, seismometers, imagers, lasers, magnetometers, photometers, interferometers, antennas, and optical systems
Support continuous scientific data collection by resolving equipment, computer, networking, and instrumentation issues
Collect, archive, validate, and transmit scientific data and equipment status information
Diagnose and repair scientific instruments, electronics, and computer hardware using digital and analog test equipment
Develop creative technical solutions when standard approaches are insufficient
Administer and maintain computer-based data acquisition systems and associated hardware
Coordinate with IT teams on network connectivity, firewall access, IP addressing, computer configuration, and related technical needs
Maintain technical documentation, project logbooks, maintenance records, correspondence, and standard operating procedures
Support equipment life-cycle planning, inventory management, spare-parts tracking, resupply planning, and replacement recommendations
Operate, inspect, maintain, and troubleshoot antennas, antenna arrays, coaxial cable systems, and RF equipment
Investigate potential sources of radio-frequency interference with other organizations
Support operations and maintenance coordination at the Arrival Heights Laboratory and associated facilities
Conduct occasional research briefings and facility tours
Perform outdoor inspections and travel on foot to remote equipment and antenna locations
Support snow removal and other hands-on activities needed to access scientific equipment and facilities
Participate in shared community responsibilities at the Antarctic research station
Perform other duties supporting program and research objectives

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree with 2–4 years of relevant experience, Master’s degree with 1–2 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience
U.S. citizenship
Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust security clearance before starting
Successful completion of NSF-required physical, dental, and psychological examinations
Current, valid driver’s license
Ability to apply technical principles, theories, and concepts in a relevant scientific, engineering, electronics, or technical discipline
Fluency with networking topics and file transfer tools
Administrator ability for Macintosh and Linux/Unix platforms; Unix system administration ability
Demonstrated electronic and technical troubleshooting experience
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word
Strong organizational and multitasking skills
Experience working effectively with diverse teams in challenging or high-stress environments
Demonstrated conflict-resolution skills or related training
Flexibility and adaptability to changing operational priorities
Willingness and ability to work outdoors in extremely cold, windy, snowy, and dark conditions
Comfort driving in dark, snowy, icy, and remote conditions
At least two years of experience using multiple commercial software packages, DOS, and Windows operating systems
Preferred: Master’s degree or higher in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, Electrical, Aeronautical, or another engineering discipline
Preferred: Academic research environment experience supporting science projects
Preferred: General computer repair experience with IBM-PC, Macintosh, and network equipment
Preferred: Python and SQL database experience, including scripting for automation, reporting, and visualizations
Preferred: Two years of laboratory or observatory technical work involving experimental, physical, optical, or atmospheric science equipment
Preferred: Experience handling cryogens
Desired: Familiarity with legacy Windows versions and Macintosh/Linux/Unix platforms

Benefits

Comp & perks

Seasonal deployment opportunity supporting meaningful scientific research in Antarctica
Pre-deployment training may be provided
Approximately 9-month deployment to McMurdo Station, with seasonal employment
Opportunity to work with advanced scientific instrumentation and NSF-funded research