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- Tasks: Join our Geomagnetism Team to develop and operate global magnetic observatories.
- Company: BGS, a leader in geoscience with a dynamic and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, 30 days leave, and remote work options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in geoscience while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: BSc/Diploma in engineering, physics, or geophysics; programming skills in C++, Java, Python, etc.
- Other info: Exciting travel opportunities and excellent career growth in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 33838 - 42205 £ per year.
Grade: UKRI Pay Band C/S1
Salary: £33,838 per annum
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full-time – 37 hours a week
Location: BGS Offices in Edinburgh
A great benefits package is offered, including an outstanding pension scheme (with a generous employer contribution – on average 27% of your pay), 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
About the role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated and enthusiastic Instrumentation & Field Engineer to join our Geomagnetism Team. The successful candidate will be part of a dynamic and multi‑disciplinary team of engineering and science staff, with a specific role in the development and operation of BGS's global network of magnetic observatories, magnetic and magnetotelluric surveying, and space weather monitoring.
- Developing the instrument engineering skills necessary to maintain and improve the delivery of real‑time geomagnetic data from the BGS observatory network as part of a wider engineering team.
- Assembly of instrumentation components and cabling, with development opportunity to an engineering design role.
- Test, verification and deployment of new instrumentation and equipment.
- Travel and fieldwork in support of BGS Geomagnetism UK and overseas observatory operations, magnetotelluric surveying and magnetic north resurvey.
- Procurement of instrumentation, equipment and electronics laboratory tools, parts and consumables.
- Maintenance of UKAS‑traceable calibration standards and QA records for electronics laboratory and observatory test equipment.
- Quality and performance monitoring of real‑time magnetic observatory data systems in co‑operation with data analysis staff and reacting to system failures.
The following specific essential and desirable skills criteria for this post will be assessed at shortlist (S) stage, interview (I) stage, or both (S&I):
- Be educated to BSc/Diploma level, or equivalent, in an engineering, physics, or geophysics discipline. (S)
- Have practical experience in or extensive knowledge of engineering systems in areas such as instrumentation, electrical systems, communications, IT or similar (S&I).
- Have experience in scientific computer programming, familiarity with scientific data analysis techniques and demonstrable programming skills in one or more scientific computing language (e.g. C++, Java, Python, Matlab, R) (S&I).
- Be able to travel extensively in the UK and overseas; be prepared to work alone in remote environments; be resilient and physically competent in rough terrain; and willing to occasionally work out of office hours. (I)
- Have good communication skills and ability to present work clearly to experts and non‑experts alike. (S&I)
- Possess a full driving licence valid in the UK (S&I).
- You will be committed to a diverse and inclusive approach to work in the geosciences (S&I).
- Have had experience in the preparation of instrumentation or sensor networks, particularly the assembly, testing and/or design of electronic or electrical equipment (S&I).
- Experience in managing or contributing to safety or quality control processes (S&I).
- Be able to work unsupervised, prioritise tasks, and manage own time and workload to meet deadlines (S&I).
A valid UK driving licence is a key requirement so please confirm this in the application. Interviews will be held on 23th & 24th March 2026 in Edinburgh.
Geomagnetism Instrumentation and Field Engineer employer: British Geological Survey
Contact Detail:
British Geological Survey Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Geomagnetism Instrumentation and Field Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the geomagnetism field on LinkedIn or at industry events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and knowledge about geomagnetism. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with instrumentation and any relevant projects you've worked on.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! During interviews, share examples of how you’ve tackled challenges in previous roles, especially those related to engineering systems or data analysis.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Geomagnetism Instrumentation and Field Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for geomagnetism and engineering shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the role and how you can contribute to our team!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We love seeing practical experience in instrumentation and programming, so don’t hold back on showcasing those!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and skills, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the Geomagnetism Team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at British Geological Survey
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your engineering principles, especially in instrumentation and electrical systems. Familiarise yourself with the specific technologies and programming languages mentioned in the job description, like C++, Python, or Matlab. This will show that you're not just a good fit but also genuinely interested in the role.
✨Show Off Your Field Experience
Since this role involves travel and fieldwork, be ready to discuss any relevant experiences you've had in remote environments. Share stories that highlight your resilience and ability to work independently. This will demonstrate that you can handle the challenges of the job.
✨Communicate Clearly
Good communication skills are essential for this position. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to present your work to both experts and non-experts. Consider preparing a few examples of your past work where you successfully communicated technical information.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions about the team, projects, and company culture. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage with the interviewers on a deeper level.