Convergent Research
Sensor Network Technical Lead
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Echo Labs - Sensor Network Technical Lead
Echo Labs is building the scientific and technical foundation for ecological intelligence: a multimodal system to measure, model, and forecast ecosystem condition as a dynamic property. We are a new Focused Research Organisation (FRO), supported by Convergent Research and funded by ARIA, pursuing high-risk, high-reward science with a public good mission.
About this Role
Echo Labs is seeking a Sensor Network Technical Lead to own the development of our UK ecological monitoring network; over the next 12 months, this will see a roll-out of a permanent multimodal sensor network across the UK. This is a hands-on, delivery-focused role where you will design and deploy a sensor-driven field campaign, develop data pipelines from sensor to server, and lead a small team of field technicians through the roll-out. You will be the person responsible for ensuring data captured in the field transfers into reliable data in our pipeline.
You bring a pragmatic approach to deployment alongside genuine enthusiasm for testing novel technologies. You are confident programming and powering hardware such as Raspberry Pi for off-grid work, deploying mesh networks such as XBee or LoRaWAN, repurposing camera hardware and software and exploring new technology such as edge-AI, all while being excited by the ecological insight this can unlock.
Profile (You Have)
- Technical Expertise: Demonstrable experience in designing and delivering large, multimodal sensor networks from the ground up. You will have the knowledge to know which solutions are scalable and what is required to deploy them.
- Experience with Ecological Monitoring Technologies: Including bioacoustics, phenocams, microclimate sensors, automated dendrometers or similar devices.
- Designing, Deploying and Optimizing Telemetry and Data Transfer Solutions: Knowledgeable regarding security best practice for unattended field hardware, from encrypted data transmission to protection against tampering.
- Logistics Skills: Ability to plan multi-site fieldwork (travel, equipment, scheduling, contractor cover) across dispersed rural locations.
- Emerging Sensing Solutions: You track emerging sensing solutions closely and have the technical capability to evaluate and adopt them quickly.
- Fieldwork Capability: A full, clean UK driving licence and comfortable working independently outdoors in variable weather for extended periods.
- Communication Skills: A confident communicator who is able to train and supervise field staff and build trust quickly with land managers and partners.
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Highly Valued Experience
- Experience with ecological survey methods including design and deployment of vegetation, bird, pollinator or soil sampling.
- Experience with data science techniques that integrate remote sensing and spatial analysis.
- Experience discovering and repurposing novel data sources that may contain ecological signal; this could include anything and we’re excited to hear your suggestions.
Core Responsibilities
- Sensor Suite Development and Deployment: With support from the Director of Ecological Research, take ownership of all technical aspects of designing, building, testing and refining the sensor suite before and during deployment, and ensure sensor data reliably and securely reaches Echo's data pipeline from sensor to server.
- Field Campaign Leadership and Delivery: Own day-to-day field operations for the Stage 1 roll-out across the UK, planning logistics and leading a small team of technicians and temporary staff to deliver the campaign on schedule. Act as Echo's primary point of contact with land managers and other delivery partners, coordinating site access and on-the-ground logistics.
- SOP Development, Training and Quality Control: Own and continuously improve the field survey management plan and SOPs; pilot new methods before wider roll-out; train and supervise field staff; run periodic field audits for data quality and protocol adherence.
- Future Scoping of New Technologies: Think creatively and keep up to date with new technologies, software and datasets that improve characterisation of ecosystem condition and enable Echo to scale (e.g. via citizen science or the "digital exhaust"). Propose new solutions to the team and evaluate them against our benchmark.
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We Offer
- A rare chance to build institutional architecture for frontier science, working alongside top talent from different fields.
- Up to 6% employer pension contribution; top-tier private medical and dental cover for you and your dependants.
- Generous parental leave (20 weeks make-whole-pay for both parents); 25 days holiday; wellness allowance.
Job Details
- Salary: £78,000 - £92,000 a year
- Location: UK – field-based, with travel to project sites across England (occasional hybrid days in London)
- Reporting to: Director of Ecological Research
We're bringing together top talent from academia, industry, and startups to build a new model for innovative R&D, and are committed to an inclusive, diverse workplace where everyone can thrive. We hire on unique talent, not on race, colour, religion, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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