Lead Field Engineer

OptaSense, a Luna Innovations company, delivers real-time, actionable intelligence that promotes cost savings by increasing operational efficiency, maximizing productivity and reducing risk.  OptaSense is seeking a Lead Field Engineer to join our Houston, TX office.

Role Purpose:

To lead, manage and mentor deployment teams to achieve operational business objectives and client quality standards in system installations, for both permanent and temporary system installations of DAS, DTS and Sensing systems, across the LUNA group of businesses. 

Key Accountabilities: 

• To plan and organize logistics, systems, equipment, and personnel for system installations and testing as designated by the Operations Director, Operations Manager or Project Manager.
• Lead and project manage multi-company customer team members regarding customer field installations, testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
• To frequently (up to 60%) lead the deployment team (comprising both internal and external personnel) on global assignments achieving successful completion of System/Site Acceptance
• Perform to company standards Test (permanent system) / System Test (demonstration).
• Technical support via phone, e-mail, video conference or directly on site
• To deliver to client satisfaction, technical training on the use of the systems to end users, maintainers, and installers. 
• Work closely with Technical Business Manager, Service Manager, and other Field Technicians to prepare and to develop commissioning and implement repair solutions when required
• To resolve appointed client problems and queries via the OptaSense fault reporting system.
• To liaise with the product development teams in order to provide customer and operational feedback on software features, functionality, and suggested product/system improvements
• To ensure and to uphold that all works are carried out within the company and client-defined Health & Safety practices as well as those standards expected within the relevant industry sectors.
• The development and upkeep of system documentation such as installation manuals, system test procedures, operating guidelines, system specifications etc.
• To Provide Out of Hours Support via a rostered Support Schedule 
• Using the skills and abilities developed within OptaSense as well as other fields, develop a specialist training plan within the chosen area of expertise in order to develop others as well as spread knowledge and competency throughout the company.

Key Capabilities/Knowledge:

• The ability to plan, manage and execute installations of technical equipment in remote locations globally with limited support.
• The presentation of technical systems in a client-focused way both directly and within a formal presentation environment.
• Problem-solving capabilities in computing, networking, and leading technology-based technical installations.
• Highly computer literate – adaptable to a range of applications including IT Networks, LINUX platform, Microsoft Operating platforms
• Able to design and document clearly within a controlled quality system the architecture of multi-component systems.
• Demonstrable track record in the successful planning, commissioning, and installation of fibre optic sensing systems in the oil & gas, rail, or transport environments on a global basis. 
• Working globally for extended hours at short notice and within tight deadlines.
• Customer-focused technical experience within a technology-focused discipline/product.
• Ability to detail technical issues and proactively manage issues to resolution using a range of tools and assets of the OptaSense group.
• Ability to interface with a diverse client base from a range of cultures and from a wide industry sector including the Oil & Gas, Rail, Transport & Military sectors.
• Knowledge of communication protocols (Modbus, DNP3, IEC etc.), SPS programming,
   Ethernet, RS-232/485, etc. is preferred.

Experience & Qualifications:

• BS or MS degree in Physics, Electronics, Computing
• 3-5 years of technical experience and exposure in the following fields or areas, Oil & Gas, IT Support, Project Management, Technical Customer Service, Software Management & Development or Fibre Optics including fibre design or optical systems.
• 2-3 years of hands-on experience of distributed acoustic (DAS) and other distributed fibre technology (temperature, strain) technologies and their applications are desirable, but not essential.
• Knowledge of distributed temperature sensing preferred.
• 3-5 years of hands-on experience in installing, calibrating, testing, commissioning, turnover, troubleshooting and servicing advanced technology hardware and software for customers installations, such as IT, Computer, Network, or bespoke systems architectures
• Understanding and experience of requirements and logistics necessary to integrate and network advanced fibre technology systems and other IoT devices within broader network platforms
• Knowledge and understanding of LINUX, C , Windows, Python (desirable) and other high-level languages (desirable)
• Previous experience with fiber optic fusion splicer is a plus
• Candidate must be a US Citizen or permanent US resident due to requirements for working on government contracts
• US Government Clearance desirable 

Travel Requirements:

• Approximately 60% annually with international travel
• Live within an hour of a major international airport
• Commutable to Houston, TX for periodic office assignments and training

Luna is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer – Minorities/Females/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.