Engineering Technician (REMUS Senior Engineering Assistant I)

Job Summary

Job Description

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for an Engineer Technician (REMUS Senior Engineering Assistant I) to join the Oceanographic Systems Lab (OSL). This is a full-time, non-exempt position and is eligible for benefits. This position will provide direct operational and technical engineering support for the development and operations of REMUS autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV’s) doing world wide operations. These REMUS vehicles are designed at OSL and are heavily utilized by the science and military community with field projects or science survey cruises ranging from days to weeks. Shoreside responsibilities include the general maintenance and testing of the vehicle systems and the implementation of engineering changes or upgrades. The position will fully expose candidates to all aspects of the vehicle systems and operations while working alongside world leaders within the field of underwater robotics – and our on the job training produces highly coveted REMUS operators that are known by name in the field. The applicant is expected to be proactive at learning new skills, able to work in an at-sea environment and utilize available resources to solve associated technical issues. Hands-on experience operating and maintaining complex electro-mechanical assemblies and instrumentation in an at-sea environment is a plus.

With minimum supervision, and often solo at sea, applies a broad knowledge of established procedures to the assembly, testing, or calibration of REMUS and its payloads developed and used in support of engineering projects related to ocean operations. Has significant leadership qualities but is still willing to do solo field work at sea. Is an experienced vehicle operator, preferably REMUS based. This position will require extended time at sea, at times totaling to up to 4 months per year (not continuous), depending on vehicle scheduling. The ability to work cooperatively with others within a team-based environment is a must. As an REMUS Operator, you may be the sole representative upholding WHOI’s prestige with the customer in the field. The internal working title for this position is Senior Engineering Assistant I. The final level of the position will be determined commensurate with the selected candidate's level of education & experience.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & DUTIES:

SENIOR ENGINEERING ASSISTANT I

• Able to function at sea, solo to perform maintenance, testing and repairs to vehicle electrical systems; to include vehicle power distribution, acoustic navigation systems, imaging sensors and data acquisition instrumentation. This includes the reading of engineering drawings and using lab instrumentation to troubleshoot with little reach back.

• Able to function at sea, solo to troubleshoot vehicles computer and logic systems; to include embedded hardware and operating systems, networking, serial device communications protocols.

• Leads all aspects of vehicle operations solo at sea to include; mission programming, pre-mission checkout, vehicle tracking and post mission analysis.

• Works with outside science or military users to define and obtain AUV use objectives.

• Document and communicate results of field work to contribute to issue/repair resolution, enhancement of standing operational procedures and contributions to final field work reporting.

This position will require extended time at sea, at times totaling to up to 4 months per year (not continuous), depending on vehicle scheduling. The ability to work cooperatively with others within a team-based environment is a must. As an REMUS Operator, you may be the sole representative upholding WHOI’s prestige with the customer in the field.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• As deemed necessary by supervisor

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Considerable experience in a specialized field; consistently exceptional performance and a demonstrated record of reliable and timely task completion; invaluable long- term experience at the Institution coupled with technical support of the highest quality as a critical team member. REMUS operator experience is a must.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• TWIC

• Must be a US Citizen

• Security Clearance

• Person drives WHOI vehicle

Additional Job Requirements

Salary Range: $34.12/hour - $44.13/hour

Internal hiring level: Senior Engineering Assistant I

The salary range provided for this position reflects the expected minimum and maximum base pay for new hires. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as relevant skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as internal equity and market conditions. In addition to base salary, eligible employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Physical duties for this position include but are not limited to, ability to lift less than 25 lbs independently, 2 times per day; carry 10-25 lbs, 2 times per day. Visual abilities to include near, far, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to distinguish basic colors. Hearing requirements include the ability to hear and respond to instructions, communicate effectively in loud areas (pier/dock, warehouse). Other physical tasks include occasional prolonged standing/walking; use of hands for basic /fine grasping and manipulation, repetitive motion, reaching above and below the shoulders, pushing, pulling, kneeling, bending, twisting, and stooping. Other occupational requirements include talking, traveling, working around others, and with others. Will be exposed to dust or other irritants and electrical/mechanical/power equipment hazards. Physical duties are subject to change.

SEA DUTY:

May work at least 8 hours per day and, at times in excess of 12 hours per day, 7 days per week. Sleep and work hours can deviate from those on land. May be expected to work on watch schedule (such as 8 hours on and 8 hours off or 12 hours on and 8 hours off) for all or part of a cruise or to work as hours are needed to accomplish the planned work. May need to travel during holidays and for long distances to and from foreign ports. May experience rudimentary living and working conditions, with shared and basic living quarters and laboratories. May experience bad or extreme weather conditions, including heavy seas, winter weather or hot, tropical weather. Work on deck may occur in both hot and cold conditions around the clock. Sea conditions will lead to active ship motion. Should be able to climb steep and vertical ladders and able to enter and exit compartments through hatches, doors, and sills. Should be able to carry heavy gear and participate in the loading and unloading of the ship as well as in the activities on deck and in the labs during the cruise. Shipboard environment may include: confined areas, shared sleeping quarters (berths) and bathroom facilities, small and basic berthing, fixed mealtimes and basic menus. Modest levels of heating, cooling, ventilation, and illumination limited or no email and internet access and limited off-duty and recreational facilities (library, lounge, movies). May be exposed to potential allergens and irritants, including paint fumes. May experience constant and intermittent loud noises, and slippery and uneven surfaces.

WHOI accepts applications on a rolling basis - applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure full consideration. While we will continue to review applications until the position is filled, and early applicants may have an advantage in the selection process.

EEO Statement

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. 

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.