Engineering Technician

Job Summary

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for an Engineer Technician 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 to the development and employment of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV’s) at WHOI and around the world.   These REMUS vehicles are designed at OSL and heavily utilized by the science and military community with field projects or science survey cruises ranging from a week to several months.   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 vehicle systems and operations while working alongside world leaders within the field of underwater robotics.   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 a hard job that requires grit is a plus. As a point of reference, it typically takes 2 years of on-the-job training for a dedicated person to be trusted with a REMUS vehicle solo. Once you do – you are a worldwide commodity.

Engineering Assistant II

With supervision, 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.

Engineering Assistant III

With little supervision, 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 leadership qualities. Has vehicle operator knowledge, preferably REMUS based.

Sr. Engineering Assistant I

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, up to 4 months per year, depending on vehicle scheduling.   The ability to work cooperatively with others within a team based environment is a must.

The internal working title for this position could be either Engineering Assistant II, Engineering Assistant III, or Sr. Engineering Assistant I. The final level of the position will be determined commensurate with the selected candidate's level of education & experience. 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

ENGINEERING ASSISTANT II

• Assists the team in performing 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 assist in troubleshooting.
• Assists the team in troubleshooting vehicles computer and logic systems; to include embedded hardware and operating systems, networking, serial device communications protocols. Learns to use software applications and utilities as related to performing needed work.
• Participates in all aspects of vehicle operations at sea to include, mission programming, pre-mission checkout, vehicle tracking and post mission analysis.
• Learns to do all tasks about solo as quickly as possible.

This position will require extended time at sea, up to 4 months per year, depending on vehicle scheduling.   The ability to work cooperatively with others within a teambased environment is a must.

ENGINEERING ASSISTANT III

• Performs non-routine maintenance, testing and repairs to vehicle electrical systems; to include vehicle power distribution, acoustic navigation systems, imaging sensors and data acquisition instrumentation with guidance in the lab. This includes the reading of engineering drawings and using lab instrumentation to assist in troubleshooting.
• Troubleshoots vehicles computer and logic systems; to include embedded hardware and operating systems, networking, serial device communications protocols. Uses software applications and utilities as related to performing needed work in the lab and assisted at sea.
• Participates in all aspects of vehicle operations at sea to include, mission programming, pre-mission checkout, vehicle tracking and post mission analysis.

This position will require extended time at sea, up to 4 months per year, depending on vehicle scheduling.   The ability to work cooperatively with others within a team based environment is a must.

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.
• Documents and communicates 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, up to 4 months per year, depending on vehicle scheduling.   The ability to work cooperatively with others within a team based environment is a must.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• As deemed necessary by supervisor

Education & Experience

ENGINEERING ASSISTANT II

High School or equivalent plus three years' mechanical or electronics experience, or Technical School training plus one-year related experience, or one to two years' progress toward technical degree. Work in a sea based / sea going job is advantageous.

ENGINEERING ASSISTANT III

High School diploma or equivalent plus six years' mechanical or electronics experience, or Technical School training plus four years' practical experience. Engineering study related to a degree may be a discriminator.

SENIOR ENGINEERING ASSISTANT I

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

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 meal times 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.