Engineering Assistant III

Job Summary

The Chemical Sensors Lab in the Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering Department is currently searching for an Electrical Engineer to work with a cross-disciplinary team focused on developing biogeochemical sensors and instrumentation for ocean and environmental applications. Areas of interest include the ocean carbon system, coral reef health, microplastics, sea level rise, and deep ocean exploration. Significant duties include designing, prototyping, testing, and characterizing various sensor systems on the lab bench, leading electrical engineering tasks including board design and fabrication, and subsequently deploying and validating the sensors at sea. Familiarity with optics or optical sensing and/or ocean sensors is a plus. Strong technical skills and ability to document engineering designs required. A desire to propose and pursue novel ideas and technologies is encouraged.


The Engineering Assistant III plays a vital role in the high-pressure, technical environment of deep-sea autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) operations. This position focuses on the assembly, maintenance, and field deployment of complex robotic systems used for deep-ocean scientific exploration. Working within the Sentry operations group, the individual will bridge the gap between benchtop development and at-sea execution, ensuring that sophisticated sensors and vehicle subsystems are mission-ready for deployments reaching depths of 6,000 meters.

Job Description

This is an entry to early career level position designed to encourage the connection and application of academic training to results-oriented projects in support of scientific and research activities. Initially this position will have direct supervision to achieve structured and assigned objectives, and is expected to later expand to broader and more independent tasks. The candidate will be expected to work on tasks requiring creativity and independent thinking, along with a proven understanding of fundamental research and engineering principles. The candidate will have expertise in electrical engineering through either a recognized degree or through experience at a previous engineering position.

As a key member of the technical team, the Engineering Assistant III is responsible for the physical integration and validation of underwater instrumentation. This includes the hands-on fabrication of mechanical and electronic components, as well as the calibration of critical deep-sea sensors (such as multibeam echosounders, magnetometers, and gravimeters). The role requires a high degree of technical autonomy, often involving troubleshooting complex hardware failures in a shipboard environment where resources are limited.

Essential Functions & Duties

• System Integration & Assembly: Fabricate and assemble complex mechanical housings and electronic chassis for AUV subsystems, ensuring strict adherence to tolerances required for extreme pressure environments.

• Testing & Calibration: Perform routine and non-routine calibration of oceanographic sensors; execute pre-dive and post-dive functional tests to verify vehicle health and data integrity.

• Field Operations: Participate in at-sea expeditions, contributing to the launch, recovery, and deck handling of the AUV; may be tasked with directing specific field operations related to their mechanical or electronic specialty.

• Technical Documentation: Use CAD systems to update or create schematics, mechanical drawings, and parts lists based on iterative hardware improvements or field repairs.

• Software Utility: Utilize computer systems to run diagnostic applications, manage data logging, or perform minor programming tasks to streamline testing procedures.

• Collaborative Problem Solving: Work closely with senior engineering staff to translate broad project objectives into actionable manufacturing and testing plans, providing recommendations on design improvements.

• Maintenance & Quality Control: Maintain a high standard of shop and deck safety; manage inventory of critical spare parts and specialized tooling required for remote deployments.

Required Experience & Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or a related physical science field such as Geology.

• Evidence of interdisciplinary academic training, combining engineering principles with an understanding of marine or earth sciences

Preferred Experience & Education

• Oceanographic Instrumentation: Proven experience installing, troubleshooting, and repairing complex sensors, including Seabird CTDs, ADCPs, gas analyzers, and atmospheric monitoring systems.

• Sonar & Acoustic Systems: Direct experience with the operation and maintenance of high-resolution sonar systems, such as Kongsberg multibeam echo sounders (EM122/EM120), EA600 echo sounders, and Ksync synchronization units.

• Deep-Sea Vehicle Operations: Experience supporting the deployment, recovery, and operation of autonomous or towed underwater vehicles, such as REMUS 600 AUVs or deep-sea camera systems (eg, MISO TowCam).

• Fiber Optics & Electronics: Proficiency in fiber optic fusion splicing, managing shipboard trawl wires, and repairing marine electronics in remote field environments.

• Polar & Remote Fieldwork: Demonstrated ability to operate independently or in small teams in extreme environments (eg, Antarctica, Greenland), including "winter-over" experience and station management.

• Rigging & Mechanical Skills: Hands-on experience with technical rigging, rope access, and the fabrication of custom mounting solutions for mission-critical infrastructure.

• Deck & Over-the-Side Operations: Competency in managing complex over-the-side deployments, including coring operations, rosette launches, and mooring system developments.

• Software & Data Systems: Familiarity with scripting languages (Python, Simulink) for electronic troubleshooting and experience with data processing for bathymetric or atmospheric datasets.

Additional Job Requirements

Salary Range:

EA III:$30.50/hr - $39.37/hr

The salary range provided for this position reflects the expected minimum and maximum base pay for new hires. Actual level placement and 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

● Lifting/carrying less than 25lbs

● Moderately sedentary

Sea Duty and International Travel

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.