Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is the world’s leading, independent non-profit organization dedicated to ocean research, exploration, and education. Our scientists and engineers push the boundaries of knowledge about the ocean to reveal its impacts on our planet and our lives. Positions are available within teams that are addressing present and future research needs in autonomous underwater vehicles, robotics, underwater acoustic communications and navigation, deep-submergence (manned or autonomous), ocean sensors and observatories, free-space optics, fiber optics, power and energy systems, advanced materials, telemetry, data science and many others.
The Applied Ocean Physics & Engineering Department at WHOI has an open posting for temporary Engineering Assistants. The posting is primarily aimed at undergraduate students looking for 6 month positions to satisfy co-op or other requirements in their education programs, while working with a world class oceanographic institution. Students in the engineering and science fields with an interest in marine engineering and science are encouraged to apply. The openings are within a variety of research groups, and may focus on mechanical, electrical, software engineering and data analysis. Openings may occur at any time depending upon project demands, but are oriented around typical student co-op and internship schedules.
This is a temporary, casual, non-exempt position, and is not eligible for benefits.
CHARACTERISTIC FUNCTIONS:
Positions are available at the Engineering Assistant II and III Levels (EAII and EAIII). The EAII level is appropriate for students with some limited previous experience and may include software, mechanical or electrical design and development, using appropriate tools like CAD, prototyping, fabrication, assembly and testing. Projects may also include programming in C, C++, Python, Java or Matlab, data analysis using Excel, documenting results in MS Word or Powerpoint, as well as scripting and plotting in Matlab or Python.
The EAIII level is appropriate for students with a higher level of skill and experience in design, programming or data analysis, and previous relevant work experience, ideally in a similar environment. An EAIII is expected to work with moderate independence and take responsibility for a complete subsystem, whether electrical, mechanical or software related.
FOCUS AREAS:
Positions are regularly available with specific research groups that are suitable for undergraduates seeking to gain relevant work experience and will allow the successful applicant to contribute to on-going projects. Positions and duties take a variety of forms depending upon the projects currently underway, which currently include the following focus areas and corresponding required skills and experience:
QA/QC & Instruments:
Basic computer, electrical and/or mechanical skills
Data analysis skills (scripting, plotting, etc.) in Matlab or Python
Familiarity with serial and/or Ethernet instrument interfaces
Experience with mechanical design using Autodesk Inventor or AutoCAD
Mechanical:
Able to assist with assembly, maintenance, and repair of equipment with instruction and advice; exercises judgment in selecting or adapting procedures and equipment
Selects and operates standard test equipment, records test data, and performs routine analyses
Conducts various tests or experiments to troubleshoot and correct minor malfunctions
Software:
Python and/or C++ programming experience
Git version control experience
Interest in developing user interfaces and user tools for data display & analysis
Interest in command and control of deployed, oceanographic data collection systems
NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
As deemed necessary by supervisor, must be willing to take on a variety of tasks regardless of levels
WHOI is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans/M/F. We encourage Veterans and those with Disabilities to apply. Applications are reviewed confidentially. Applicants that require accommodation in the job application process are encouraged to contact us at (508) 289-2253 or email eeo@whoi.edu for assistance.
