Engineering Technician - Shipboard Scientific Services
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is currently searching for an Engineering Technician to join the Operational Scientific Services Department. This is a regular, full-time, non-exempt position, and is eligible for full benefits.
The internal working titles for this position could be either 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:
Engineering Assistant III:
Reporting to the Group Operations Leader of the Shipboard Scientific Services Group (SSSG), this position provides at-sea electronic and mechanical technical support for science programs utilizing WHOI ships. The individual selected will be expected to perform with minimum supervision, tackling both routine and non-routine assignments on their own initiative.
Senior Engineering Assistant I:
Reporting to the Group Operations Leader of the Shipboard Scientific Services Group (SSSG), this position provides at-sea electronic and mechanical technical support for science programs utilizing WHOI ships. The individual selected will be expected to perform with little supervision, tackling both routine non-routine assignments their own initiative. Incumbents will assist with training of other Marine Technicians (Engineering Assistant IIIs).
THIS IS PRIMARILY A SEA-GOING POSITION AND REQUIRES AS MUCH AS 8 MONTHS PER YEAR ABOARD RESEARCH VESSELS. THERE IS NO NEED TO RELOCATE TO THE WOODS HOLE AREA (travel costs to ships is generally covered by WHOI).
Essential Functions
Below are functions and duties completed to ensure ship users collect world-class data supporting their scientific missions and are able to communicate about their data and mission both internally on the ship, and externally to shore. The primary responsibilities of this position (for both levels) involves the installation, maintenance, calibration and operation of shared-use science equipment provided with WHOI's research vessels.
Engineering Assistant III:
Responsibilities include but are not limited to maintaining, supporting, and troubleshooting the following systems:
- Various ship-to-shore communications systems (satellite communications and internet connectivity)
- Ethernet network electronics and systems
- Data logging systems and display computers
- Navigation instrumentation systems
- Echo sounding/bottom profiling sonar systems
- Acoustic beacons and transponders
- Meteorological, sea surface, and water column parameter sensors and profiling systems
- Sensor interface hardware and electronic systems
Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Participate in cruise mobilization/demobilization
- Remotely participate in pre-cruise planning meetings, as able
- Assemble and deploy of heavy oceanographic instruments from a ship's deck
- Execute light rigging and wire termination, both mechanical and electrical
The Engineering Assistant III will be performed with some guidance from higher-level Marine Technicians while at-sea on WHOI vessels.
Senior Engineering Assistant I:
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Assist with training of new technicians (EAIII) on ship specific systems i.e. various ship-to-shore communications (satellite communications and internet connectivity); ethernet network electronics; data logging and display computers; navigation instrumentation; echo sounding/bottom profiling sonars; acoustic beacons and transponders; meteorological, sea surface, and water column parameter and profiling sensors; sensor interface hardware and electronics
- Participate in cruise mobilization/demobilization
- Remotely participate in pre-cruise planning meetings, as able
- Assemble and deploy heavy oceanographic instruments from a ship's deck
- Execute light rigging and wire termination, both mechanical and electrical
Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Participate in training opportunities to grow skills by submitting own proposals
- Independently troubleshoots ship systems, including potential fabrication/construction of complex components requiring extraordinary care and accuracy (including ship's networks)
- Dedicates time to update detailed documentation of shipboard systems
- Communicates all changes to shipboard systems to designated POC onshore
- Leads assistance for science on ships internet system
Education & Experience
- The ability to work cooperatively with the ship personnel and cruise scientific investigators is required.
- Experience with or aptitude to understand the operation and maintenance of personal computers; familiarity with computer programming (Windows and UNIX operating systems) and related equipment interfacing is required.
- Strong work ethic and ability to learn new skills quickly and with a limited formal training process is required.
- Knowledge and experience relating to scientific laboratory practices and procedures, particularly those applicable to promoting safe working conditions is desired.
Engineering Assistant III:
- High School diploma or equivalent plus six years' mechanical or electronics experience, or Technical School training plus four years' practical experience, or two to three years' progress toward an engineering or related degree.
- Desired for candidates to have BS in technical field, or natural/physical sciences, or engineering; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Knowledge at sea highly desirable.
Senior Engineering Assistant I:
- Strongly desired to have B.S. in technical field, or natural/physical sciences, or engineering; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. High school or Technical school training plus 6 years related experience will be considered.
- Considerable related experience on WHOI vessels, or equitable experience on other research vessel platforms is required.
Special Requirements
- Must be able to obtain a TWIC card.
- Must be able to pass the equivalent of an Antarctic Medical Exam.
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.
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.