The Sentry Autonomous Underwater Vehicle team is looking for HIGHLY motivated individuals to join a world class team in conducting both cutting edge robotics research and supporting world class ocean science. More information can be found here. Sentry is an operationally deployed AUV that spends 150 – 200 days per year at sea gathering data for ocean scientists. Sentry is also under continuous upgrade including pushing the boundaries of AUV sampling, new command and control systems, and new sensing systems. The successful individual will also work on other project related to AUVs including technology development projects for NSF, NOAA, Office of Naval Research, NASA, and corporations as and when needed. Successful individuals may have to independently balance several projects at any one time.
Essential Functions
With some supervision to achieve assigned objectives, the Engineer I position identifies and participates in engineering projects in support of scientific and research activities through the demonstration of one or more specialized skills. A candidate hired into this position level will initially have direct supervision to achieve structured and assigned objectives.
With some supervision to achieve assigned objectives, the Engineer II position identifies and participates in engineering projects in support of scientific and research activities through the demonstration of one or more specialized skills. This position will be expected to work on tasks requiring creativity and independent thinking, along with a proven understanding of fundamental research and engineering principles.
The internal working title for this position could be either Engineer I or Engineer II. The final level of the position will be determined commensurate with the selected candidate’s level of education & experience.
Education & Experience
Engineer I Level*
Engineering degree or other appropriate discipline with minimal work experience, or evidence of an established, specialized engineering skill gained through experience in the absence of a formal degree.
Minimum of a BS in mechanical or aerospace engineering. Ocean Engineering will NOT be considered unless accompanied by at least two years of paid design experience.
Engineer II Level*
Master’s degree in an engineering or appropriate field with minimal experience, or Bachelor’s degree in engineering or appropriate field with several years of relevant experience, or demonstrated competency as an Engineer I, or significant, progressive independence and skill development at the Engineering Assistant III or Senior Engineering Assistant levels or equivalent positions on the other technical ladders, or equivalent work experience in the absence of a formal degree.
A M.S. Degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering is desired but does not replace the requirement for the BS degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering. Exceptional candidates without an engineering degree 10+ years of relevant experience may be considered but only in very exceptional cases.
Engineer I & II Levels:
- Electrical Engineering courses/degrees/skills are strongly desired.
- A significant commitment to success of the program and the mission will be required particularly while at sea. This is a group that is known for going to extreme measures to make a cruise succeed even in the face of significant setbacks (for example, rebuilding the entire electrical system of the vehicle, at sea, in 72 hours, after a fire and flood) and any long term part of the group will need to have the same attitude.
- Specific experience are required/strongly desired, as follows:
- Experience with 3D modeling systems is required. Inventor preferred but others acceptable.
- Strong hands on skills are required.
- Familiarity or experience with basic manufacturability is desired.
- Electrical/Electronic debug skills are strongly desired.
- Any prior software experience is a plus.
- Must be highly creative when it’s time to be creative but must be able to become highly focused and effective as deadlines approach.
This position requires an extremely strong ability to learn rapidly and independently with intermittent mentorship.
Must be not only willing, but eager to get out on deck and get your hands dirty when the project requires it but must also be able to sit in an office and focus when that is required.
* The final level of the position will be determined commensurate with the selected candidate’s level of education & experience.
