POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Oceanographic Instrumentation Engineer provides technical support in the calibration, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, deployment, and operational support of specialized portable and shipboard oceanographic instrumentation systems. Working as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team, this position supports oceanographic research programs both ashore and at sea, ensuring the reliability and performance of scientific equipment used in oceanographic data collection.
While shore-based, the position is primarily responsible for supporting calibration laboratory operations, including maintaining sensor inventories and calibration schedules, performing calibrations and routine maintenance of CTD, pressure, temperature, and meteorological sensors, and troubleshooting a wide range of oceanographic instrumentation. The role also supports expedition preparation activities by configuring, testing, packing, shipping, loading, and installing scientific equipment and spare components for research cruises. Additionally, the position provides technical and electronic support to research vessels both in port and remotely while at sea.
While at sea, the position supports oceanographic instrumentation deployment and recovery operations, stands operational watches, and conducts scientific data collection.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in electronic or mechanical engineering or equivalent combination of related experience and education.
- Working knowledge of engineering principles and methods in order to independently perform professional engineering design work of limited scope and complexity.
- Experience working at sea on oceanographic research vessels or similar field work.
- Demonstrated experience working with oceanographic instrumentation systems used on research vessels, which includes safety aspects of operation.
- Proven knowledge and experience using electronic test equipment for maintaining, troubleshooting, and calibrating electronic equipment.
- Demonstrated knowledge of ocean data collection theories and practices.
- Working knowledge of oceanographic sample collection and analysis techniques.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain detailed and accurate records including journal of laboratory and field work activity; ability to compose reports and prepare technical documents.
- Ability to work in a collaborative manner, to assist in identifying any challenges or barriers. Must be able to interact and work cooperatively with a wide variety of people, representing the institution and the university when participating in national and international research projects.
- Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated experience and skill using soldering iron or wire-wrapping tools to assemble electronic circuits from circuit diagrams.
- Demonstrated proficiency using standard application software and computers, i.e. text editors, Microsoft Outlook Suite, databases, CAD packages, data analysis software, etc.
Salary range: $77,000 – $108,000 / Annually
Application deadline: October 1, 2026
