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.
The Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering Department is currently searching for a Sensor Development 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. This is a broad posting targeting engineers with interest/experience in various aspects of sensor development. Significant duties include designing, prototyping, testing, and characterizing various sensor systems on the lab bench, and subsequently deploying and validating them at sea. Familiarity with optics or optical sensing is beneficial but not essential. A desire to propose and pursue novel ideas and technologies is encouraged. This is a regular, full-time, exempt position, and is eligible for benefits.
Job Level
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 ideal candidate will have at least one area of specific engineering expertise (electrical, mechanical, ocean technology, computer science, or software), with demonstrated basic familiarity in a second area. Entry level candidates will be expected to learn new skills rapidly.
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.
Essential Functions
Essential functions will depend on the specific skillset of the selected applicant and will include a subset of the following:
- Selects and programs embedded systems in Python, C, and/or C++.
- Designs and fabricates PCBs for power distribution, analog signal generation and acquisition, serial communication, and microprocessors.
- Develops and applies signal processing techniques.
- Performs laboratory development, testing, calibration, and characterization of novel sensors and instrumentation.
- Performs field testing of novel sensors and instrumentation.
- Analyzes data using Matlab or Python and clearly documents and presents results.
- Performs mechanical CAD using Solidworks or Inventor and is familiar with basic strength analysis, including FEA.
- Produces mechanical drawings suitable for fabrication using basic manufacturing techniques including milling, turning, waterjetting, and 3D printing.
- Develops concepts for sampling and handling of fluids (pumps, valves, flow control, etc.)
- Field testing and operation of sensors that requires travel and/or research cruises of up to 5 weeks
Education & Experience
Engineering degree with minimal work experience, or evidence of an established, specialized engineering skill gained through experience in the absence of a formal degree. Experience working to develop and test analytical techniques will be viewed positively.
Engineer I:
Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline with minimal work experience. This is an entry level position.
Engineer II:
Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline with 2+ years of demonstrated related experience or a Master’s degree in an engineering discipline.
