Opportunity

Ocean Career: WHOI Mechanical Engineer and/or Naval Architect

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is searching for a highly motivated and enthusiastic Mechanical Engineer with training and/or experience in Naval Architecture to join the Oceanographic Systems Lab (OSL) within the Applied Ocean Physics & Engineering Department (AOPE). This is a regular full-time, exempt position, and is eligible for benefits.

OSL is a world leader in Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) technology and operation in many complex oceanographic environments. Military and scientific applications of AUVs are supported by OSL including biologic and physical surveys, mapping, under-ice operations, environmental anomaly detection, and imaging marine life. OSL works with REMUS AUVs developed in OSL and equipment designed elsewhere expanding capabilities of the AUVs and the sensors employ in the ocean. The OSL team operates in a creative and exciting workspace from development of ideas to deployment in the field within months.

The Mechanical-Engineer and/or Naval Architect will perform a wide range of design, modeling, and fabrication tasks related to AUVs and their subsystems. The position will include mechanical and systems engineering on high performance autonomous underwater vehicles, with a focus on analysis of performance, dynamics and, and detailed design of mechanical systems. This position includes participation in and leadership of at-sea operations of AUVs in support of multiple programs. Excellent writing and communication skills are required for team collaboration, publishing reports and papers, and writing proposals. Members of this team all spend time both in the office/lab and in the field. They work in conjunction with frontline military platforms. Field operations occur locally and at remote sites to support science, exploration, disaster response, and military operations to do cutting edge research and development. Previous missions have included locating black boxes and airplanes, locating shipwrecks, mapping unexplored parts of the ocean, mapping physical and biological phenomena, and studying marine life. Past project sponsors include NSF, NOAA, Office of Naval Research, DARPA, BSEE, Discovery Channel, NAVOCEANO, NUWC, foreign governments, philanthropic organizations, and corporations.

The internal working titles for this position will be either Engineer I, Engineer II, or Research Engineer depending upon training and experience of the applicant.

Essential Functions:

  • Experience designing and fabricating precision components using Solidworks to design mechanical components including pressure housings, chassis parts, instrument cages, underwater vehicle assemblies and related items from a variety of different materials.
  • Experience designing and analyzing structural components, including external pressure vessels, using first-principles and FEA.
  • Ability to perform analysis of underwater vehicles and appendages using Computational Fluid Dynamics.
  • Ability to perform thermal analyses of underwater vehicle mechanical systems.
  • Understanding of submerged vehicle hydrostatics and hydrodynamics and application to new vehicle design.
  • Understanding of design considerations and material selection for long-term operation in corrosive environments.
  • Execute reasonable design tasks within 6 months without extensive on the job training. Real design experience is a strong discriminator with proof of tangible work in the field.
  • Prepare and communicate designs for fabrication and work with suppliers, machine shops and finishing houses to create complete products.
  • Prepare systems for laboratory and dockside testing and be able to document results
  • Support operation and use of systems at sea, undersea, and in the ice environments during cruises and field work (cruise time can vary from one to six weeks).
  • Contribute new ideas to the development of AUV systems and their applications.
  • Cost estimation for mechanical components of complex engineering systems.
  • Support (Engineer I) and/or lead (Research Engineer) proposal efforts commensurate with qualified job grade.
  • Work experience in either an ocean, robotics, or defense related field is desired, but not essential.

Education & Experience

Engineer I

  • This is an entry 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.
  • Applies basic research principles and standard laboratory instrumentation to engineering design efforts;
  • Tests designs, calibrates instrumentation, troubleshoots mechanical/electronic systems;
  • Develops computer code, microprocessor code, and uses CAD, CAE tools;
  • Participates in report writing to document instrumentation developments and tests;
  • Develops basic practical engineering skills to enhance technical competence and versatility.

Engineer II

  • With some supervision to achieve assigned objectives, identifies and participates in engineering projects in support of scientific and research activities through the demonstration of one or more specialized skills. Will be expected to work on tasks requiring creativity and independent thinking, along with a proven understanding of fundamental research and engineering principles.
  • Conceptualizes solutions to engineering problems;
  • Develops, calibrates, and tests new designs and techniques;
  • Develops computer code, microprocessor code, and uses CAD, CAE tools;
  • Troubleshoots electronic/mechanical systems;
  • Participates in report writing to document developments and tests. May single-author reports and articles;

Learn more about this opportunity and how to apply.

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