Mechanical-Electrical Technician

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for a Mechanical-Electrical Technician to join the Applied Ocean Physics & Engineering Department - Advanced Engineering Laboratory. This is a regular, full-time, non-exempt position, and is eligible for benefits. The initial term will be for one year.

The Advanced Engineering Laboratory is consists of engineers and technicians who work on a wide range of oceanographic systems including autonomous undersea vehicles, autonomous surface vehicles, underwater acoustics and communications, and complex sensors for physical oceanography, chemistry and biology. Within the lab, multiple groups develop cutting-edge technology for scientific and US Navy applications, and take that technology from initial prototype to complete product.  

The Mechanical-Electrical Technician will work with an engineering team in the development, assembly and test of complex assemblies for oceanographic systems. The work will include fabrication of prototypes and limited production runs, development of construction processes, documentation of procedures, and supervision of other assembly technicians.

More specifically, the Mechanical-Electrical Technician will undertake tasks, including, but not limited to: ordering parts, performing mechanical assembly of pressure housings and piping systems, assembly of printed circuit boards into pressure housings and connecting wiring harnesses, moving equipment between labs and test facilities, basic quality control and organizing of parts for assembly, plus helping with preparation of equipment for shipment. Remote work at field sites or other contractor facilities for up to several weeks per year is likely.

The internal working title for this position could be either Engineering Assistant III or Senior Engineering Assistant I.  The final level of the position will be determined commensurate with the selected candidate's level of education & experience. 

The required skills of the position include:

• Ability to read and understand industrial design diagrams that include pipes, valves, bends, reducers, junctions, filters and other components in a liquid flow system.
• Ability to read and understand system-level wiring diagrams that include printed circuit boards and wiring harnesses. Ability to assemble electrical subsystems at the board level and basic familiarity with anti-static procedures.
• Familiarity and skill with construction techniques for stainless steel piping and flow systems including Swagelok ® fittings (and similar), threaded joinery and pipe bending
• Ability to manage workflow for assembly of multiple (e.g. 10) complex systems simultaneously, including keeping component inventories, tracking completeness and performing unit tests.
• Familiarity with basic digital multi-meter functions.
• Mechanical assembly skills and experience appropriate for working with fasteners, adhesives and lubricants.
• Basic computer skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• As deemed necessary by supervisor

High School diploma or equivalent plus four to six years relevant work experience, or Technical School training plus four years’ relevant work experience.

Other skills/experience that are desirable for this multi-discipline technical position include:

• Familiarity with wiring construction techniques including wire stripping, crimping and assembly into harnesses.
• Basic electronic circuit soldering skills.
• Ability to read component-level schematics that include integrated circuits, resistors, capacitors, inductors and other circuit elements.
• Experience in a light manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with basic test equipment including power supplies and oscilloscopes.
• Experience with machine shop equipment including basic items such as a drill press or lathe, or more advanced machines such as 3D printers.
• Familiarity with computer aided design (CAD) software for mechanical or electrical engineering.
• Small boat experience (training available).
• Fork lift experience (training available).

• TWIC
• Must be a US Citizen
• Security Clearance
• Person drives WHOI vehicle
• Must be willing to travel and spend time in the field (several weeks per year minimum).
• WHOI has a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy in effect, where you must register your full vaccination status [vaccination plus booster] in order to begin your employment. The registration process is confidential and entails submitting your official vaccination records, or requesting to engage in the interactive exemption process for either a medical or religious reason. 

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.

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.