AUV Embedded Software Engineer

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is searching for a highly motivated and enthusiastic Embedded Software Engineer to join the Scibotics Lab within the Applied Ocean Physics & Engineering Department (AOPE). This is a regular full-time, exempt position, and is eligible for full benefits.

The Scibotics Lab at WHOI develops autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and new capabilities with innovations in hardware and software that help scientists and society better understand the ocean. We invented the SharkCam, an AUV that locates, tracks, and films marine animals like the North Atlantic white shark.  Our team strives to develop non-proprietary software that is accessible to the wider scientific community. Although our focus is on AUVs and their applications, our team works with ROVs, UAVs, biologger tags and novel sensor development such as the midwater oil sampler. 

In the spring of 2023, we are opening a brand new, cutting edge robotics lab in WHOI's newest building: The David Center for Ocean Innovation.  Our team has access to cutting-edge maker space equipment, large test tanks, advanced machining, and collaborative collision spaces just to name a few. 

We are seeking a highly motivated software engineer to join our team and help us develop embedded software for a series of ambitious projects: protecting the arctic from environmental damage with an AUV capable of detecting and mapping out oil spills under ice; marine megafauna following algorithms in the deep sea; benthic habitat surveys in rough terrain; obstacle avoidance in and around wind turbines; and much more.  The ideal candidate will both contribute to existing ideas and technologies as well as bring their own creative ideas to our lab. 

You will help the team by:

• Developing ROS nodes to interface with various instruments such as sonars, navigation systems, and depth sensors attached to an embedded Linux computer
• Designing autonomous navigation, perception, and mapping behaviors to allow the vehicle to respond to environmental stimuli like the presence of oil droplets or obstacles
• Developing ROS-based interfaces for AUV data and control management
• Writing and utilizing software tests, including unit tests and functional tests using tools such as Gazebo
• Building visualization and user interface software that allows users to interact with the data being passed through the ROS interfaces
• Integrating the vehicle’s computers with other hardware components such as GPS sensors, power management units, custom digital circuit boards, etc.
• Participating in at-sea expeditions as well as local field operations and testing on large and small boats
• Operating the vehicle during field deployments and testing

We value candidates who excel in multidisciplinary contexts; our ideal candidate will bring both software and electrical engineering experience, but will be prepared to step out of their comfort zone to contribute wherever challenges arise.

A successful candidate, with little supervision, works creatively and independently to establish objectives, meet deadlines, and complete difficult engineering assignments by demonstrating full competency in one or more engineering areas; assists substantively in planning technical aspects of new developments, as well as design, testing, and use of major system components. The candidate must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.  We are looking for a team player who values open and frequent communication.

The ideal candidate would fit many (but not necessarily all) of the following qualifications..

• 3+ years of software development experience in Python and/or C++
• Experience developing software using ROS, LCM, or a comparable robotics middleware
• Experience working with embedded Linux systems (Raspberry Pi, etc.)
• Working knowledge of robotics system design (navigation and planning methods, sensing technologies, perception algorithms, etc.)
• Familiarity with electronics: RS-232 communication, microcontrollers, DC power distribution, acoustic transducers, sonar, oscilloscopes, CPU BIOS configuration
• Familiarity with oceanographic sensing technology such as sonar, ADCPs and IMU’s
• Experience creating graphical user interfaces (GUIs) or data visualization tools
• Experience with version control within a team software development environment.

The internal working title for this position could be either Engineer II or Research Engineer.  The final level of the position will be determined commensurate with the selected candidate’s level of education and experience.

Engineer II:

• 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;
• May supervise other personnel.
• 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.

Research Engineer:

• Develops major portions of electronic or mechanical systems with supervision consisting primarily of milestone progress reviews; frequently acts as Project Engineer on major projects
• Conducts hardware developments such as new sensor techniques, autonomous battery-powered instrumentation, control systems for robotic submersibles, etc.;
• Writes complex computer code for use in instrumentation, system modeling, and electronic design
• Develops new sampling methods involving complex mechanical, electrical, or electronic instrumentation
• Plays a significant role in report writing and proposal preparation and may single-author results
• Interacts with scientific and technical staff colleagues to foster research ideas, develop and hone research/experimental skills
• May supervise one or more Engineering Assistants and/or Engineers.
• With little supervision, works creatively and independently to establish objectives, meet deadlines, and complete difficult engineering assignments by demonstrating full competency in one or more engineering areas; assists substantively in planning technical aspects of experiments, as well as design, testing, and use of major system components.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• As deemed necessary by supervisor

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.

Engineer II:

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in engineering or appropriate field with 3-5 years of relevant experience.

Research Engineer:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or computer science/engineering with at least five to seven years of related experience, or Ph.D. or Master's degree in electrical engineering or computer science with several years of related experience.

Required skills for both position levels include:

• Excellent working knowledge of C and/or C++, and several other programming languages, including one or more of: Python, Perl, Linux/Unix shell, or Matlab/Octave.
• Experience with programming and debugging embedded systems.

Other skills that are desirable include:

• Experience working with oceanographic systems, including autonomous underwater vehicles.
• Experience with version control within a team software development environment.
• Experience with Linux operating system programming and administration.
• Experience with Orcad design tools.
• Experience with data analysis, particularly related to system troubleshooting and performance evaluation.
• Experience with field experiment planning and participation..
• Electronic design skills, both analog and digital, including schematic-level design, basic circuit board layout, and troubleshooting.
• Experience working at sea.
• Capable of getting a US Security Clearance
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

All candidates that apply MUST:

• Have a US driver’s license
• Qualify to get a TWIC
• Participate in field work at sea. Field operations durations are variable but often not in excess of 2 weeks per deployment. Travel requirements are 2-8 weeks per year.

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 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.

WHOI is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans/M/F. We encourage Veterans and those with Disabilities to apply. Applications are reviewed confidentially. Applicants that require accommodation in the job application process are encouraged to contact us at (508) 289-2253 or email eeo@whoi.edu for assistance.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, rèsumè or CV, and a brief project portfolio showcasing at least one project relevant to robotics to: scibotics@whoi.edu