Job Listings

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for two Software Engineers to join the Applied Ocean Physics & Engineering Department. These are regular, full-time, exempt positions and are eligible for benefits. The level of this role will be determined by the selected candidates level of education and experience. The candidates will be hired into a Engineer I, II or Research Engineer role.    JOB SUMMARY:   The Deep Submergence Laboratory (DSL) at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is looking to hire a software engineer to join our team. DSL designs, builds, and operates underwater robots with unique science-focused capabilities for the ocean sciences community. Our submersibles are used around the world in some of the deepest parts of the ocean to survey and collect scientific samples and data. Our development and operational goals are focused on providing the tools and assets necessary for users to investigate the world’s oceans. More information can be found at: https://ndsf.whoi.edu/   The Software Engineer will work directly with the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Sentry capable of exploring the ocean down to 6,000 meters. The AUV Sentry program requires engineering support for both on-shore engineering and at-sea field operations.  At-sea field operations can require significant travel.  Candidates will be expected to spend up to 100 days a year in the field, total time away will not be consecutive.   With some supervision to achieve assigned objectives, the Engineer II position identifies and participates in engineering projects in support of scientific and research activities through the demonstration of one or more specialized skills. This position will be expected to work on tasks requiring creativity and independent thinking, along with a proven understanding of fundamental research and engineering principles.   With little supervision, the Research Engineer position will work 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.      

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to join our AI and Embedded Systems team. This position will focus on the development and implementation of AI and embedded programming systems to help support our cutting-edge oceanographic research and field operations. The successful candidate will have strong skills in Image Machine Learning (ML), Text Mining, Embedded ML, Robotics software engineering, and full-stack development.

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is searching for a highly motivated and enthusiastic Senior Software Engineer to join the Ocean Observatories Initiative’s Cyberinfrastructure (OOI-CI) Software Team within the Applied Ocean Physics & Engineering Department (AOPE).  This is a regular full-time, exempt position, and is eligible for benefits.    The Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) is a science-driven ocean observing network that delivers real-time data from more than 900 instruments to address critical science questions regarding the world’s ocean. OOI data are freely available online to anyone with an Internet connection.  The CI team develops and maintains software that processes instrument data into and out of the Python, Java and Linux based software stack.   OOI is recruiting qualified candidates for a position in software engineering in support of processing and disseminating large amounts of ocean observing data.  This individual will be contributing to many aspects of the software development lifecycle such as requirements, architecture, code development and testing.  The work will involve support of the existing codebase, Cassandra and Postgres database pair, 3rd party open-source applications and development of new systems as well as troubleshooting at all levels.   A successful candidate, with modest supervision, works creatively and independently to establish objectives, meet deadlines, and complete difficult assignments by demonstrating full competency in one or more development areas; assists substantively in planning technical aspects of new architectures, as well as design, testing, and QA/QC of the software stack.   The internal working title for this position is Senior Engineer.  

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is searching for a highly motivated and enthusiastic Embedded Systems Engineer 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 filming megafauna.  OSL works with REMUS AUVs developed at WHOI and equipment designed elsewhere, expanding capabilities of the AUVs and the sensors they support.  The OSL team operates in a creative and exciting workspace from creation of ideas to deployment in the field.   OSL is recruiting qualified candidates for a position in electronic and software engineering in support of applied research and development in underwater robotics, communication, and navigation. The work will involve support of existing systems, electronic design and development of new systems, and troubleshooting at all levels.  Specifically, it will require support and development of electronic designs for embedded, microcontroller-based systems and their firmware, and of software for general purpose computers.  The position will also involve going to sea to support data collection and experimentation, and post-processing and analysis.   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 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.    

The Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering Department is searching for an instrumentation technician to join the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) Coastal and Global Scale Nodes (CGSN) team. This is a regular full-time position and is eligible for benefits. The internal working title for this position could be either Engineering Assistant III, or Sr Engineering Assistant I. The final level of the position will be determined commensurate with the selected candidate's level of education & experience.   The role of the position primarily consists of working with a range of oceanographic instruments from initial testing through deployment and recovery for the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI). OOI is an NSF funded project with the purpose of deploying and maintaining data collection moorings to measure physical, chemical, and biological processes for the scientific community.

The Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering Department is searching for an instrumentation engineer to join the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) Coastal and Global Scale Nodes (CGSN) team. This is a regular full-time, exempt position and is eligible for benefits. 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.   The role of the position primarily consists of working with a range of oceanographic instruments from initial testing through deployment and recovery for the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI). OOI is an NSF funded project with the purpose of deploying and maintaining data collection moorings to measure physical, chemical, and biological processes for the scientific community.

The Ocean Bottom Seismic Instrument Center (OBSIC) (https://obsic.whoi.edu) at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution seeks to hire a full-time, junior electronics engineer (Engineer I or Engineer II). Exceptional candidates may be considered at the Research Engineer level. OBSIC provides Ocean Bottom Seismographs (OBS), and the technical support to operate them, to the academic research community. You will join a group committed to advancing the performance and reliability of OBS in order to support discovery of the earth’s internal structure and its dynamic processes such as earthquake faulting and volcanism. Advances in datalogger performance, autonomous timing, acoustic and optical telemetry, and the availability of new low-power, low-noise seismic sensors provide the opportunity to design a new generation of OBS with greater capability and longer recording durations. Under the supervision of senior OBSIC staff, participate in the design, maintenance, and operation of Ocean-Bottom Seismographs (OBS) and related support equipment. Assist in mobilizing/demobilizing sea-going seismic experiments.  Participate in sea-going experiments. This is a regular, full-time, exempt position and is eligible for benefits. The internal working title for this position could be either Engineer I, Engineer II, or Research Engineer. The final level of the position will be determined commensurate with the selected candidate's level of education & experience. 

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for a Software and Robotics Engineer to join the Advanced Engineering Lab within the Applied Ocean Physics & Engineering Department. This is a regular, full-time, non-exempt position, and is eligible for benefits. The position will be at the Engineer I or Engineer II level, depending on skills, education, and experience.   This position involves software engineering and development as well as fieldwork and at-sea testing at locations around the world.  This is an excellent opportunity for someone who relishes the idea of going outside while working on interesting engineering problems.  (You will probably see at least one polar bear.)   The Advanced Engineering Laboratory, located in a waterfront facility in Woods Hole, 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.   Although this position is focused on software engineering and development, a breadth of engineering skills and experience across multiple fields will be helpful and is always appreciated at WHOI.   The Software and Robotics Engineer will work within an engineering team in the development, test and fielding of complex assemblies for many applications as described above, including (but certainly not limited to) robotics, instrument control, and data analysis. The work will include feature additions and maintenance within existing code bases, as well as clean-sheet designs for new projects and applications.  Several projects will involve developing applications for robotic systems using the Robot Operating System (ROS), many of which use Python.   The position will include projects that take multiple forms, including working with a team that includes other engineers and a project manager or operating independently with a scientist and a group of graduate students or post-docs. Domestic and foreign travel up to several times per year for several weeks is typical, but not always required. Time at sea on small coastal vessels or large research craft will likely be required. The successful applicant will also have a strong interest in the ocean and marine environment, ocean-related sciences, and robotics for scientific and US Navy applications.  

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is currently searching for Engineer I/Engineer II applicants to join the Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering Department. This position seeks candidates with interests in oceanographic research, ocean exploration and/or ocean-based climate solutions. This is a regular, full-time, exempt position, and is eligible for full benefits.   Primary responsibilities will include the development, design, and implementation of mechanical, electronic and/or embedded systems associated with purpose-built oceanographic equipment and marine robotics. An applicant hired into this position may be responsible for the design and integration of oceanographic instrumentation, marine vehicle sensor payloads, and the development of unmanned underwater vehicle platforms. This position may also include assessing, troubleshooting, and resolving technical issues with equipment and sensors in the field as well as in laboratory settings. The individual may organize and carry out coastal field work and support research cruises onboard oceanographic research vessels. They may also assist in the development of software for real-time processing of sensor data or otherwise assist or contribute to the analysis of data from field sensors to produce curated data products. They will be encouraged to contribute to writing and presenting published research at academic conferences and to support STEAM outreach and intern mentorship programs. Candidates with mechanical, electrical, computer science, software or robotics backgrounds are encouraged to apply for this position.   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.    WHOI is committed to creating a diverse research community and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is searching for a highly motivated and enthusiastic Embedded Systems Engineer 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 full 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 filming megafauna.  OSL works with REMUS AUVs developed at WHOI and equipment designed elsewhere, expanding capabilities of the AUVs and the sensors they support.  The OSL team operates in a creative and exciting workspace from creation of ideas to deployment in the field. OSL is where the REMUS family of vehicles originated. OSL continues to be a field leading underwater robotics group that solves some of the world’s most difficult problems for the Department of Defense, Science, and Industry.   OSL is recruiting qualified candidates for a position in electronic and software engineering in support of applied research and development in underwater robotics, communication, and navigation. The work will involve support of existing systems, electronic design and development of new systems, and troubleshooting at all levels.  Specifically, it will require support and development of electronic designs for embedded, microcontroller-based systems and their firmware, and of software for general purpose computers.  The position will also involve going to sea to support data collection and experimentation, and post-processing and analysis.   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 internal working title for this position could be either Engineer II, Research Engineer or Senior Engineer.  The final level of the position will be determined commensurate with the selected candidate’s level of education and experience.  

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.    

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is currently searching for a Mechanical Engineer to join the Alvin Submersible Engineering and Operations Group. This is a regular, full-time, exempt position, and is eligible for full benefits.   Alvin is the world’s most famous and prolific human occupied submersible, continually operating since its commissioning in 1964. For over five decades, and 5000+ dives Alvin has advanced our understanding of the Earth’s ocean environments, uncovering many significant scientific discoveries along the way. Alvin was recently certified to 6500m and now has the ability to explore over 98% of the ocean floor.   The Alvin Group is currently seeking a highly motivated, technically competent and responsible Mechanical Engineer to join our operations team. With supervision, a successful candidate applies mechanical aptitude and acquired knowledge of established procedures to the maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of vehicle related equipment used in the operation and support of the Alvin submersible.   This is a physically demanding position requiring the ability and willingness to spend six-to-eight months per year at sea. The remainder of the year’s workload would be at the institution and may require a local residence. After an initial training period, the position would allow for minimally supervised maintenance on the vehicle, and additional qualifications to perform key submersible support roles. Exceptional candidates will be entered into the Alvin Pilot in Training program with the goal of completing qualifications as Alvin Pilot in Command.   The internal working title of this position is Engineer I.

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is currently searching for an Electrical Engineer to join the Alvin Submersible Engineering and Operations Group. This is a regular, full-time, exempt position and is eligible for full benefits.   Alvin is the world’s most renowned human occupied submersible, continually operating since its commissioning in 1964. For over five decades, and 5000+ dives Alvin has advanced our understanding of the Earth’s ocean environments, uncovering many significant scientific discoveries along the way. Alvin was recently certified to 6500m and now has the ability to explore over 98% of the ocean floor.   The Alvin Group is currently seeking a highly motivated, technically competent and responsible Electronics/Electrical Engineer to join our operations team. With supervision, a successful candidate applies electronic/electrical aptitude and acquired knowledge of established procedures to the maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of vehicle related equipment used in the operation and support of the Alvin submersible.   This is a physically demanding position requiring the ability and willingness to spend six-to-eight months per year at sea. The remainder of the year’s workload would be at the institution and may require a local residence. After an initial training period, the position would allow for minimally supervised maintenance on the vehicle, and additional qualifications to perform key submersible support roles. Exceptional candidates will be entered into the Alvin Pilot in Training program with the goal of completing qualifications as Alvin Pilot in Command.   This is an entry-level position designed to encourage the connection and application of academic training to results-orientated projects in support of scientific and research activities.  Initially this position will have direct supervision to achieve structured and assigned objectives.   The internal working title for this position is Engineer I.

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for an Engineer I or Engineer II to join the Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering Department. This is a regular full-time, exempt position, and is eligible for benefits.     Engineer I or II: With some supervision to achieve assigned objectives, identifies and participates in engineering projects in support of REMUS vehicle-based 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.   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.