Mechanical Engineer (OSL Research Engineer)
Whoi· International Affairs· Sep 16, 2026 · 1mo ago
Onsite – Woods Hole, MA
In office
Full-time
Mid
$114K–$148K
Job description
Job Summary
Job Description
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is searching for a highly motivated and enthusiastic Mechanical Engineer to join the Oceanographic Systems Lab (OSL) within the Applied Ocean Physics & Engineering Department (AOPE). This is a regular full-time, exempt positions, eligible for full benefits.
(OSL) is a world leader in Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) technology and operations 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, filming megafauna. OSL works with REMUS AUVs developed at WHOI, and equipment designed elsewhere, expanding capabilities of the AUVs and the sensors they supply. The OSL team operates in a creative and exciting workspace from creation of ideas to deployment in the field.
The Mechanical Engineer will perform a wide range of design and fabrication tasks related to AUVs and their subsystems. The position will include both mechanical and systems engineering, with a focus on analysis of AUV dynamics and system interfaces, detailed design of mechanical systems, and integration of multiple electrical subsystems, sensors and power sources. This position includes participation in and leadership of at-sea operations of AUVs in support of multiple programs. The successful candidate with have proven leadership skills necessary to coordinate the activities of a team of technicians and engineers through a design project or field cruise. 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. Field operations occur locally and at remote sites to support science, exploration, disaster response, and military research and development. Previous missions have included oil spill response, locating black boxes and airplanes, locating shipwrecks, mapping unexplored parts of the ocean, mapping physical and biological phenomena and studying sharks and sea turtles. 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 title for this position would be Research Engineer. The final level of the position will be determined commensurate with the selected candidate’s level of education and experience
Essential Functions:
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 manned and 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;
Use solid modeling tools such as 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 using finite element modeling, computational fluid dynamics modeling and other modeling tools to create and optimize design solutions.
Prepare designs for fabrication and work with suppliers, machine shops and finishing houses to create complete products.
Integrate mechanical and electrical systems, incrementally test and document results.
Prepare test plans and procedures.
Prepare systems for laboratory and dockside testing.
Support operation and use of systems at sea and in the ice environments during cruises and field work (cruise time can vary from one to six weeks).
Experience using PDM tools for tracking bills of materials and building complex systems such as AUVs.
Contribute new ideas to the development of AUV systems and their applications.
Cost estimation for complex engineering systems.
Support and/or lead proposal efforts.
May supervise one or more Engineering Assistants and/or Engineers.
NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
As deemed necessary by supervisor
Required Education & Experience:
Ph.D. in related engineering field, or Master s degree in an engineering or appropriate field with several years of related experience, or Bachelor s degree in an engineering or appropriate field with more than five years of related experience. In the absence of a formal degree, considerable equivalent work experience is required. Successful candidates will have demonstrated the technical skill, motivation, independence, and creativity necessary to complete difficult engineering tasks.
While there is no appropriate time limit for appointment at this rank, exceptional individuals will be promoted. Candidates should develop a mastery of specialized techniques or ingenuity and creativity in selecting and evaluating approaches to problems. They should develop the ability to apply an analytical approach to solutions and to assimilate the details and significance of various analyses, procedures, and tests prior to being considered for promotion.
Special Requirements:
TWIC
Must be a US Citizen
Security Clearance
Person drives WHOI vehicle
Additional Job Requirements
Salary Range: $113,650 - $148,216
The salary range provided for this position reflects the expected minimum and maximum base pay for new hires. Actual level placement and compensation will be determined based on factors such as relevant skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as internal equity and market conditions. In addition to base salary, eligible employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package.
Physical Requirements:
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.
Sea Duty
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 accepts applications on a rolling basis - applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure full consideration. While we will continue to review applications until the position is filled, and early applicants may have an advantage in the selection process.
EEO Statement
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
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