Software Engineer I

Job Summary

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is searching for a highly motivated and enthusiastic Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV)-experienced Software 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 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 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, experimentation, post-processing and analysis.

This is an entry level position. A successful candidate will work with supervision to apply academic training to results-oriented engineering projects in support of scientific and research activities. With some supervision, will be expected to work to achieve structured objectives and tasks requiring creativity and independent thinking.The internal working title for this position will be Engineer I.

Job Description

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Embedded software experience

Field experience with AUVs is considered extremely valuable

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

Must have firsthand experience of ROS or ROS2 based coding

Must have experience with git or similar revision control system

Must be able to work on site at WHOI to scope tasking, work with vehicle design teams, and do proprietary code uploads

Conceptualizes solutions to robotics and autonomous vehicle software engineering problems

Develop, calibrate, and test new code designs and techniques to support sea tests

Can develop computer code to support sea testing on a demanding timeline

Can troubleshoot code and identify time and scope to repair

Participates in report writing to document developments and tests. May be tasked to single-author reports and articles

Should be able to function in a team atmosphere, collaborating on projects and code

Should value scientific and national security work

Experience with programming and debugging embedded systems desirable

Highly desired skills :

Experience with rapid software development in a proprietary environment

Understanding of AUVs and their applications

Other skills that are desirable include :

Experience with version control within a team software development environment

Experience with Linux operating system programming and administration

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

• As deemed necessary by supervisor

Education and Experience :

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. (Candidates with a Bachelor's degree and minimal experience in an unrelated field will likely start on the Department Assistant ladder.)

Engineer I :

As an initial position on the Technical Staff, an Engineer I is not expected to remain at this level for more than two to three years. During this time, the Engineer I is expected to demonstrate the appropriate engineering skills, intellectual motivation, and growth in independence and creativity to warrant promotion to the Engineer II position. Failure to reach the level of Engineer II within two to three years may warrant reclassification or termination.

Additional Job Requirements

Special Requirements :

Physical Requirements :

Physicalduties for this position include but are not limited to, ability to liftless 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 todistinguish 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.Physicalduties 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.

Affirmative Action / 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.