Ocean Engineer I

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Ocean Engineer I.

Location Marine Research Center 1030 West Pier, Port of Gulfport Gulfport, Mississippi, 39501 United States

Division Ocean Enterprise

Position Type Staff

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded Yes

Pay Grade

E11

Posting Close Date August 13, 2026

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

This position requires a diverse skillset that applies science and engineering principles tothe ocean environment. It encompasses the integration, design, construction,and maintenance of ocean monitoring equipment for use on stationary platform sand in autonomous vehicles. Work is performed using independent judgement under the limited supervision of ahigher-level scientist or technical supervisor. This position is located at the Marine Research Center, in Gulfport MS and is part of the USM Roger

F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise.

• Evaluate instrument capabilities based on mission requirements and make recommendations on instruments best suited for any specific study or test to be performed.
• Design and fabricate equipment housings that will facilitate the best use of limited space inuncrewed (UxS) systems.
• Integrate instruments into autonomous vehicles based on available space and power to maximize performance while limiting design modifications to avoid degradation ofUxS performance.
• Monitor equipment and UxSperformance and make any necessary adjustments to the vehicles or plans to maximize capabilities of individual sensors and vehicles.
• Contribute to test plans and participate in test and evaluation of systems and vehicles and perform analysis of data collected.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Bachelor’sdegree from an accredited college or university in Ocean Science, Data Science,Engineering, or closely related field. This is an entry level position with a requirement of 0-2 years’experience. Related education and related experience may be substituted on an equal basis. US Citizen with a Valid Driver’s License is required.

• Proficient writing skills are necessary to perform stated duties.
• Ability to effectively present information, prepare written test plans and author technical findings in the form of research papers and customer required reports.
• Demonstrated problem solving skills and an understanding of engineering data, schematics and studies.
• Must be capable of responding to questions from groups of data science professionals, customers, and the public.

Master’sdegree from an accredited college or university in Ocean Engineering, remote sensing, physical science, or a closely related field and 2-4 years’ hands-on experience with ocean observing instrumentation and remote vehicle operations.

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. Weare a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one ofthe nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work inpolymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography,nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programssuchas computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation ofbusiness leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled…