Autonomous Underwater Glider Technician, Level 1

Overview

Lynker is seeking to hire an Autonomous Underwater Glider Technician, Level 1 to support a contract with NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC), Ecosystem Science Division (ESD). This is a full‑time position anticipated to begin upon contract award. Hiring for this position will be contingent on contract award.
* Lynker will be operating under its FLOAT joint venture.

The SWFSC supports NMFS’s mission by collecting data to monitor the species and health of marine ecosystems on the U.S. West Coast and in Antarctica. We use autonomous technology, specifically autonomous underwater gliders (“gliders”), to collect data on the pelagic environments in the Southern and Pacific Oceans. These data are used to understand the ecological impacts of fishing in Antarctica, and will augment data collected on quarterly California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI) surveys in the California Current.

The SWFSC maintains and operates a fleet of gliders that use a variety of novel instruments to observe the ocean ecosystem. These systems include standard oceanographic instruments (conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) sensors, dissolved oxygen sensors, optical instruments), as well as active and passive acoustic systems and camera systems.

The SWFSC aims to conduct glider deployments approximately every other month for durations between 2 and 120 days, which requires substantial preparation and logistics coordination. SWFSC also deploys acoustic Doppler current profilers with integrated echo sounders (ADCP/Es) in the Southern Ocean to collect data on the distribution and movement of ecologically and commercially important species.

The Autonomous Underwater Glider Technician, Level 1 will support the preparation, deployment, operation, and recovery of autonomous underwater gliders used to collect oceanographic and ecosystem data in the Pacific and Southern Oceans.

• Ballast gliders by adjusting weights based on ocean conditions
• Clean and seal gliders in preparation for deployment
• Perform pre‑deployment system checks
• Conduct test flights in the SWFSC test tank
• Define mission parameters and prepare mission files
• Prepare and assist with deployment of CTDs, ADCP/Es, and mooring systems
• Pilot gliders during deployments, including rotating monitoring shifts
• Monitor glider performance and respond to mission interruptions
• Maintain clean and organized glider work spaces
• Support deployment and recovery operations at sea
• Prepare monthly progress reports

• Bachelor’s degree, or higher, in natural science, physical science, computational science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field
• One (1) year of related experience, or a combination of education and experience totaling five (5) years

• Experience supporting field operations or oceanographic data collection
• Experience working with marine instrumentation or autonomous systems
• Ability to follow technical procedures and checklists
• Ability to work in team‑based operational environments

On‑site at SWFSC in La Jolla, CA, with fieldwork at sea.

Travel is required for vessel operations and glider deployments.

• Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost
• Healthcare benefit covers medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision
• Personal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidays
• Highly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks
• 401(k) retirement plan with company‑matching
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – we’re all company owners!
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Short‑ and long‑term disability insurance
• Life and accident insurance
• Tuition assistance/Training/Workforce improvement reimbursement per year
• Spot bonuses for exceptional performance
• Annual Employee Recognition Awards with bonuses
• Employee Referral Program
• Free centralized, self‑directed Learning Management System to learn at your own pace
• Personalized career growth plans for every employee

Lynker is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local laws.

* This position is advertised through our joint venture, FISH and Lynker Ocean Alliance Team (FLOAT), a partnership between Lynker and Fisheries Immersed Sciences Hawaii (FISH) serving the NOAA Pro Tech Fisheries 2.0 IDIQ contracting vehicle.