Ocean Career: SOI Mechanical Engineer

Schmidt Ocean Institute Mechanical Engineer

The Schmidt Ocean Institute (SOI) Mechanical Engineer is a member of the Robotics and Engineering Department within SOI's Maritime Infrastructure Division. The Mechanical Engineer supports the Department and the Division responsibilities to operate and advance the development of the Institute's in-water robotic systems and other equipment and systems used to support ocean science from the Institute's 110 meter research vessel Falkor (too).

They manage multiple projects, working closely with SOI's shoreside engineering staff, the ship's technical crew members, and visiting scientists. The engineer reports to the Engineering Senior Manager. This position will be based at SOI's Woodinville Office.

• Provide technical support for the operation and maintenance of SOI-owned robotic vehicles, in collaboration with the vessel's technical crew, troubleshooting as needed.
• Provide technical support for the operation and maintenance of ship-based launch and recovery systems, including overhauls and upgrades, in collaboration with the vessel's technical crew, troubleshooting as needed.
• Responsible for the integration of visiting scientists' sensors and sampling equipment onto robotic vehicles.
• Support the development and implementation of new marine robotic systems and equipment onto the ship.
• Assist with research, development, and upgrades to new and existing robotic systems components including, but not limited to, junction boxes, sampling boxes, pressure housings, umbilicals/cables, winches, and docking heads.
• Conduct engineering analysis in support of at-sea operations, and equipment development including, finite element analysis (FEA), weight and balance optimization, and fabrication feasibility.
• Design of complex assemblies using 3D modeling using Solidworks.
• Assist with and participate in Factory Acceptance Trials, Harbor Acceptance Trials, Sea Acceptance Trials, Science Verification Cruises, and robotic instrument maintenance and test cruises as needed.
• Attend dockside and shipyard repair, upgrade and integration projects up to several weeks at a time.
• Develop, maintain, and ensure documentation and plans regarding operations of robotic equipment and systems are up-to-date and accurate.
• Participate and engage the ocean science and engineering community, including but not limited to, international initiatives such as the Scientific Ocean Vehicle Alliance (SOVA).

• Must be willing to travel internationally, occasionally for weeks at a time.
• Must be willing to work flexible times due to the schedule of the vessel.
• Frequent travel to the ship in various locations.

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering with related experience or mechanical technician with 10+ years of related experience.
• Extensive knowledge and experience in 3D modeling using Solidworks.
• Experience designing complex assemblies, conducting engineering reviews, stress analysis (including FEAs), managing fabricators/machinists, and implementing and testing new designs.
• Electromechanical experience.
• Excellent communication skills, with experience communicating complex technical concepts to a variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience.
• Capable of managing multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.
• Independent self-starter.
• Excellent time-management skills.

• Ocean engineering knowledge, specifically with equipment and operations in the deep ocean >1000 meters.
• Offshore operational experience, preferably with ocean science vehicles (ROVs, AUVs).
• Troubleshooting of mechanical systems in the field.
• Knowledge of materials used in corrosive environments.
• Experience with large machinery (e.g. cranes, winches, A-frames, hydraulic systems)
• Software programming experience, such as Python and Linux.
• Project management skills.

Salary range: $125,000 – $155,000 a year