Robotics Engineer Details

Robotics Engineer

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution - Woods Hole, MA

Employment Type : Full-Time

Job Summary: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for a highly motivated and enthusiastic Robotics Engineer to join the Deep Submergence Laboratory (DSL) within the Applied Ocean Physics & Engineering Department (AOPE). This is a regular full-time, exempt position, and is eligible for full benefits.
The Deep Submergence Laboratory has a storied history in the development of marine robotics in the service of deep submergence science going back to the Jason and Jason Jr. Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), the latter having delivered iconic video of the Titanic’s grand staircase in 1986. The DSL has been at the forefront of deep-diving and high-risk marine robotics development since, having designed, built and operated a range of vehicles including the ABE and Sentry AUVs, the Jason 2 ROV, the 11,000 m rated hybrid-ROV Nereus, the hybrid ROV NUI designed for operation under permanent ice cover, and most recently the Clio, Orpheus, and Mesobot vehicles. The DSL is also active in research and engineering devoted to undersea sensor development, undersea navigation, and autonomy. A significant number of DSL engineers support the National Deep Submergence Laboratory, which is devoted to providing scientific access to the deep sea and provides ample opportunity for DSL personnel to experience the intense and deeply rewarding experience of sea-going expeditionary science and operations.
DSL has immediate need for a Robotics Engineer with experience in robotics simulation and autonomy development. You will work on several projects related to long endurance multi-vehicle operations, initially focusing on the simulation of these systems for the purposes of developing autonomy and assessing mission viability in a high fidelity ocean environment. You will be expected to contribute to ongoing efforts at WHOI and elsewhere in furthering the state of the art in open source marine robotics. As those projects mature, you will broaden your participation in marine robotics development projects to include run time software and autonomy development, and depending on your background and interests, potentially also systems engineering and analysis. You will participate in sea-going fieldwork on any project to which you contribute significantly.
WHOI is a non-profit research and education organization devoted to oceanographic science, engineering development in support of oceanographic science, and engineering development in support of national defense and industry needs.
The internal working title for this position is Research Engineer. The final level of the position will be determined commensurate with the selected candidate’s level of education and experience.
Research Engineer: With little supervision, works creatively and independently to establish objectives, meet deadlines, and complete difficult engineering assignments by demonstrating full competency in one or more engineering areas; assists substantively in planning technical aspects of experiments, as well as design, testing, and use of major system components.
Essential Functions:ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Develops major portions of software systems with with supervision consisting primarily of milestone progress reviews; frequently acts as Project Engineer on major projects;
• Develops and executes test and implementation plans, deploying code and systems into the field and supports systems in the field on cruises (1-3 months/year)
• Analyses and documents laboratory and field results
• 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;
• May supervise one or more Engineering Assistants and/or Engineers.
• With little supervision, works creatively and independently to establish objectives, meet deadlines, and complete difficult engineering assignments by demonstrating full competency in one or more engineering areas; assists substantively in planning technical aspects of experiments, as well as design, testing, and use of major system components.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• As deemed necessary by supervisor

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.
Required skills of the position include:

• Excellent working knowledge of C++, Python, and other programming languages such as Matlab, C#, and/or Java and experience with version control within a team software development environment
• Experience fielding robotic systems
• Fluency in one or more core robotics competencies, e.g. SLAM, computer vision, perception, machine learning, path planning, etc.
• Facility with data analysis methods, tools, and presentation
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Other skills that are desirable include:

• Simulation experience specifically with ROS/gazebo or AWS RoboMaker
• Experience working with oceanographic systems, including especially autonomous underwater vehicles
• Experience developing open source software with a wide community
• Familiarity with underwater vehicle dynamics and control
• Electro-mechanical design experience

Special Requirements:

• Must be eligible to attain a TWIC
• Must be a US Citizen
• Must have a valid driver's license
• Must be willing to travel and spend time at sea (1-3 months/year)

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.