The Deep Submergence Laboratory at The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is seeking an Engineering Assistant to support Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) testing from May to August 2021. This is a temporary, casual, non-exempt position and eligible for casual benefits. The successful candidate will provide hands-on testing, u pgrade post-processing toolchain, conduct v ehicle maintenance & upgrades and s upport field testing as needed.

The internal working title for this position could be either Engineering Assistant II or Engineering Assistant III. The final level of the position will be determined commensurate with the selected candidate's level of education & experience.

We are seeking an engineering student or technician with robotics experience to support development, test, and deployment of a developmental AUV and related support equipment.

Specific tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Development of real-time and post-processing software utilities to debug autonomous vehicle operations
• Support for both local and field operations
• Tests designs, calibrates instrumentation, performs routine maintenance
• Manages test data
• Troubleshoots mechanical/electrical systems
• May be asked to support local field operations on a small boat
• May be asked to support on-shore field operations at a remote location

Engineering Assistant II:

With some supervision, applies acquired knowledge of established procedures to the assembly, testing, and use of equipment in support of engineering projects.

Engineering Assistant III:

With little supervision, performs non-routine assignments given well-defined objectives and technical advice from a supervisor or engineering staff member.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• As deemed necessary by supervisor

Candidates must have a High School diploma or equivalent and 1-3 years progress towards an engineering or related degree. Preference will be given to candidates currently enrolled in a four-year accredited engineering degree program.

Candidates must posses a strong understanding of the fundamentals of robotic systems, as well a working understanding of:

• CAD/CAM
• Basic electronics assembly and test, including PCB design (Altium, KiCad, Geda, or similar)
• Python
• MATLAB
• Robot Operating System (ROS)
• Gazebo robot simulation environment
• Linux command line usage
• Version control (git)
• Writing & communication skills

In addition, course work or experience in the following areas is highly desirable:

• Quantitative analysis of system performance
• Control systems
• Robotics navigation & planning algorithms
• Fundamentals of electronic systems
• Embedded processors (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or similar)
• RS-232 Serial communications & debugging
• TCP/IP networking

Engineering Assistant II:

High school or equivalent plus three years' mechanical or electronics experience, or Technical School training plus one year related experience, or one to two years' progress toward an engineering or related degree

Engineering Assistant III:

High school or equivalent plus six years' mechanical or electronics experience, or Technical School training plus four years' practical experience, or two to three years' progress toward an engineering or related degree

• Must be able to obtain a TWIC
• Must be a US Citizen

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. Work requires access on-site.

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 field expedition 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 domestic test site(s). May experience rudimentary living and working conditions, with shared and basic living quarters and laboratories. May experience bad or extreme weather conditions, including humid, hot, tropical weather. Work on outdoors 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 andinternet 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.