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Mechanical Engineer
Schmidt Ocean Institute
Seattle, WA, USA
Posted on May 20, 2025
Schmidt Ocean Institute (SOI) was founded by Eric and Wendy Schmidt in 2009 with a goal to advance the frontiers of ocean exploration and research through technological advancement, intelligent observation, and open sharing of information. This is achieved by making ship time and associated assets freely available to scientists globally. In exchange, SOI supports public sharing of acquired scientific observations, data, and other information about the ocean to stimulate the growth of data applications and user community and to amplify and enable further exploration, discovery, deeper understanding, and effective conservation and management of our environment.
Job Posting: Mechanical Engineer (Intermediate)
Robotics and Engineering Department
Expected Start Date: June 2025
Position Overview
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.
Responsibilities and Duties:
- 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).
Other:
- 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.
Required Qualifications and Skills
- 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.
Desired Qualifications
- Ocean engineering knowledge, specically 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 eld.
- 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.
Schmidt Ocean Institute is an equal opportunity employer and we strive to create an atmosphere where diversity of identity, experience, and background are welcomed, valued, and supported. We believe that diversity brings about greater results on all levels and we aim to use our resources to generate greater impact through our work. Candidates who contribute to this diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.