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Engineering Assistant II/III (Electronics Engineering Technician)
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute
Woods Hole, Falmouth, MA, USA
USD 27.32-39.37 / hour
Posted on Jan 21, 2026
Job Summary
Job Description
The Ocean Bottom Seismic Instrument Center (OBSIC) at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution seeks to hire an Electronics Engineering Technician (Engineering Assistant II/III). This is a regular, full-time position and is eligible for benefits.
OBSIC provides Ocean Bottom Seismographs (OBS), and the technical support to operate them, to the U.S. academic research community. This work supports the exploration of the Earth's internal structure and its dynamic processes, including earthquake faulting and volcanism. You will join a group dedicated to enhancing OBS performance and reliability. Together with science teams from academic institutions, you will sail on ships (UNOLS, unols.org) dedicated to scientific research to deploy and recover OBS (Instagram, @obsic.whoi). Your job will take you to all 5 oceans (https://obsic.whoi.edu/experiments/experiment-map/), with port stops across the globe.
OBSIC is seeking an electronics technician to join its operations team. The successful candidate will apply electronic/electrical aptitude and acquired knowledge of established procedures to the maintenance, repair, and operation of a fleet of more than 120 OBS of varying complexity and capability. This will require a strong aptitude for electronics and the ability to implement and improve on established procedures. The successful candidate will go to sea as part of a team to deploy and recover OBS.
Under the supervision of senior OBSIC staff, participate in the maintenance and operation of Ocean-Bottom Seismographs (OBS) and related support equipment. Assist in mobilizing/demobilizing sea-going seismic experiments. Participate in sea-going experiments.
Essential Functions
This position requires the individual to possess a strong electrical background, a meticulous attention to detail, good interpersonal skills, and be self-motivated.
The candidate must be able to:
Assume responsibility for the maintenance of OBS and related support equipment in the OBSIC lab.
Read electrical/electronic schematics and be comfortable with schematic capture software.
Implement written procedures to maintain, test, and repair electronic/electrical systems and equipment associated with the operation of the OBS fleet. Examples include digital and analog circuits, battery components, power supplies, controllers, underwater cables, recovery-aids, serial data systems and computer networks.
Assist in mobilizing/demobilizing sea-going seismic experiments.
Participate in sea-going experiments, at a level of up to about 3 months per year.
While at sea, provide support for all aspects of OBSIC operations, including the deployment and recovery of OBS, instrument assembly and disassembly, programming, debriefing, and record keeping. In port, assist in loading and unloading OBS and related support equipment.
Document instrumentation testing, preparation and debug procedures
Non-Essential Functions
As deemed necessary by supervisor
Education & Experience Eng. Assistant II/III
Skill in the use and evaluation of electrical and electronic test equipment
Basic proficiency in the use of common mechanical tools
Strong aptitude in completing detailed maintenance documentation and reporting
Must have a good command of spoken and written English. Must be able to maintain accurate lab. and field records and write reports. Must have good communication skills
Proficiency with the Windows operating system and Office applications
Experience with mechanical, electromechanical and battery systems
Experience constructing complex wiring harnesses, surface mount and through-hole PCB assembly and rework, electronic and/or mechanical CAD software is a plus
Degree (AS/BS) or trade-related certificates in engineering or in another appropriate discipline, or, in the absence of a degree, evidence of strong electronics technician skills gained through experience
Special Requirements
Must work well in a coordinated fashion within a team, both in the lab and at sea
At sea, must have the ability to work constructively and communicate clearly with the science team and marine crew
Good command of spoken and written English
Overseas travel is required. Must have a valid passport or be eligible for a passport
Must be able to obtain and maintain a TWIC card. Must have a valid driver’s license
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 related to oceanographic research.
Characteristic duties:
Assists in assembly, maintenance, and repair of equipment with instruction and advice
Exercises judgment in selecting or adapting procedures and equipment
Selects and operates standard test equipment, records test data, and performs routine analyses
Conducts various tests or experiments to troubleshoot and correct minor malfunctions
Desired Qualifications:
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
With little supervision, applies a broad knowledge of established procedures to the assembly, testing, or calibration of equipment developed and used in support of engineering projects related to oceanographic instrumentation.
Characteristic duties:
Performs non-routine assignments of substantial variety and complexity given
Well-defined objectives and technical advice from a supervisor or engineering staff member
Fabricates and constructs complex components of instrumentation requiring care and accuracy, seeking advice as necessary
Uses computers to run application programs or to do simple programming tasks
Uses CAD systems to prepare schematics, drawings, or parts lists; makes recommendations concerning these items
May direct field operations in area of specialty
Desired Qualifications:
High School diploma 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.
Additional Job Requirements
Physical Requirements
Physical duties for this position include but are not limited to, ability to lift 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.
Hourly Pay Range:
EA II: $27.32 – $35.20 USD
EA III: $30.50 – $39.37 USD
The salary range provided for this position reflects the expected minimum and maximum base pay for new hires. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as relevant skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as internal equity and market conditions. In addition to base salary, eligible employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package.
Compensation & Benefits
WHOI offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package, including:
Health, dental, and vision insurance
403b Retirement plan
Paid time off and holidays
Professional development opportunities
Employer Paid Basic Life and AD&D Coverage
Dependent Care Subsidy (to assist with eligible childcare expenses)
Employee Education Program (Tuition Reimbursement)
Employee Loans
Employee Discounts
Employee and Student Assistance Program
Care.com membership
WHOI accepts applications on a rolling basis - applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure full consideration. While we will continue to review applications until the position is filled, and early applicants may have an advantage in the selection process.
EEO Statement
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.