Jobs at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Designs, fabricates, integrates, tests, and supports deployment of mechanical and systems components for autonomous underwater vehicles. Responsibilities include mechanical analysis, SolidWorks modeling, finite element and computational fluid dynamics modeling, supplier and machine-shop coordination, electrical and sensor integration, test planning, technical reporting, proposals, cost estimation, and leading engineering teams during laboratory, dockside, cruise, and field operations.

Designs, fabricates, tests, and integrates mechanical and electrical systems for autonomous underwater vehicles. Responsibilities include mechanical and systems engineering, SolidWorks modeling, finite element and computational fluid dynamics analysis, supplier and machine shop coordination, test planning, troubleshooting, documentation, cost estimation, proposal support, and leading or participating in field and at-sea operations. The role may supervise personnel and requires extended cruise duty in challenging marine environments.

Conduct advanced controlled-source seismic imaging research, including tomography, full-waveform inversion, reverse-time migration, and 2-D/3-D seismic data interpretation. Investigate magmatic and hydrothermal processes at mid-ocean ridges and tectonic, hazard, and methane hydrate processes at subduction zone margins. The role is a one-year postdoctoral appointment with potential renewal based on performance and funding.

Assists ship engineers with operating, maintaining, lubricating, cleaning, repairing, and monitoring engine-room machinery. Performs engine-room and generator watches, records operating conditions, pumps bilges, cleans filters and strainers, supports port maintenance, handles stores and bunkers, and participates in emergency drills. Works extended hours at sea in confined, hazardous, and physically demanding conditions.

Coordinates logistics and administration for Ocean Carbon & Biogeochemistry activities, including venue and catering arrangements, contracts, travel support, reimbursements, invoices, budgets, vendors, participant communications, website updates, and project-office inquiries.

Leads facility-wide cybersecurity, cyberinfrastructure oversight, and software program direction for a distributed scientific research facility. Owns cybersecurity plans, risk registers, compliance activities, corrective actions, technical requirements, budgets, schedules, and stakeholder reporting. Oversees software development through the Software Development Manager, integrates data center and implementing-organization performance information, supports incident reporting, and represents the program to NSF, reviewers, governance bodies, and technical partners.

Maintains and repairs ship machinery, electrical equipment, propulsion systems, generators, hydraulics, HVAC, compressors, pumps, and the Alvin launch and recovery system. Stands engine room watches, supervises unlicensed watch standers, maintains operational logs, supports bunkering and freshwater loading, verifies safety devices, and participates in emergency drills. The role requires a U.S. Coast Guard engineering license, STCW training, medical certification, physical readiness, and extended sea assignments in hazardous marine conditions.

Supervises engine department personnel and oversees the safe, efficient operation and maintenance of ship machinery aboard the R/V Atlantis. Responsibilities include engine-room watches, maintenance scheduling, machinery inspections, HVAC and refrigeration systems, requisitions, inventory and machinery logs, repairs, safety devices, emergency procedures, and freshwater bunkering. The role requires extended sea service, marine engineering licensure, STCW training, physical readiness, and the ability to work in hazardous maritime conditions for three to five months continuously.

Lead development and execution of industry partnerships and funded research engagements by translating WHOI scientific capabilities into structured collaborations. Manage opportunity pipeline, stakeholder alignment, project formation, CRM tracking, relationship development, and coordination across multi-party initiatives. Engage researchers and external partners, mentor junior staff, and drive projects from concept to funded launch while ensuring portfolio continuity and effective communication.