Ocean Engineer I

Location: Marine Research Center, 1030 West Pier, Port of Gulfport, Gulfport, Mississippi, 39501, United States. This is a full-time, grant-funded staff position within the Ocean Enterprise division.

About the role

This position applies science and engineering principles to the ocean environment, focusing on the integration, design, construction, and maintenance of ocean monitoring equipment for use on stationary platforms and in autonomous vehicles. Work is performed using independent judgement under the limited supervision of a higher-level scientist or technical supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate instrument capabilities based on mission requirements and make recommendations on instruments best suited for any specific study or test to be performed.
• Design and fabricate equipment housings that will facilitate the best use of limited space in uncrewed (UxS) systems.
• Integrate instruments into autonomous vehicles based on available space and power to maximize performance while limiting design modifications to avoid degradation of UxS performance.
• Monitor equipment and UxS performance and make any necessary adjustments to the vehicles or plans to maximize capabilities of individual sensors and vehicles.
• Contribute to test plans and participate in test and evaluation of systems and vehicles and perform analysis of data collected.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Ocean Science, Data Science, Engineering, or closely related field.
• 0-2 years’ experience (entry-level position). Related education and experience may be substituted on an equal basis.
• US citizenship with a valid driver’s license is required.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship.

Skills

• Proficient writing skills for preparing test plans, technical findings, research papers, and customer reports.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from data science professionals, customers, and the public.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and understanding of engineering data, schematics, and studies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Ocean Engineering, remote sensing, physical science, or a closely related field.
• 2-4 years’ hands-on experience with ocean observing instrumentation and remote vehicle operations.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Founded in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi is a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university and one of the nation's leading research institutions. We deliver programs to over 13,000 students across campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, multiple teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and online. Southern Miss is recognized for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and language development for children with communication disorders. We are national leaders in disciplines such as cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, and produce graduates ready for emerging technologies through programs in computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We also address critical workforce needs in education and nursing. Accredited in four major areas of the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions nationwide with this distinction. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.