Marine Field Engineer / Glider Pilot

Start Date: June 1, 2026 Application Deadline: March 1, 2026 Education: Master's Degree Required

Project CETI (Cetacean Translation Initiative) is a nonprofit organization applying advanced machine learning and gentle robotics to decipher the communication of whales. In listening and interpreting their voices, CETI’s mission is to demonstrate that today’s most cutting-edge technologies can be used to benefit both humankind and other species.

CETI seeks a Marine Field Engineer / Glider Pilot to assist in developing, operating and maintaining Project CETI’s Autonomous Glider Program in Dominica. You will work with CETI’S interdisciplinary team of engineers and researchers across the world and will be based in Dominica in the Eastern Caribbean (where CETI conducts its research).

JOB SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Operate CETI fleet of marine gliders in multi-day survey missions:
  • Participate in watch shifts (while the glider is deployed) to ensure glider’s safety.
  • Download acquired data from missions and organize the data in CETI AWS server.
  • Perform control experiments with gliders designed by CETI researchers.
• Maintain CETI glider fleet:
  • Perform scheduled maintenance tasks.
  • Handle malfunctions with the help of the manufacturer.
  • Design adaptations from the gliders to fit CETI’s changing needs.
  • Be in charge of organizing the in-field laboratory: tools and equipment.
  • Coordinate transportation logistics of glider related equipment to Dominica.
• Supervise CETI field team that assigned to glider operations:
  • Train team members in glider deployment and recovery.
  • Lead CETI field team in deployments and recovery.
• Participate in glider data analysis and improvements:
  • Work closely with CETI researchers on processing acquired data.
  • Work closely with CETI researchers on developing backseat driver software and testing.
• Participate in Project CETI sperm whale communication data collection efforts via sails on CETI’s 40-foot sailing research vessel.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in marine operations working with autonomous platforms, preferably in survey operations.
• BS (MS preferred) and above marine education: oceanography, marine biology, marine technology, mechatronics.
• Knowledge of geographic tools for planning survey operations.
• Experience with operating software-based platforms.
• Experience with scientific paper writing (a plus).

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

Required:

• Operation of platforms and sensors
  • Be comfortable with maintaining and troubleshooting electronic circuits.
  • General knowledge of embedded systems and single board computers.
  • Experience with sensors and actuators for marine applications.
  • Ability to work well in a team.
  • Good communication skills.
  • A good self-organization and a meticulous attention to details.
  • Being able to work while on a boat.
  • General CADing (preference for Fusion 360).
  • Experience with designing devices that can operate in water.

Desired:

• Experience with building and piloting aerial drones (or any other remote-control vehicles). Part 107 certification.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES:

• Skipper license – not required, but a plus
• ROV operator – not required, but a plus
• Open water scuba diving – not required, a plus
• Candidates should have experience using CAD (preferably Autodesk Fusion 360), ideally with experience rapidly iterating on parts with 3D printers.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to travel by plane occasionally from Dominica and Boston
• Ability to assist in lifting the glider on a boat.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is performed in a field laboratory and on boats.

WORK LOCATION AND FORMAT:

• Onsite and full time; the candidate is expected to reside in Dominica for at least two years as a member of the CETI marine team.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

• Commensurate with experience (w/ comprehensive benefits package including health).