Data Engineer 

Status: Full-Time
Compensation Type: Salary
Benefit Eligible: Yes
Reports to: Director, Data Systems

Base Salary: est $65,000-$85,000 + Sea Pay
Location: Narragansett, RI (preferred); open to remote options within the US for the right candidate

Background

The Ocean Exploration Trust (OET) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization—founded in 2007 by Dr. Robert Ballard—with the aim of exploring the ocean, seeking new discoveries while pushing the boundaries of technological innovation, education and outreach. OET owns and operates E/V Nautilus, a 224-foot exploration vessel equipped with remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), acoustic mapping systems, and other state-of-the-art exploration technologies. Through telepresence, E/V Nautilus expeditions are streamed live to provide the world with real-time access to exploratory research and the excitement of discovery. OET works at the intersection of education and exploration to promote STEM fields to learners of all ages through 1) inspiring experiences through 24/7 connectivity to explorers at sea; 2) K-12 STEM materials and professional development; 3) live, interactive broadcasts for classroom and community institutions; and 4) immersive, hands-on at-sea opportunities for students and educators. 

Position Overview

The Ocean Exploration Trust (OET) is seeking a skilled and adaptable Data Engineer to support and enhance oceanographic operations aboard the exploration vessel E/V Nautilus. This is a dynamic role combining at-sea responsibilities—including supporting seafloor mapping, ROV, and uncrewed systems (UxS) operations—with onshore contributions to software development, system design, and technology strategy. The Data Engineer will work across the full spectrum of OET’s science and outreach infrastructure, gaining exposure to everything from individual components to complex system integration and design.

The Data Engineer will play a key role in advancing OET’s mission by ensuring the reliability of data systems critical to oceanographic exploration and supporting the organization’s outreach and educational goals. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and is passionate about technology, science, and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

System Maintenance and Operations

• Maintain and troubleshoot data acquisition systems and software (Linux and Windows environments).
• Monitor and optimize software for data aggregation, replication, and distribution.
• Ensure the shipboard network’s stability and functionality, including switches, routers, traffic, physical cabling, and the Keyboard/Video/Mouse (KVM) subsystem.
• Oversee satellite communication systems, including SeaTel 9711, KVH TracPhone V7IP, and Starlink systems.
• Maintain uptime for critical scientific sensor systems (e.g., multibeam sonar, sub-bottom profiler, meteorological instruments, UCTD, XBT, USBL).

Scientific & Operational Support

• Assist the ROV team with the integration of new scientific instrumentation.
• Support scientists and outreach teams with access to onboard scientific data and internet resources.
• Collaborate with the Science Manager to ensure the accuracy and completeness of logged and processed data.
• Enable data access for remote scientists and the OET production team.

Software Development and Innovation

• Propose and implement improvements to software, configurations, and data visualization tools.
• Develop and maintain in-house software tailored to OET’s scientific and outreach objectives.
• Contribute to the design and evolution of OET’s technology strategy.

Team and Mission Support

• Assist OET staff with IT needs, both routine and emergent.
• Foster a positive, inclusive work environment that values collaboration, respect, and learning.
• Support junior personnel and trainees by providing mentorship and guidance during expeditions.
• Participate in outreach activities to inspire and engage youth and the public.

Operational Readiness

• Respond to unexpected issues and prioritize repairs, maintenance, and new work as directed by the Director of Data Systems.
• Maintain a continuous operational pace at sea, including two-day turnarounds between cruises.
• Be available 24/7 on-call while at sea, with no set watch schedule.
• Adapt to the demands of living aboard a working exploration vessel, including shared accommodations and close-quarters living.

Required Skills/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology) or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in data engineering, system administration, or a related field.
• Proficiency in Linux system administration, including managing cron jobs, Apache, sudo configurations, and performing new OS installations.
• Experience with at least one scripting language (e.g., Bash, Perl, Python).
• Familiarity with version control systems such as Git.
• Intermediate experience with MacOS and Windows administration.
• Knowledge of TCP/IP network design, including VLAN implementation and troubleshooting.
• Hands-on experience with basic hand tools and electrical tools for system maintenance and repairs.
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair operational computers, sensors, and communications hardware.
• Familiarity with the removal, installation, and maintenance of various topside sensors.
• Strong analytical, creative, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to multitask, manage time effectively, and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex systems to non-technical team members.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within an international, multidisciplinary, and diverse team of engineers, scientists, educators, and students.
• A proactive, service-oriented mindset and strong team player ethos.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

• Advanced expertise in Linux system administration.
• Experience with data processing tools or languages, such as Python, Perl, or MATLAB.
• Knowledge of database setup, management, and optimization.
• Proficiency in the setup and maintenance of virtual machines.
• Familiarity with implementing advanced software and systems engineering concepts.
• Experience with the operation and maintenance of satellite communication systems (e.g., SeaTel, KVH, Starlink).
• Understanding of scientific sonar systems and their maintenance.
• Previous experience living and working aboard research or exploration vessels.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to challenging environments, including resistance to motion sickness.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position with an estimated at-sea duration of 6 weeks to 3 non-consecutive months per year. While at sea, this role is not assigned a watch schedule and is instead on call during active operations. This is largely a sedentary role; however, working aboard the vessel requires extensive use of stairs, as well as moving and installing hardware.

Compensation

The base salary for this position is anticipated to be $65,000-$85,000, with eligibility for additional compensation via OET’s Sea Pay policy.

Work Authorization

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

TO APPLY

Deadline: Open until filled. Review of submitted applications will begin on February 13, 2025. 

Application: To apply, please submit the following to the form linked below. 

• A cover letter describing why you are interested in becoming Ocean Exploration Trust’s Data Engineer;
• A current CV; 
• Three (3) references that can speak to your professional abilities, skill sets, and work ethic. List name, contact email, contact phone number, titles/affiliations, and your relationship to each individual. Please also note if you would like to be contacted before we reach out to anyone listed under your current employer (we understand that this can be a sensitive process). References will only be contacted for selected final candidates. 

Upload your application at: https://bit.ly/4h4Bitm 

Please contact us at careers@oet.org if you have any questions or issues with your application submission.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Ocean Exploration Trust is an equal employment opportunity employer in compliance with applicable laws. It is our policy to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type. We provide equal employment opportunity to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital and family status. Ocean Exploration Trust is committed to creating an inclusive environment and organizational culture.  Learn more about our organizational diversity and inclusion efforts.