Engineering Assistant - Seasonal 2026

Location: Onsite – Woods Hole, MA

Time Type: Part time

Job Description

Job Summary

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently seeking seasonal Engineering Technician to join the Applied Ocean Physics & Engineering Department for the 2026 summer period (May - August). These are temporary, casual, non-exempt positions, not eligible for benefits.

Summer hiring positions provide technical assistance to mechanical and electrical design engineers by performing maintenance, testing, and repairs to electrical or mechanical systems. Internal working titles for these positions could be Engineering Assistant I, II, or II to commensurate with experience.

Job Description

Engineer Assistant I: With close supervision, uses established procedures to perform prescribed tasks related to the engineering support of oceanographic research.

Engineer 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.

Engineer Assistant III: With little supervision, applies broad knowledge of established procedures to the assembly, testing, and calibration of equipment developed and used in support of engineering projects related to oceanographic instrumentation.

The final level of these positions will be determined commensurate with the selected candidates' level of education and experience.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Engineer Assistant I: Basic mechanical or electrical assembly, testing, and troubleshooting.

Engineer Assistant II: In addition to the duties of an Engineering Assistant I, this position will interface with machine and mechanical shops, generate documentation and upkeep.

Engineer Assistant III: In addition to the duties of an Engineering Assistant II, this position will use machining tools, use CAD to complete draft and design work, and follow through on component part fabrication in WHOI's machine and mechanical shops.

All Levels: must be willing to take on a variety of tasks.

Education and Experience:

Engineer Assistant I:

• Experience using hand and power tools is required

• CAD familiarity is required

• High school diploma plus 1-year mechanical or electrical experience is desired.

Engineer Assistant II:

• Working knowledge of CAD is required

• Basic knowledge of machine tools (lathe, drill press, milling machines) is desired

• Interface with machine and mechanical shops is desired

• 1-2 years' progress toward and engineering degree is desired.

Engineer Assistant III:

• In addition to Engineering Assistant, I skill sets, CAD design and drafting is required

• Machine tool use (lathe, drill press, milling machines) is required

• Follow thru for on component part fabrication via WHOI shops is required

• 2-3 years' progress toward and engineering degree is desired.

Additional Job Requirements

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.