Associate Marine Development Engineer I - (2 Positions)

Job Description Summary

The search will remain open until the position has been filled. First consideration will be given to applications received by February 25, 2026. Applications received after February 25, 2026 may be reviewed depending on search progress and needs but are not guaranteed full consideration.

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR A HYBRID WORK SCHEDULE IS POSSIBLE AFTER SIX MONTHS.

About URI

The University of Rhode Island enrolls approximately 17,000 students across its graduate and undergraduate programs and is the State's flagship public research university, as well as the land grant and sea grant university, for the state of Rhode Island. The main campus is located in the historic village of Kingston, and the Bay Campus is located in Narragansett. Both campuses are near major beaches in a beautiful coastal community. URI is just 30 minutes from Providence, RI and within easy reach of Newport, Boston, and New York City.

POSITION SUMMARY

Install and operate shipboard and shoreside systems infrastructure used for real-time connectivity (telepresence) and data transfer aboard research and exploration vessels. Perform systems integration and development as needed to support specific projects at the University of Rhode Island Inner Space Center (ISC) located at the Graduate School of Oceanography in Narragansett, RI and on ships globally. Design, configure, and test laboratory and shipboard equipment in support of real-time connectivity operations.

Duties and Responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform systems engineering tasks of configuring, testing, operating and maintaining computer and audio/video equipment, and associated mechanical and electronic systems at the ISC and aboard vessels.
• Manage and provide operational support for shipboard and shoreside IP networks, with specific emphasis on low-latency, real-time bidirectional audio, video, and data connectivity. Perform non-routine engineering tasks as they arise.
• Assist with the fabrication of technically-integrated equipment for use onboard ships as part of their real-time connectivity operations.
• Testing and installation of shipboard satellite systems and other shipboard wireless communication systems.
• Development of software as needed to fulfill specific project objectives.
• Support of a wide variety of operations aboard the vessel, including ROV/HOV dives, AUV and ASV operations, mapping, and live broadcasts.
• Assist with planning of capital projects as needed.
• Assist with shipping logistics as required.
• Be available for routine and emergency work nights and weekends.
• Travel and work at sea is required in the performance of the duties of the position.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Perform additional duties as required.

LICENSES, TOOLS, AND EQUIPMENT

Personal computers, printers and word processing, database management and spreadsheet software. Must be able to obtain a Common Access Card (CAC) and Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card within six months of appointment.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

This position is subject to both inside and outside work and extreme cold and hot temperatures including those typical of a ship underway.