Marine Robotics Electrical Engineer

Job Summary:

The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) seeks a highly skilled Marine Robotics Electrical Engineer to join an interdisciplinary fast-paced team of scientists and technologists dedicated to studying the communication of sperm whales. As part of Project CETI (CEtacean Translation Initiative), you will play a pivotal role in designing the state-of-the-art, non-invasive robotics and sensing platforms required to provide the first-ever blueprint of another animal's language.

This role requires a proactive Marine Robotics Electrical Engineer expert capable of driving the full product development lifecycle—from PCB design/bring up/debugging/validation to the integration of advanced acoustic recording technology and RF communication systems (Argos/Iridium/VHF pingers, etc.), and its use in the field. 

The successful candidate will transition seamlessly between laboratory-based circuit analysis and deployment-ready engineering for harsh marine environments, collaborating closely with biologists and computer scientists to ensure robust data collection in the field. 

Based at our new Science and Engineering Complex in Allston, this position will be on campus full-time with occasional travel to research sites outside of the U.S. This is a one-year term position with the possibility of renewal.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• PCB Development & Lifecycle: Execute the full hardware development lifecycle, including schematic capture and multi-layer PCB design and layout using eCAD software such as Altium, Eagle, or KiCad.
• Hardware Validation: Conduct rigorous board bring-up, circuit analysis, and debugging using advanced laboratory instruments, including VNAs, logic analyzers, and oscilloscopes.
• Sensor & Actuator Integration: Design and implement interfaces using digital communication protocols (I2C, SPI, CAN, I2S) for specialized marine sensors (hydrostatic pressure, acoustic, IMU) and motor control systems.
• Harsh Environment Engineering: Design and maintain fail-proof electromechanical systems specifically engineered for robustness in harsh marine environments.
• RF Communication Systems: Design and integrate radio and satellite communication systems (GPS, Argos, Iridium), including custom antenna design and RF circuit optimization.
• Embedded Systems Engineering: Develop firmware for embedded systems, focusing on STM32 microcontrollers and Linux-based Single Board Computers (SBC).
• Field Operations & Documentation: Assist in the preparation and execution of field deployments and demonstrations, which includes performing technical tasks on moving boats and contributing to scientific paper writing.
• Collaborative Analysis: Work closely with the engineering and biology teams to translate complex research needs into precise technical specifications for data collection assets.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed in a lab and at research sites in the field.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to travel and perform work on a moving boat.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• BS or MS in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• At least 3 years of work experience with hardware focused electronic projects: PCB design, prototyping, board bring up, circuit board debugging, and circuit analysis. 
• At least 3 years of work experience in one or more of the following fields:
  • Systems operating in a harsh environment (e.g., devices for marine, aviation, space, or military applications), where robustness and fail proofing is key. 
  • Radio communication fundamentals and RF circuit design. Including antenna design and satellite communication technologies (e.g., GPS, Argos, Iridium).
  • Developing and programming embedded computing systems, particularly with STM32 microcontrollers and Linux-based Single Board Computers (SBC). Experience with advanced embedded electronics features such as DMAs, low power microcontroller optimization, interrupt driven design, and real time management.  Experience with test driven development (TDD) and benchmarking.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Candidates must also have the following:
  • Solid understanding of analog and digital electronic design principles.
  • Proficiency in PCB design and layout using eCAD software such as Eagle, Altium, or KiCad.
  • Strong skills with using a variety of benchtop laboratory instruments, including multimeters, power supplies, oscilloscopes, VNAs, logic analyzer, etc. for circuit analysis and debugging.
  • Proven ability to design and work with interfaces for a wide range of sensors (IMU, acoustic, hydrostatic pressure, optical, etc.), actuators (DC/BL/Stepper motors), and various electronic modules (RF, ADCs, etc). Familiarity with digital communication protocols to interact with electronic components (I2C, SPI, CAN, SWD, I2S, etc.).
• Strong organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining an organized and orderly workspace.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work well with others in a team environment. 
• MS in Electrical engineering preferred.
• These skills/certifications are a plus:
  • Ham radio license
  • Experience with building and piloting aerial drones (or any other remote-control flying vehicles). Part 107 certification.
  • Basic experience using CAD (preferably Autodesk Fusion 360), ideally with experience rapidly iterating on parts with 3D printers.
  • Experience with scientific paper writing.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 standard hours per week. Work is on-campus only except when traveling to related research sites. Must be able to travel outside the U.S. to conduct research as needed.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity and Education
• Other Information:
  • This is a one-year term appointment with the possibility of renewal.
  • Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to be considered for this position.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.