Lynker Corporation is a leading provider of innovative solutions in weather and climate science. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for innovation, Lynker leverages cutting-edge technologies and scientific expertise to support the creation and delivery of improved operational weather forecasts.
As part of our ongoing growth and expansion, we are seeking a dynamic and experienced Mechatronics Engineer to support a contract with NOAA Fisheries’ Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) Fisheries Research Monitoring Division (FRMD). This is a Part-time position that will take place on-site at the NOAA Inouye Regional Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. The position is anticipated to begin on September 30, 2024. Hiring for this position will be contingent on contract award.
PIFSC is part of NOAA Fisheries, headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii. The PIFSC has taken a leading role in marine research on ecosystems, both in the insular and pelagic environments. As part of this work, PIFSC has been implementing a multidisciplinary research strategy including an ecosystem observation system, and scientific analysis to support ecosystem-approaches to management and restoration of living marine resources. The science center conducts a wide range of activities including resource surveys and stock assessments, fishery monitoring, economic and sociological studies, oceanographic research and monitoring, critical habitat evaluation, life history and ecology studies, and advanced oceanographic and ecosystem modeling and simulations.
PIFSC FRMD has a requirement for mechatronics engineering services to design, develop, and maintain marine instrumentation/equipment used by marine biologists, fisheries biologists, oceanographers, and other field personnel. Mechatronics is concerned with the blending of mechanical, electronic, software, and control topics into a unified framework. The selected candidate will serve as an engineering/technical subject matter expert on mechatronics projects for the PIFSC Marine and Applied Knowledge for Ecosystem Research (MAKER) Lab. The MAKER Lab is part of a community of practice designing and developing innovative tools, equipment, instrumentation, and other physical products to enhance ecological data sampling efforts which support the conservation and management of coastal and marine ecosystems of the Pacific Islands.
Tasks
The selected candidate shall:
• Gather user requirements, define functionalities, recommend design solutions related to equipment/instrumentation for marine science.
• Assemble and/or fabricate hardware (electronics, ports, interface cables, underwater housings, auxiliary equipment, and other appurtenances) to provide for an integrated software/hardware environment to verify system functionality and performance.
• Support fabrication and design activities by using hand tools, power tools, machine tools, and advanced tools (computer aided design, 3D printers, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining, etc.) to develop components and prototypes.
• Test system functionality in the laboratory and in the field. Participate in field trials of equipment.
• Write code for microcontroller boards (e.g. Arduino, Teensy, etc.), single-board computers, and other controllers.
• Identify, research, and recommend commercially available components/subassemblies/products (and sources) related to assigned projects.
• Present information in written, graphical, and/or oral formats, ensuring that presentations are concise, appropriate, and understood by the audience.
• Develop technical documentation (e.g., design drawings, flowcharts, layouts, diagrams, charts, end-user guides, technical user manuals, bill of materials, standard operating procedures).
Deliverables
1. Monthly progress report to include the following: Number of hours worked during the reporting period, summary of work completed, significant accomplishments, issues encountered, and recommendations, as applicable.
2. Attendance and participation at project meetings.
3. As required by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) / Technical Point of Contact (POC): For assigned projects which require software, provide code written in a clear and concise manner, making it easy for others to understand the logic and purpose. Code shall be structured for maintainability, allowing for future modifications and extensions without significant rework. Code shall include effective documentation which explains the functionality and decisions made. Code shall adhere to established best practices within the chosen programming language.
4. As required by COR / Technical POC: Documentation in the form of system test reports, after-action reports, MAKER lab project reports, technical user manuals, end-user guides, quick-start guides, how-to instructions, job aids, standard operating procedures and other documents. Documentation shall include flowcharts, layouts, diagrams, tables, and other relevant infographics, as needed.
5. As required by COR / Technical POC: Computer aided design (CAD) models, prototypes, first articles, and final products.
6. As required by COR / Technical POC: Open actions tracker - a running list of open issues (bugs), closed issues (and their resolution), and an annotated list of features to implement now/next/later for assigned projects.
7. As required by COR / technical POC: Manufacturing/fabrication support materials (design drawings, machine parameters, bill of materials, component sourcing information).
8. As required by COR / Technical POC: System demonstrations and field tests.
9. As required by COR / Technical POC: Design planning documents, including user needs assessment/features matrix, development timeline, test plans, work breakdown structure.
Required
• Previous work experience in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, product design, robotics or related technical discipline.
• Experience on teams involved in mechatronics projects such as the design of underwater autonomous vehicles, an academic robotics team, or other similar work. Mechatronics is concerned with the blending of mechanical, electronic, software, and control topics into a unified framework.
• Familiarity with computer aided design (CAD) software, such as Fusion 360.
• Highly proficient oral and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to operate scientific equipment and instruments while deployed on small boats or large vessels in coastal and open water conditions.
• Ability to perform duties on sea-going vessels and/or in environments with uneven surfaces. Must be able to ascend and descend ladders, and frequently, stand, stoop, and crouch in the performance of tasks.
• Ability to operate various power tools, soldering stations, CNC mills, lathes, 3D printers (FFF and SLA), and other fabrication equipment.
Highly Desirable
• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from an accredited four (4) year college.
• Three (3) or more years of progressively responsible professional work experience in engineering or related fields. The work must have required knowledge and understanding of marine electronics principles, methods, techniques and practical applications.
• Experience with robotic operating system (ROS).
• Experience with integrating camera systems and image acquisition into field instrumentation.
• Two (2) or more years of experience with microcontrollers and single board computers.
The selected candidate for this position will work up to 40 hours per week. Travel is not anticipated for this position.
About Lynker
Lynker is a growing, employee owned, small business, specializing in professional, scientific and technical services. Our continually expanding team combines scientific expertise with mature, results-driven processes and tools to achieve technically sound, cost effective solutions in hydrology/water sciences, geospatial analysis, information technology, resource management, conservation, and management and business process improvement.
We focus on putting the right people in the right place to be effective. And having the right people is critical for success. Our streamlined organization enables and empowers our talented professionals to tackle our customers' scientific and technical priorities – creatively and effectively.
Lynker offers a team-oriented work environment, and the opportunity to work in a culture of exceptionally skilled and diverse professionals who embrace sound science and creative solutions. Lynker's benefits include the following:
Lynker is an E-Verify employer.
Lynker is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply.
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