Junior Project Engineer

Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) is a world‑leading organization supporting ocean discovery and technological innovation. ONC is a not‑for‑profit society that operates and manages innovative cabled observatories on behalf of the University of Victoria that supply continuous power and Internet connectivity to various scientific instruments located in coastal, deep‑ocean, and Arctic environments. ONC’s cable arrays host hundreds of sensors distributed in, on and above the seabed along with mobile and land‑based assets strategically located, addressing key scientific and policy issues (subsea earthquakes and tsunamis, ocean acidification, marine biodiversity, etc.) within a wide range of environments. ONC's Observatory Operations division is mandated to provide a reliable and relevant digital, coastal and sub‑sea infrastructure that facilitates the goals of the observatory user communities. Marine Operations supports this mandate through the installation, maintenance, and repair of the cabled arrays, mobile systems, and land‑based assets that comprise the coastal sub‑sea infrastructure. Using a team‑based, client‑focused approach, Marine Operations promotes a safe work environment and fosters an environment of mutual respect, cooperation, and support. Together, the Field Services, Testing & Development, and Operations Support units work to efficiently, effectively, and safely fulfill their core purpose. The Marine Technology Centre (MTC) in Sidney serves as the department's base of operations. The Junior Project Engineer will work in either the Testing and Development (T&D) unit or the Field Services unit. The T&D unit is primarily responsible for testing and qualifying instruments and equipment prior to deployment to the cabled observatories and other mobile and land‑based assets. The team designs and develops instruments and equipment, repairs and maintains instruments, and supports the planning and execution of field operations related to observatory maintenance. The Field Services unit is primarily responsible for preparing for and executing field service operations related to the day‑to‑day workings of the cabled observatories and other mobile and land‑based assets. Both units participate in ship‑based activities that occur multiple times a year for up to four weeks in duration, as well as day and multi‑day trips to service land and marine systems. The Junior Project Engineer participates in observatory maintenance, instrument testing and maintenance activities, maintenance of the laboratory testing facility, equipment design and development, and documentation of instruments, equipment, and related procedures. The Junior Project Engineer will perform engineering duties to design and build equipment that will enable ocean science. The position will also assist in field operations by planning, preparing, and participating in field duties. The position is expected to demonstrate ownership and leadership over engineering and field responsibilities. The Junior Project Engineer reports to either the Testing & Development Manager (TDM) or the Field Services Manager (FSM); however, the Project Engineer may receive systems‑related guidance or direction from either the TDM or FSM. This position is expected to maintain certifications in forklift and crane operation safe practices, first aid, and a Transport Canada approved marine safety course such as Standards of Training, Certifications and Watchkeeping – 95 Basic Safety, MED‑A3 or other. The successful candidate will have a degree in engineering or applied science, and a minimum of 1–2 years of experience related to engineering in marine environments, or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience. The candidate must either be a member of the Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia as a Professional Engineer (PEng) or registered as an Engineer in Training (EIT), or be eligible to become a PEng or EIT and must register as a condition of employment. Technical Ability to use engineering training and experience to diagnose and analyze problems Experience with electronics testing equipment and tools Strong electronic troubleshooting and soldering skills Experience with PC‑based command, control, and data acquisition Experience with serial communications protocols (EIA 232, 422, 485) Experience with computer networking, TCP/IP and UDP Experience with systems‑level hardware integration Experience with mechanical and structural systems design and fabrication Demonstrated competence with construction hand and power tools Demonstrated competence with a 3D CAD package such as SolidWorks Documentation, diagram and technical writing skills Other Strong problem‑solving abilities and the ability to work independently to complete small projects from start to finish Ability to work cooperatively within a team, as well as independently Strong interpersonal and communication skills Experience with oceanographic instrumentation and equipment, including field support at sea would be an asset Forklift certification an asset Experience designing subsea equipment, including underwater enclosures, seabed structures and deployment rigging is an asset A current Standard First Aid or Marine Basic First Aid certificate is desirable A Transport Canada approved marine safety course such as Standards in Training, Certifications and MED‑A3 Marine Basic Safety or other would be an asset Seniority Level Entry level Employment Type Full-time Job Function Engineering and Information Technology Industry Higher Education #J-18808-Ljbffr