Seattle, WA
Schmidt Ocean Institute – SOI Operations /
Full Time / On-Site
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Schmidt Ocean Institute (SOI) was founded by Eric and Wendy Schmidt in 2009 with a goal to advance the frontiers of ocean exploration and research through technological advancement, intelligent observation, and open sharing of information. This is achieved by making ship time and associated assets freely available to scientists globally. In exchange, SOI supports public sharing of acquired scientific observations, data, and other information about the ocean to stimulate the growth of data applications and user community and to amplify and enable further exploration, discovery, deeper understanding, and effective conservation and management of our environment.
The Schmidt Ocean Institute’s (SOI) Deputy IT Manager supports the information technology (IT) needs of the Institute, which includes the operation of the global-class research vessel Falkor (too). This position involves the secure installation, management, and troubleshooting of IT infrastructure and equipment that belongs to the Institute, as well as assisting and integrating equipment brought aboard the vessel that belongs to visiting scientists. The Deputy IT Manager is part of the SOI shoreside team and will work directly with and assist the IT Manager, and support crew and scientists onboard.

Responsibilities

  • Support the basic IT needs of the Institute’s shoreside personnel, including the SOI Washington State Office personnel and remote staff.
  • Manage guest accounts for the crew, onboard visiting scientists, other personnel and guests.
  • Collaborate with the IT Manager and the vessel’s Electro-Technical Officers (ETO) and AVIT Engineers to support 24/7, 365-day operations across various time zones, including the IT needs of the crew, scientists, and other personnel.
  • Implement and maintain the Institute’s project management, communication, and other software tools.
  • Support the IT needs of the Institute’s data, science, robotics, and communication departments.
  • Manage and commission the High-Performance Computer systems on the vessel and shoreside, in collaboration with the IT Manager.
  • Assist IT Manager in the patch management for Linux, OSX, Windows, and other software as needed.
  • Deploy security updates.
  • Support Cybersecurity management, including Pen Testing, management of Firewalls, and UTM.
  • Maintain, implement, and enforce standards and procedures for good practices across the Institute, in collaboration with the IT Manager.
  • Provide remote support skills for technologies and tools operating with low bandwidth and high latency.
  • Provide guidance and advice for the management of the Institute’s website and contractors, in collaboration with the IT Manager, Head of Data Solutions, and Communications Department.
  • Monitor and maintain website security and hosting management.

Vessel IT Management

  • Maintain the vessel IT architecture in collaboration with the IT Manager and AVIT Engineer.
  • Assist the IT Manager, Chief Engineer, ETO, and AVIT Engineer in maintaining vessel devices.
  • Assist the IT Manager, Chief Engineer, ETO, and AVIT Engineer in expanding and commissioning the vessel infrastructure, including electrical systems, in accordance with strategic needs.
  • Assist the ETO, AVIT Engineer, IT Manager, Chief Engineer, and Science Department in integrating scientific equipment and devices brought on board by collaborating scientists.
  • Manage the IT needs required to ensure the flow of data from the vessel to the cloud, in collaboration with the Institute’s Head of Data Solutions and Software Engineer.
  • Assist in the remote and on-board physical installation and commissioning of new instruments, hardware, software, and IT infrastructure, collaborating with shoreside staff and crew.
  • Ensure all vessel systems have been commissioned and are monitored.
  • Monitor and manage vessel satellite bandwidth including, but not limited to, VSAT and LEO
  • Monitor and manage onboard rack power in collaboration with AVIT Engineer and ETO.
  • Troubleshoot the vessel’s broadcasting systems, video distribution over IP, CCTV, and related control systems.
  • Maintain and expand the on board Fiber Optics infrastructure.
  • Maintain existing virtual servers and expand and enable new virtualization solutions on board.
  • Maintain IT asset and inventory control in collaboration with the AVIT Engineer.
  • Maintain existing Telephone Exchange systems.
  • Implement and update maritime and vessel-specific technologies including Bridge and Engine Departments’ equipment data systems, and radio frequencies.

Knowledge, Planning, and Training

  • Assist the IT Manager in assessing and reviewing IT business needs onshore and on the vessel.
  • Ensure up-to-date knowledge of maritime and vessel specific technologies, software, applications, and other IT infrastructure developments and recommend to the IT Manager such technical solutions and upgrades for security, efficiency, and strategic planning of implementation for the Institute.
  • Implement consolidation and migration of existing systems and tools to more strategic platforms and cloud-based systems, in collaboration with the IT manager.
  • Write and update documentation of IT systems onshore and onboard, in collaboration with the IT Manager.
  • Participate in hardware and software evaluations.
  • Evaluate and manage vendor contracts and subscriptions
  • Provide IT security and software training for shoreside staff and crew as needed.
  • Daily updates and collaboration with the IT Manager using the Institution’s IT tools.

Other Duties

  • Represent the Institute at IT-related conferences and at other events.
  • Assist shoreside staff and crew with IT needs at events as needed.
  • Review IT requirements in contracts with vendors, in collaboration with shoreside staff.
  • Travel to and occasionally sail with the vessel.
  • Participate in and be an integral part of shoreside and vessel in person or virtual coordination and planning meetings.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Skills

  • Ability to work as an integral part of a team.
  • Ability to set own goals and priorities.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to think calmly and logically under pressure.
  • Excellent problem-solving capabilities.
  • A collaborative approach to problem-solving.
  • Ability to work with people from different backgrounds and countries.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Electronics or related field.
  • Minimum of five years experience in IT management.
  • Minimum of two years experience in vessel IT management at sea.
  • Strong knowledge of current maritime and vessel-specific technologies including bridge equipment, ship’s networks, data protocols, and radio frequencies.
  • Proficient in Windows Server, OSX and Linux operating systems, wireless controllers, Google Workspace, VMware, AD, and Endpoint Protection.
  • Current passport or ability to obtain one

Preferred Qualifications

  • Minimum of two years experience in research vessel IT management at sea.
  • Proven experience in IT support roles, with a focus on remote and on-site troubleshooting.
  • Strong knowledge of networking, hardware, software, and IT security.
$130,000 – $140,000 a year
This is an exempt position.
Schmidt Ocean Institute is an equal opportunity employer and we strive to create an atmosphere where diversity of identity, experience, and background are welcomed, valued, and supported. We believe that diversity brings about greater results on all levels and we aim to use our resources to generate greater impact through our work. Candidates who contribute to this diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.