Glider Operations Specialist/Autonomous Systems Scientist
Location: La Jolla, CA + field/vessel deployments
Clearance: Public Trust Eligible. Must be US citizen or authorized to work in the US.
Travel: Frequent vessel and field deployments; domestic and international travel possible
Position Overview:
CASE is seeking scientifically driven and operationally adaptable professionals to support NOAA Fisheries’ Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC) Ecosystem Science Division (ESD) Glider Program. This team supports autonomous underwater glider operations used to monitor marine ecosystems across the U.S. West Coast and Antarctic waters.
The ideal candidate will support deployment, piloting, recovery, maintenance, and analysis activities associated with advanced oceanographic platforms and integrated sensor systems, contributing directly to ecosystem monitoring, fisheries science, and NOAA modernization initiatives.
This role is ideal for professionals with experience in autonomous systems, ocean technology, marine operations, field logistics, and applied ecosystem science.
Key Responsibilities
Prepare, ballast, calibrate, and test autonomous underwater gliders
Support glider deployments and recoveries aboard vessels and small boats
Pilot gliders during active missions and respond to operational anomalies
Configure mission files and support sensor integration activities
Process and analyze glider-derived environmental and acoustic datasets
Maintain inventories, service records, and maintenance schedules
Support field logistics, deployment readiness, and operational reporting
Contribute to scientific presentations, technical documentation, and workflow improvements
Qualifications
B.S. degree or higher in oceanography, fisheries science, engineering, data science, physics, or related discipline
3+ years of experience with autonomous systems, marine instrumentation, or oceanographic sensors
Experience with Python, R, MATLAB, or scientific data-processing workflows preferred
Ability to support vessel operations and extended field deployments
Strong troubleshooting, communication, and organizational skills
NOAA, glider, or ocean observing experience strongly preferred
Why Join CASE?
CASE Consultants International is a Small Business Administration (SBA)-certified Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and HubZone-certified firm based in Asheville, NC. With over 12 years of success, CASE supports federal and state agencies, NGOs, research institutions, and private industry through expert services that advance environmental protection, sustainable development, and ecological resilience.
CASE supports mission-critical NOAA programs nationwide, combining advanced science, field operations, and innovative environmental technologies. Our teams contribute directly to ecosystem monitoring, fisheries sustainability, and climate resilience initiatives across the country.
Our goal is not simply to provide information—but to deliver environmental intelligence that empowers evidence-based decisions and supports long-term ecological and economic sustainability.
At CASE, we hire talented and passionate professionals who are committed to making the planet a safer, healthier, and more hospitable place for all its inhabitants. We create a cultivate, a flexible and collaborative work environment that welcomes a range of perspectives, values creativity, and seeks and delivers work that makes a lasting difference.
Our competitive benefits packages include company-sponsored healthcare (medical, dental, and vision); paid leave; retirement plan; training and professional development; remote and flexible work; performance-based raises and bonuses; and others.
CASE is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer focused on attracting, retaining, and cultivating talented professionals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives and a diverse, inclusive workplace in which our employees thrive. We equitably consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information as per https://www.eeoc.gov/poster.
If you require assistance in completing this application, please contact us at admin@case-ci.com.
