Electro-Mechanical Technician

Sofar Ocean is a ocean intelligence company that operates the largest privately-owned ocean sensor network in the world, delivering real-time data and analytics to maritime, government, defense, and research customers. Their two core platforms are Spotter, a global network of solar-powered buoys and sensing devices that measure waves, wind, weather, sound, currents, temperature, water quality, and water level, and Wayfinder, a voyage optimization software that helps shipping operators reduce fuel consumption and emissions by recommending optimal routes, speeds, and schedules based on live maritime weather data and vessel performance models. The company generates over 1.5 million real-time ocean observations per day from more than 2,500 deployed Spotters worldwide, providing ground-truth data trusted by NOAA, the U.S. Navy, and major commercial shipping fleets. Sofar Ocean's mission is centered on building a comprehensive data layer for the ocean to improve safety, efficiency, and environmental stewardship across maritime industries. Their Wayfinder platform delivers an average fuel reduction of 4 to 8 percent per voyage, directly translating into lower greenhouse gas emissions for commercial shipping, one of the world's largest industrial carbon emitters. By combining proprietary sensor infrastructure with advanced weather modeling, Sofar claims forecasts that are 50 percent more accurate than traditional models, enabling better preparation for extreme weather events and protection of maritime assets. What distinguishes Sofar Ocean is its vertically integrated approach: the company owns and operates its own sensor network, runs its own intelligence models, and delivers end-to-end solutions from raw ocean data collection to actionable voyage guidance. This positions them uniquely at the intersection of climate resilience, maritime efficiency, and ocean science, serving a diverse customer base that includes shipping companies, governments, coral reef researchers, and defense agencies seeking live, hyperlocal ocean intelligence at a global scale.

THE COMPANY

Sofar is on a mission to connect the world’s oceans. We design, build, and deploy the largest privately owned network of marine weather sensors to power the world’s best marine weather forecasts. Our data helps our customers to increase efficiency and reduce emissions, delivering tools to governments and other stakeholders to understand impacts of climate change on extreme weather and ocean health. We live on Planet Ocean, and our goal is to create the ocean intelligence needed to ensure a sustainable future.

The Role

Sofar Ocean builds and deploys thousands of low-cost, global, open ocean sensors to remote and harsh environments, and we're growing! We're seeking an Electro-Mechanical Assembly Technician to join our small but mighty production team. Using your assembly superpowers building Sofar’s smart buoys and sensing platform systems, you will not only be making a direct impact on the planet's ocean but also get to work with some highly passionate co-workers.

This role would work onsite at our Pier 28 location in San Francisco, CA. Typical Hours are 8am - 4:30pm

Impact You’ll Own

• Assemble and test electromechanical assemblies per work instructions, engineering drawings and bills of materials (Bom).

• Perform in-process inspection on box builds, sub-assemblies, PCBAs, and cables to verify quality.

• Support production schedules by completing builds on time and communicating blockers.

• Identify defects, workmanship issues, or missing components and escalate appropriately.

• Utilizing Sofar’s traceability database, enter assembly and testing data.

• Support NPI builds and other engineering activities including mechanical modifications and rework.

• Operate hand tools, power tools, and basic production equipment safely and effectively.

• Meet daily production quality and productivity targets.

• Gather parts, sub-assemblies, tools, and materials required for specific work orders.

• Maintain a safe and clean working environment according to OSHA and as instructed by the manager to comply with procedures, rules, and regulations.

• Perform cross training for other production competencies as requested by the company.

• Quickly adapt to new projects, and complete tasks within a set time frame.

About you

• High School diploma or GED (AS in mechatronics or electronics a major plus)

• Minimum 3-5 years of direct experience building electro-mechanical hardware.

• Computer literacy using Google apps, Slack and Notion, along with ERP/PLM experience.

• Ability to work independently and meet production deadlines

• High proficiency and understanding using power tools and other assembly equipment.

• Attention to details. You strive for excellence in everything you do.

• You love to build things.

Physical Requirements of the Role

• Ability to lift 40+ pounds on a regular basis and stand for long periods of time.

• Ability to operate standard production equipment and assembly tools.

• Ability to climb stairs.

Estimated Salary Range

• $32 - $42 per hour

• The range listed is what we reasonably expect to pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and may be modified in the future. Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, experience, and equity package.