Routing Specialist - APAC (Night Shift)

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 Role

You thrive in environments that value precision, reliability, and collaborative harmony — and you bring that same care to everything you do. You're comfortable with technology and computer systems — perhaps you're skilled in spreadsheets, familiar with no-code tools like Retool and Notion, or have some coding experience. Above all, you are highly organized, detail-oriented, and take pride in delivering accurate, dependable work.

You will work closely with Sofar's Wayfinder team on mission-critical operational tasks. These include ship routing support, critical operational tasks for data and service products, helping the ocean science team integrate new data sources for analysis, and improving internal tooling. You have strong time management skills, can work independently when needed, and are confident in your decision-making — including when navigating the nuances of cross-cultural communication between Japanese clients and our global team.

**NOTE: This position requires regular overnight shift coverage. Candidates must be available and willing to work overnight hours as part of their standard schedule. Specific shift hours and scheduling expectations will be discussed during the interview process.

Minimum Qualifications

• Previous experience in meteorology, oceanography, or a maritime-related field

• Bachelor's degree in oceanography, climatology, geography, or a related discipline

• Experience in the shipping or maritime industry, particularly with ship routing or weather routing

• Familiarity with observation and forecast data including WaveWatch III, HYCOM, and ECMWF

• Strong understanding of mid- and long-range forecasting and weather patterns

• Comfortable with data analysis and modern web applications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills — experience working with Japanese maritime companies or institutions is a strong plus

• Ability to work weekend rotations

• A genuine passion for and/or connection to the oceans

Bonus Points

• Data visualization skills

• Proficiency in additional languages beyond Japanese

• Experience collaborating across time zones and with internationally distributed teams

• Familiarity with Japanese maritime regulations, shipping culture, or relationships with Japanese port authorities and logistics companies

• Native or near-native fluency in Japanese (verbal and written)