Routing Specialist - US (Remote)

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 are a diligent and organized person who is passionate about the ocean, and excited at the prospect of joining a small fast-moving team in this domain. You’re generally comfortable with technology and computer systems–maybe you’re a spreadsheet wizard, are familiar with no-code tools like ReTool, Notion and maybe even have a little coding experience. Most importantly–you’re highly organized, have an excellent ability to focus, and exhibit careful attention to detail.

You will be working with Sofar’s Wayfinder team to perform a number of mission-critical operational tasks. Examples include ship routing support, critical operational tasks for data and service products, helping the ocean science team wrangle new data sources for analysis, and helping to improve our internal tooling. It is important that you have strong time management skills, a proven ability to work independently when needed, and are comfortable making decisions.

Minimum Job Qualifications

• US-based (open to remote)

• Previous experience in meteorology or maritime related background

• Bachelor’s degree in oceanography, climatology, and/or geography.

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

• Experience 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, having communicated with customers around the globe

• Ability to work weekend rotations

• A passion for and/or connection to the oceans

Bonus Points

• Data visualization skills

• Ability to speak multiple languages

• Experience working with team members across time zones

Estimated Salary Range:

• $65,000 - $90,000

• 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.

Sofar's Commitment to Climate Justice

We at Sofar Ocean acknowledge that careers in the marine sciences “... have traditionally been, and remain, non-diverse work environments”, thereby limiting the entry and prosperity of underrepresented groups in the space. (Johri et al., 2021) Many of these same groups are disproportionately affected by climate change, and are often excluded from decision making that directly address their interests and needs.

We are committed to addressing these climate injustices and highly encourage people who identify as women, LGBTQ+, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) to apply.