Electronic Technician The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) is a nonprofit oceanographic research center advancing marine science and engineering to understand our changing ocean. Located in Moss Landing, California, the heart of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, MBARI has a position open for an Electronic Technician. Applicants from entry to mid-level are encouraged to apply. This position will work closely with engineers and scientists ensuring successful project deployment by assembling and repairing electro-mechanical systems for oceanographic research. The successful applicant will be detailed oriented and have a willingness and ability to learn new skills. Training will be provided as appropriate.
Facilities Assistant Founded in 1987 by the late David Packard, the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) is a nonprofit oceanographic research center advancing marine science and engineering to understand our changing ocean. Located in Moss Landing, California, MBARI is looking for a Facilities Assistant. The Facilities Assistant will ensure the daily general cleaning and maintenance of our facilities interior and exterior spaces. The individual must be reliable, detail oriented and capable of balancing hands-on work with some computer-based tasks.
2nd Mate, R/V Rachel Carson MBARI is looking for a 2nd Mate, on our R/V Rachel Carson. The 2nd mate performs all the duties of a mariner including bridge watch-standing rotations, maintenance, ship handling, and maintaining the cleanliness of the ship. The institute operates three research vessels, the R/V Rachel Carson is MBARI’s 135-foot coastal vessel. The vessel supports multi-purpose operations revolving around AUV deployments, offshore instrument deployments, and diving tasks. When switching between these activities, mobilization, and reconfiguration of the vessel in port is required. Most vessel operations are completed in one day.
CeNCOOS Research Technician or Research Specialist – Data Management and Cyberinfrastructure MBARI is hiring for one of two levels of career stage, Research Technician or Research Specialist with a focus on data management and cyberinfrastructure (DMAC) support for the Central and Northern California Ocean Observing System (CeNCOOS). The earlier career stage Research Technician will focus on data integration and visualizations, whereas the Research Specialist also entails management and coordination of CeNCOOS data systems and other responsibilities.
Ocean Observatory Trainee Founded in 1987 by the late David Packard, MBARI is a nonprofit oceanographic research center advancing marine science and engineering to understand our changing ocean. Reporting to Jared Figurski, the Ocean Observatory Trainee will assist in the construction, deployment, recovery, and maintenance of oceanographic moorings. This position will be required to carry out tasks related to preparing oceanographic sensors for deployment and for assisting in the disassembly of a mooring. There will be opportunities to go to sea on the R/V Paragon and other research vessels. Tasks include using hand and power tools, power washing, painting, database management, and sensor setup.
Ocean Robot Software Engineer The MBARI Engineering Department is seeking an Ocean Robotics Software Engineer to join our small, collaborative team developing and operating autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for ocean research. For over 15 years, our vehicles have enabled scientists to conduct novel oceanographic research and collect extensive science and engineering datasets. Our multidisciplinary team of engineers, operators, and technicians support operations and advance vehicle capabilities. This role spans both vehicle-side software (diagnostics, onboard automation, mission scripting) and shore-side systems (data pipelines, command-and-control interfaces, operator tools). We’re looking for someone who gets excited about making complex systems more usable and reliable.
Ocean Robot Mechatronics Technician The MBARI Engineering department is looking for an Ocean Robot Mechatronics Technician to join our small team developing exciting new ocean robots. An ideal candidate has strong electro/mechanical skills along with basic Linux shell interaction for robot control. The candidate should enjoy working with electro-mechanical systems that are under computer control. Prior experience with robotics is a significant plus and the role of the job will be adapted to take advantage of specific skills in this area. This position will require you to work independently, sometimes at unusual hours, as a critical part of a diverse team. Working well with others is of paramount importance.
Science Communication Fellowship MBARI invites early-career professionals in science communication and multimedia storytelling to apply for our unique fellowship, which emphasizes projects that support MBARI’s mission to advance marine science and engineering to understand our changing ocean. This communication fellowship offers a rare opportunity to report on advancements in ocean science, technology, and conservation, while gaining hands-on experience through collaborative work with MBARI scientists, engineers, and communicators. This two-year position plays a critical role within MBARI’s Science Communication (SciComm) Team. The SciComm Fellow will make extensive contributions to content creation as part of the Social Media and Video Production teams. The incumbent will also have the opportunity to collaborate with the Monterey Bay Aquarium's (MBA) video and content teams.
Mechanical Technician MBARI is looking for a highly motivated and experienced Mechanical Technician to join our manufacturing team. Reporting to the mechanical technician supervisor, this manufacturing team member will aid all MBARI departments by providing support with fabrication, repair, assembly, and setup of MBARI’s assets. The person in this role can operate under minimal supervision and routinely takes initiative in seeking new methods for effectively completing tasks. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, demonstrates exceptional problem-solving capabilities, and is committed to continuously improving safety, quality, and productivity.
Relief Steward, R/V David Packard MBARI hosts approximately 200 employees, with shore facilities that include state-of-the-art science and engineering laboratories, manufacturing and electrical fabrication shops, and dock facilities for 3 MBARI vessels. We are seeking a Relief Chief Steward aboard the R/V David Packard. This position will manage meal service, housekeeping, laundry service, and cleaning/maintenance of spaces on the vessel. Additionally, the incumbent ensures safety on deck and throughout the vessel at all times.
Port Captain MBARI is seeking an experienced, safety-focused Port Captain to manage and oversee vessel operations and regulatory oversight. The Port Captain position is a mixed position with the majority for shore side support, complemented by sea time. When at sea, command may include both Rachel Carson and David Packard, a newly delivered dynamic positioning diesel-electric research vessel, both operating on the U.S. West Coast. The successful candidate will lead complex, multidisciplinary science missions emphasizing ROV operations, multibeam hydrographic surveys, and precision station-keeping. This position requires demonstrated technical competence with integrated bridge systems and dynamic positioning systems, proven operational leadership, regulatory/compliance expertise, and the ability to motivate and develop a small technical ship’s team.
Relief USCG Licensed Engineers The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) is seeking engineering candidates ranging from QMED-Oiler to OICEW for intermittent temporary work aboard R/V Rachel Carson and R/V David Packard. Operations primarily consist in supporting remote and autonomous vehicles, including a 4000m work class ROV, AUVs, and wave gliders. Moorings, CTDs and other science sampling operations are common. When switching between these activities, mobilization and reconfiguration of the vessel in port is required. Most vessel operations are completed in one day.
Able Seafarer, R/V David Packard The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) is seeking candidates for Able Seafarer Deck (AB-D) aboard the state of the art research vessel David Packard , currently under construction in Spain. We are looking for people that are enthusiastic about commissioning a new ship; bringing the ship out of the shipyard, transiting back to our home port in California. Able seafarers will have an important role in watch standing, completing science operations, performing maintenance routines and reporting to officers about what works and what doesn't on the new vessel.