Current Job Openings

Two MBARI research vessels sit in port across the street from MBARI’s research facilities. A white research vessel with a blue hull is in the foreground, and a white research vessel with a black hull docked behind it. The research facilities include five large two-story gray buildings with several cars parked in front of each. In the foreground is the brown water of the harbor. In the background are greenish-blue ocean, white waves, light-blue sky, and gray clouds.

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.

Captain, R/V David Packard

MBARI is seeking an experienced, safety-focused Captain to command a newly delivered dynamic positioning diesel-electric research vessel operating on the U.S. West Coast. This is a full time, permanent role. 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. The ship will be tasked with supporting 5-10 day multi-disciplinary science missions (longer trips are possible). In an average year, the vessel supports about 18-20 science missions per year.
A bright pink, fan-shaped coral (left) and a pale pink, fan-shaped coral (right), alongside several small invertebrates. These animals were photographed on rocks dusted with dark green sediment.

Research Technician – Seafloor Processes Lab

MBARI invites applications for a position within the Seafloor Processes Lab: Research Technician or Research Specialist. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge marine science and technology development, supporting MBARI’s mission to advance ocean science and technology through innovative research and engineering. The Seafloor Processes Lab investigates seafloor processes across multiple scales, exploring how these interact with seafloor morphology and identifying their key drivers and controlling factors.

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.