MBARI is looking for a USCG-licensed chief engineer on the R/V Rachel Carson, their 1600hp 135ft research vessel. This is a full-time, non-rotational job with four ten-hour work days a week, full benefits, and flexible vacation.

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. Located in Moss Landing, California, the heart of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, MBARI offers ready access to the open ocean and deep sea. Ongoing research programs range across autonomous and remotely operated underwater vehicle systems, control technologies, ocean physics, chemistry, geology, biology, ocean instrumentation, and information management. 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 MBARI vessels.

Primary responsibilities:
• Ensures that all operations conducted in support of the vessel or support of scientific programs on the vessel are conducted safely and efficiently.
• Ensures the vessels are fully maintained, and equipment is in top condition at all times.
• Responsible for operational readiness of all mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems.
• Schedules and performs preventive maintenance and repairs on all equipment, including cranes, winches, etc.
• Provides standby for engine room emergencies while the ship is underway and makes regular inspections of the engine room.
• Runs mains and generators.
• Supervises and directs Assistant Engineers and engine room personnel in carrying out maintenance projects and watch standing.
• Participates in ROV tether watch rotation.
• Participates in the deployment and recovery of the ROV, CTD rosette/sediment traps, and other scientific equipment.
• Ensures professional working relations with co-workers and visitors.
• Performs related tasks as assigned.

Benefits:
MBARI offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, 403B retirement plan, and paid time off, such as vacation, holiday, and sick leave. Our permanent roles are full time positions that do not offer rotations.
• Schedule is 4-10hr days with weekends off
• Sea pay and Shore-leave compensation for longer trips
• Ample voluntary overtime opportunities
• If/when the candidate is qualified, relief chief rates are available
• Live in the beautiful Monterey/Santa Cruz area – Moving assistance provided
• Paid educational growth opportunities
• 10% employer retirement contributions
• Meals provided
• Good coffee
• Work on deck and in the engine room
• Varied and engaging work
• High-speed internet (Starlink)

Required minimum qualifications:
• A high school diploma and relevant maritime experience.
• The candidate must be able to operate knuckle boom cranes and oceanographic winches.
• USCG. Third Assistant Engineer or a USCG DDE (Designated Duty Engineer) 2000 HP or better rating is acceptable when proficiency in operating and maintaining a variety of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems is displayed and determined to be qualified by the Captain.
• Ability to work in hazardous marine environments.
• Ability to step up 3 feet.
• Heavy lifting is required (up to 50 lbs.)
• Although the vessel normally returns to Moss Landing the same day it goes to sea, the individual may be required to work up to one month continuously away from the home port and be able to work in foreign ports.