Current Job Openings

Career Pathways Internship – Manufacturing

The Career Pathways Intern track provides students with immersive training in essential roles that support MBARI’s work in ocean research and technology development. Over the course of a five to six -month immersive internship, this employee will explore the unique environment of prototype manufacturing at MBARI. As the candidate progresses through the program, they will be guided by the question – “what does it take to bring an idea to life”? This intern will work closely with one or two mentors and members of the manufacturing team to complete a project for the R/V David Packard. During the program, the candidate will be exposed to a wide variety of topics and learn firsthand how to design and manufacture parts designed for one of the west coast’s most advanced research platforms.
Members of MBARI’s marine operations crew recover a remotely operated vehicle after a successful dive in Monterey Bay. The robotic submersible has a bright orange float with a stylized treatment of the name Ventana that uses MBARI’s gulper eel logo as the V. Beneath the float is a black metal frame with various pieces of equipment and wires. The submersible is attached to a black-and-white crane and positioned over the side of a research ship. A bright-yellow cable connected to the submersible extends to the right to a crew member in a white hard hat, navy jacket, orange life vest, jeans, and brown boots standing on the gray deck of an MBARI research ship. A second crew member wearing a white hard hat, an orange jacket, olive-green pants, and black work boots operated a crane to the right. The background is dark-blue ocean.

ROV Pilot

MBARI invites candidates to apply for the ROV Pilot/Technician role. Reporting to the Chief ROV pilot, this position will be responsible for the operation, upgrade and maintenance of MBARI’s ROV Ventana. The incumbent will be responsible for hydraulic and mechanical tasks necessary to maintain the ROV systems as well as integrate new instruments and tools used in the collection of scientific data. In addition, the incumbent must have seagoing skills that enable them to launch, recover, track, and maintain ROVs at sea. The MBARI ROV programs are focused on both the successful accomplishment of science mission objectives and on the development of new technology to advance ocean science.
A translucent blue worm swims in a lab tank with a solid black background. The worm has a tapered body with numerous paddle-like appendages on either side. Several spherical eggs are visible within the base of each leg. Two long antennae extending from the worm’s head are held back against the body. The worm is swimming toward the right with its tail obscured beyond the left of the image.

CeNCOOS Program Specialist

MBARI is hiring a CeNCOOS Program Specialist with a focus on coordination and engaging support amongst our delivery partners, information users and more, to understand, track, and meet regional needs for the Central and Northern California Ocean Observing System (CeNCOOS). The position will assist in administration of multiple funding sources to support the regional observing system, which consists of a diverse team of scientists, resource managers, educators, tribes, federal, state, and local governmental bodies and industry.
A transparent jelly swims in open water. The jelly has a purple, flat, plate-like bell with a wide margin. Half of the jelly’s stiff tentacles are being held above the bell, and half drag below the bell. The jelly is swimming toward the upper left corner of the frame. The background is black water with scattered tiny white flecks of drifting organic material.

Marine Operations Technician

MBARI is seeking a Marine Operations Technician (MOT) to ensure that complex marine and subsea systems operate smoothly, safely, and reliably in support of cutting-edge ocean science. This role supports ROV-deployed tool sleds, moorings, elevators, and vessel mission equipment. The MOT identifies and troubleshoots mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, faults; develops technical solutions; and implements repairs and system improvements. The position blends hands-on mechanical and fabrication expertise with structured repair task management and small project leadership. Occasional sea-going assignments are required, with growth opportunities toward qualification as an ROV Pilot or Pilot/Technician.

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.

Ocean waves gently crash in front of MBARI’s research facilities. The research facilities have gray concrete walls, several large windows, and a gray roof with teal trim. In the foreground are wet sand and several clumps of brown drift kelp. In the background is a pale blue sky with pink clouds.

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.
A reddish-brown vampire squid swims in open water. Its football-shaped body is pointed to the left side of the frame, flapping two large fins. Its webbed arms are pointing to the right side of the frame. The background is black water with tiny white bits of organic material.

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.
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.

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.