MBARI is looking for a Port Engineer to work with our R/V Rachel Carson, R/V Paragon, and the new flagship vessel, R/V David Packard , which became available in the spring of 2025. David Packard is a Coast Guard inspected subchapter U vessel, DNV Classed 1A, STCW, SOLAS, and ISM regulated vessel. The port engineer oversees the maintenance, repair, and readiness of a fleet of vessels to ensure technical goals and regulatory compliance are met. They act as the primary liaison between vessel crews and shore-side management for all technical matters. This position requires working in multiple locations including on site in Moss Landing, vessel port call locations, and on site for shipyard dry dock repairs/maintenance.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Electronics Officer to join our team on R/V David Packard, specializing in the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of ABB diesel-electric propulsion systems aboard oceanographic research vessels. The ideal candidate will be responsible for ensuring the optimal performance of the vessel's electronic, communication, and navigation systems, as well as overseeing the maintenance and repair of critical systems under the guidance of the Chief Engineer. This position requires expertise in advanced marine electronics, automation and must have a strong background in electrical engineering.

MBARI is seeking candidates for a full time Chief Mate aboard R/V David Packard. As Chief Mate you will be a key leader in getting the ship fully operational, meeting regulatory requirements and creating a positive culture aboard R/V David Packard for facilitating science operations. The Chief Mate fills an essential role in developing procedures, maintenance routines, and safety strategies on the new vessel. We will rely on the Chief Mate to lead maintaining the vessel to the highest standards. Operations consist primarily in supporting remote and autonomous vehicles including a 4000m work class ROV, AUVs and wave gliders. An ideal candidate will also serve as a relief Captain.

The Synchro Program office is implemented by the Central and Northern California Ocean Observing System (CeNCOOS) and housed at MBARI. Synchro procures cost-effective and accessible ocean technology and shares them with users for evaluations and strengthening connections between developers and those who rely on ocean data. We are also piloting the use of emerging technologies to monitor ecosystem-wide changes related to offshore energy, exploring how these tools can capture broad ocean dynamics rather than single indicators. This position will coordinate the documentation and reporting stages of Synchro’s testing and evaluation program, including assisting developers to produce, review, revise, and complete documentation of their testing. This includes handling documentation from both the testing and evaluation program, and the accessible ocean tech (AOT) evaluation program.

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.

MBARI is seeking an experienced, safety-focused Captain to command the R/V David Packard, 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.

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.