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, 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.

The engineering division at MBARI develops underwater sensors, vehicles, and scientific instruments which expand our knowledge of the ocean and its inhabitants. With our state-of-the-art facilities, engineers at MBARI collaborate with scientists and operational staff in the conception, design, manufacture, deployment, and support of novel systems. Examples of advanced technologies for ocean science developed at MBARI include a robotic microbiology laboratory, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), marine energy harvesting systems, underwater laser and imaging systems, and many other projects. If you have the interest and experience to contribute to our work, then we very much welcome your application.

This position is for a mid/senior level mechanical engineer to work on a variety of development projects related to underwater robotics, sensing, and sampling. This on-site position provides a unique amount of flexibility to explore design spaces with EE and SE colleagues in order to develop solutions that will enable ocean research. MBARI is known for supporting high-risk, high-reward engineering development programs. The ideal candidate can work independently and thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Primary responsibilities:
• Develop concepts and requirements for novel systems collaboratively with science and operations staff at the institute.
• Develop and design complex mechanical systems, starting at the concept level and carrying through to the deployment of the instrument, vehicle or platform.
• Document engineering designs, as well as integration and test plans.
• Interface with vendors and suppliers to manage small and large equipment/component specification and purchase.
• Participate in the institutes internal project proposal process and technical design reviews.

Required qualifications:
• BSME with a minimum of 5 years of related experience, or equivalent educational or
work experience.
• A core competency in one or more of the following:
o mechanical design
o engineering analysis, statics and dynamics
o materials and structural analysis, structural finite-element-methods
o manufacturing engineering or design for manufacturability/design for assembly
o autonomous systems
o optical and imaging systems
• Proficiency with Solidworks or background in similar CAD software.
• Ability to work independently and on multiple priorities at one time.
• Excellent interpersonal, critical-thinking, and communication skills.
• Track record of bringing designs to completion on time and as scoped.

Desired qualifications:
• Experience designing for the ocean and subsea environment.
• Working understanding of buoyancy, ballast, and hydrodynamic considerations.
• Experience with moorings, cables, and tether systems.
• Familiarity with autonomous and robotic platforms such as AUVs, ROVs, and gliders.
• Willingness to go to sea for set periods and support instrument deployments.