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Ocean Robot Mechatronics Technician

Ocean Robot Mechatronics Technician

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 MBARI Engineering department is looking for an Ocean Robot Mechatronics Technician to join our small team developing exciting new ocean robots.  An ideal candidate has strong electro/mechanical skills along with basic Linux shell interaction for robot control. The candidate should enjoy working with electro-mechanical systems that are under computer control. Prior experience with robotics is a significant plus and the role of the job will be adapted to take advantage of specific skills in this area. This position will require you to work independently, sometimes at unusual hours, as a critical part of a diverse team.  Working well with others is of paramount importance.

Primary responsibilities:
Repair, maintenance, configuration management and field operation of MBARI’s fleet of ten Long Range AUV’s (LRAUVs).

Required qualifications:

  • Innate curiosity about how things work at the intersection of biology, robotics, and oceanography
  • Thrives in a fast-paced environment where new opportunities frequently cause us to pivot our areas of emphasis.
  • Enjoys working on projects spanning multiple disciplines with engineers and scientists.
  • Familiarity with basic hand tools and light shop tools
  • Able to open, interpret and modify Solid Works CAD files
  • Able to open, interpret and modify Orcad wiring schematic drawings
  • Is familiar with basic Unix/Linux shell commands for robot control
  • Some travel, on-call work, and offshore boat operations will be required
  • Comfortable working on and around small boats and ocean research ships
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs.

Ready to apply?

Job Code: OR Mechatronics Tech

Prospective applicants should send a current resume and cover letter to jobs@mbari.org or by mail to the below address.

MBARI
Jessica Chapman
Job Code: OR Mechatronics Tech
7700 Sandholdt Road
Moss Landing, CA 95039

Salary range: $75,000-$90,000/annually

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.

MBARI is a non-profit, private oceanographic research institute, and an equal opportunity employer. MBARI considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, age, disability, covered veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, and local laws.
MBARI welcomes diversity.