Current Job Openings

A black-and-white research vessel carrying a dark-orange deep-sea robot moves along the ocean’s surface leaving a trail of frothy white water in its wake. The background is blue-green ocean surface and blue sky with hazy white clouds.

Assistant Engineer, R/V Rachel Carson

The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) is looking for a USCG-licensed assistant 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.
A bright pink, fan-shaped coral (left) and a pale pink, fan-shaped coral (right), alongside several small invertebrates. These animals were photographed on rocks dusted with dark green sediment.

Research Technician – Seafloor Processes Lab

MBARI invites applications for a position within the Seafloor Processes Lab: Research Technician or Research Specialist. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge marine science and technology development, supporting MBARI’s mission to advance ocean science and technology through innovative research and engineering. The Seafloor Processes Lab investigates seafloor processes across multiple scales, exploring how these interact with seafloor morphology and identifying their key drivers and controlling factors.

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.

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 the 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.
Metal frame with seafloor mapping toolsled with silver and black canisters and bright green cables installed below a robotic submersible with a black camera, metal manipulator arm, and bright orange float. Photographed with a fisheye lens on the metal deck of a research vessel with blue sky and clouds in the background.

Mechanical Technician

MBARI is seeking a motivated Mechanical Technician/Fabricator that will bring experience and drive to our manufacturing group. This group works with other scientists, engineers, and marine operations personnel on the design, fabrication, testing, and maintenance of various platforms and instruments for ocean science research. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating exceptional problem-solving capabilities and the ability to work independently to overcome challenges and complete tasks. Tasks could include: design and fabrication of parts, assembly and repair of equipment, and mobilization of gear to support deployments and recoveries.