Ocean Career: MBARI Port Engineer

Port Engineer

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. These include coastal vessels such as R/V Rachel Carson and R/V Paragon, plus a fleet of robotic vehicles, cabled observatories, and buoy systems. MBARI recently commissioned the building of a 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. Its home port is Moss Landing, California.

MBARI is seeking an experienced, safety-focused Port Engineer to oversee 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 is a full time, term position of 1 year with the possibility of extension.

• Maintenance and repairs:
  Develop, manage, and execute preventative and corrective maintenance schedules for all vessels in a fleet. Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems.
• Dry-docking and shipyard management:
  Coordinate with shipyards, contractors, and vendors to manage the scope of work, budget, and timeline for complex repair and refit operations, including scheduled dry-docking.
• Budgeting:
  Develop, manage, and monitor annual budgets for vessel maintenance and repairs, and make recommendations for cost-effective solutions.
• Procurement:
  Coordinate the purchasing of parts, equipment, and services for maintenance and repair projects. Ensure purchase orders are issued, and requisitions are approved.
• Technical support:
  Provide technical advice and hands-on support to vessel crews and engineers during missions, port calls, or emergencies.
• Performance monitoring:
  Analyze technical reports, oil samples, and performance indicators to evaluate the condition of vessel equipment and systems, and initiate corrective actions.
• Regulatory compliance:
  Ensure the fleet is in compliance with regulations from bodies such as the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, and Classification Societies like the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and Det Norske Veritas (DNV).
• Inspections and audits:
  Prepare vessels for regulatory inspections, surveys, and audits. Maintain accurate records of all compliance-related activities.
• Safety protocols:
  Oversee safety procedures for specific tasks, such as fuel transfers, and conduct safety meetings with vessel engineers and crew.
• Leadership and management:
  Manage a team of engineers and technicians, including recruiting, training, and providing ongoing support.
• Liaison:
  Act as the technical liaison between vessel crews, corporate management, external clients, and regulatory bodies.
• Project documentation:
  Develop and manage technical documentation, including repair specifications, failure analysis reports, and contract deliverables.

• A bachelor's degree in marine engineering, naval architecture or a related technical field
• 2 years' experience in a shore side management capacity
• Possess excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency with marine systems, repair tools, and maintenance management software
• Must acquire forklift training and certification within 6 months of hire through MBARI
• Have or ability to obtain a U.S. Passport and Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) credentials within 6 months of hire
• Experience in drafting shipyard work specifications and overseeing shipyard repair work

• Merchant Mariners Credential (MMC) – S. Coast Guard (USCG) engineer's license of 3rd assistance engineer or higher with international endorsement
• Previous UNOLS or research vessel experience

• This position requires working in multiple locations including on site in Moss Landing, vessel port call locations, and on site for shipyard dry dock…