Career Pathways Internship - Manufacturing

Monterey Bay Aquariam Research Institute

Monterey Bay Aquariam Research Institute

Posted on May 21, 2026

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 Career Pathways Intern track provides students with immersive training in marine operations, machining, administration, and other essential roles that support MBARI’s work in ocean research and technology development. Interns gain practical experience alongside skilled professionals, building the expertise and confidence needed to pursue meaningful careers supporting scientific discovery.

Over the course of a five to six -month immersive internship, this employee will explore the unique environment of prototype manufacturing at MBARI. As the candidate progresses through the program, they will be guided by the question – “what does it take to bring an idea to life”? This intern will work closely with one or two mentors and members of the manufacturing team to complete a project for the R/V David Packard. During the program, the candidate will be exposed to a wide variety of topics and learn firsthand how to design and manufacture parts designed for one of the west coast’s most advanced research platforms.

Program elements:
1. Developing design concepts
Participants will shadow staff, learn how to establish and communicate design intent, and collaborate with engineers and machinists to refine their concepts. They will be introduced to the principles of design for manufacture (DFM) and shown how solid modeling supports rapid iteration. They will also learn about materials selection for the demanding ocean environment.

2. Interpreting engineering drawings
Participants will become familiar with how engineering drawings/schematics/blueprints are structured and read, learn the fundamentals of creating them, and explore what distinguishes a good print from a poor one. They will also learn about the role of drawings in a prototype environment and the importance of engineering documentation.

3. Fabricating parts and assemblies
Working from drawings developed earlier and guided by program staff, the intern will select appropriate methods and see their designs through to completion. The work spans rapid prototyping with 3D printing, CNC machining (milling, turning, and waterjet cutting), metal forming, welding, and general fabrication.

Candidate selection:
An ideal candidate will be a first- or second-year community college student or a student in a vocational program. Selection will differ slightly from the normal hiring process in that the program aims to serve those with less access to traditional career placement opportunities. Strong applicants should have some background in mechanical design or fabrication. Emphasis will be placed on local candidates with a strong interest in the manufacturing world. Extracurriculars and listed experience will be considered during interviews.

Required qualifications:

  • High school diploma at least six months of demonstrated success in a relevant field of study or vocational training in mechanical or fabrication technology
  • Excellent interpersonal, critical thinking, and communication skills

Desired qualifications:

  • Completion of relevant coursework
    • Examples: Auto shop, drafting experience, solid modeling experience, metal/woodshop
  • Currently enrolled in a community college engineering transfer program
    • Examples: Mechanical, Civil, Environmental
  • A marked interest in the ocean environment
  • Previous experience with mechanical assembly and fabrication techniques
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