ROV Pilot/Technician

Monterey Bay Aquariam Research Institute

Monterey Bay Aquariam Research Institute

Posted 6+ months ago

The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) invites candidates to apply for the ROV Pilot/Technician role.

Founded in 1987 by the late David Packard, MBARI is dedicated to merging science, engineering, and marine operations for the purpose of developing new instruments, methods, and systems for advancing scientific research in the 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 innovative science and engineering laboratories, manufacturing and electrical fabrication shops, and dock facilities for MBARI vessels.

Reporting to the Chief ROV pilot, this position will be responsible for the operation, upgrade, and maintenance of MBARI’s ROV Doc Ricketts. This includes electronic and software tasks necessary to maintain the ROV systems as well as integrate new instruments and tools used in the collection of scientific data. In addition, the incumbent must have seagoing skills that enable them to launch, recover, track, and maintain ROVs at sea. The MBARI ROV programs are focused on both the successful accomplishment of science mission objectives and on the development of new technology to advance ocean science.

Operation and maintenance of the ROV is the primary responsibility. Other responsibilities include but are not limited to; design of ROV components used in science missions, troubleshooting of electronic and software systems of both the ROV and associated science instruments and payloads, and assisting in the generation and maintaining vehicle documentation.

This position requires the willingness and ability to work in a hazardous marine environment and work up to 30 days continuously at sea between port calls. Ability to lift 35 lbs. This role requires working as part of a team, independently, and with diverse groups of people. Excellent communication and organizational skills are vital.


Required qualifications:
• A.S. in electronics technology or equivalent education/experience.
• Piloting and maintaining medium to full size electro-hydraulic work class ROV’s for three years.
• The equivalent of three years’ experience with a large multi-computer telemetry system.
• Working knowledge of single board computers, local area networks, serial data communications, fiber optic telemetry communication, power control systems, acoustic navigation systems and sonar systems.
• Basic computer skills in Windows/Linux.
• Use of OrCAD or similar design software.

Desired qualifications:
• Computer programming knowledge and experience with real time operating systems.
• Use of Solidworks or similar mechanical modeling software.
• Experience in the maintenance of mechanical and hydraulic systems.