Career Pathways Internship - Manufacturing • MBARI
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MBARI creates and globally scales the visionary technologies required to explore, map, and understand our changing ocean.
Our Work Sub
Research & Development
Focus Areas
Teams
Projects
Data & Repositories
Publications
Expeditions
Technology
All Technologies
Instruments
Observatories
Software
Vehicles
Tech Transfer
Marine Operations
Monterey Bay Today
Ships
Schedules
Education
Education
Resources for educators, students, and anyone aspiring to learn how science and technology brings us closer to the ocean.
Integrate MBARI data with lesson plans and workshops.
Discover deep-sea critters, including exclusive footage and info.
Dive into topics about ocean health and its fascinating features.
Explore deep-sea observations with this interactive guide.
Learn about the MLML/MBARI Research Library.
Access more educational resources from the teams at MBARI.
MBARI is a non-profit oceanographic research center advancing marine science and engineering to understand our changing ocean.
Learn about MBARIs mission, vision, and values.
Learn about our strategic priorities for the years ahead.
Meet our staff, leadership, and board of directors.
Find job openings and postdoc and internship opportunities.
Follow MBARI on social media and stay updated.
See upcoming seminars, lectures, and public events.
Access the latest annual reports and financial information.
Explore MBARIs rich history spanning over three decades.
Get media-specific information and assets.
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Career Pathways Internship - Manufacturing
Career Pathways Internship - Manufacturing
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 MBARIs 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 coasts most advanced research platforms.
Program elements:
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.
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.
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:
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
Ready to apply?
Job Code: CP Intern- Manufacturing
Please submit a cover letter, including reference to relevant training and/or experience, and a resume by e-mail to jobs@mbari.org, or by mail to the below address.
MBARI
Jessica Chapman
Job Code: CP Intern- Manufacturing
7700 Sandholdt Road
Moss Landing, CA 95039
Salary range: $23/hour
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.
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7700 Sandholdt Road, Moss Landing, California 95039
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