Autonomous Systems Operations Manager • 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 MBARI's 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 MBARI's rich history spanning over three decades.
Get media-specific information and assets.
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Autonomous Systems Operations Manager
Autonomous Systems Operations Manager
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. Our marine operations division supports two ocean-going vessels, a smaller day boat, and a wide variety of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). MBARI is near Monterey and Santa Cruz, as well as the Big Sur coast.
The Division of Marine Operations manages and operates ocean-going platforms for the MBARI, including two ROV-equipped ships, small boats, moorings, and a variety of submerged and surface-bound autonomous vehicles. Our work enables research in chemical, physical, and biological oceanography. The contributions of the incumbents will have a lasting impact on the ongoing mission of MBARI's ocean research program, facilitating discoveries at the edge of technology and human exploration. If you have an interest in leading our work, then we would be excited to have you join our team.
This position provides operational leadership as well as personnel management for the team, ensuring that MBARI's AUVs and Autonomous Surface Vehicles (ASVs) operate reliably and effectively. The incumbent supervises the testing and operation of these vehicles, balancing long-term engineering roadmaps with immediate operational needs. Key qualifications include experience in marine asset operations, with the ability to integrate multiple platforms and optimize logistics and services for different users, as well as proven competence in team and project management.
Job duties and responsibilities:
The incumbent will lead a team of engineers, technicians, and professionals supporting the maintenance and deployment of MBARI's fleet of autonomous underwater and surface vehicles, including Dorado-class deep water AUVs, Tethys-class Long Range AUVs, and Autonomous Surface Vehicles (ASVs).
Primary team management and supervisory duties include personnel management, career development, and resource allocation for the Autonomous Systems Operations group. The manager oversees staffing logistics for expeditions ranging from single-day local trials to multi-week international voyages, ensuring the right mix of technical capacity and expertise is in place for every mission. The incumbent, working with their team, will orchestrate the complex logistics of local and international expeditions, ensuring that all personnel, vehicle hardware, and software assets are seamlessly integrated onto a variety of research vessels. Additionally, they will develop and maintain long-range deployment schedules that balance ambitious scientific goals with team workload, safety, and vehicle maintenance requirements.
The role oversees a wide range of electrical, software, and mechanical engineering tasks necessary to maintain and improve each autonomous vehicle. They ensure technical excellence across the group's multidisciplinary output, including firmware development, mechanical integration, and systems troubleshooting.
The incumbent oversees a wide range of electrical, software, and mechanical engineering tasks necessary to maintain and improve each autonomous vehicle. The Group Supervisor ensures technical excellence across the group's multidisciplinary output, including firmware development, mechanical integration, and systems troubleshooting.
The position requires the willingness and ability to go to sea and work offshore for up to 6 weeks at a time. However, personal circumstances will be taken into account, and expedition plans are known well in advance.
Required qualifications:
Desired qualifications:
Ready to apply?
Job Code: ASO Manager
Please submit a cover letter and a resume by e-mail to jobs@mbari.org, or by mail to the address below.
MBARI
Jessica Chapman
Job Code: ASO Manager
7700 Sandholdt Road
Moss Landing, CA 95039
Salary range:
$165,000- $200,000/annually
MBARI offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability, life insurance, 403B retirement plan, and paid time off, such as vacation, holiday, and sick leave.
MBARI is 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, or local laws.
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7700 Sandholdt Road, Moss Landing, California 95039
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