Marine Applied Research & Exploration Marine Engineering Internship

Host: Marine Applied Research & Exploration (MARE) provides technology and offshore operations expertise needed to see and work in deepwater marine environments - those beyond the reach of most divers. MARE collaborates with scientists, resource managers and environmental organizations to obtain geo-referenced, habitat and species data with the goal of protecting and restoring marine ecosystems. MARE was founded as a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization in 2003.

Location: Richmond

Internship Dates: As early as May 2 through August 12, 2016; start and end dates flexible with regard to student’s academic commitments.

Stipend: $4,000.00

Time Commitment: The internship is a full time, 11-week commitment. Over the 11 weeks, the intern may take up to five days off for personal reasons, vacation or illness. If participation is less than 100%, the stipend will be pro-rated.

Position Description and Responsibilities:One (1) internship is available to work with engineers, technicians and fisheries biologists at MARE in Richmond, CA, maintaining our Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) systems and building/maintaining new deepwater data collection tools.

Tasks will include evaluation and repair of electrical and mechanical sub-assemblies, assembly of electronic and mechanical parts, wiring, potting of cables, testing of components, planning, sourcing, documentation, and potentially field trials. Work will include disassembly, cleaning, evaluation and reassembly of complex systems including thrusters and motors, sampling, communications, video, navigation, and control systems. Planning and design work will involve requirements specification, evaluation of available solutions and components, communications with vendors, and parts inventory management. The intern will work side-by-side with experienced engineers in a workshop environment.

Preferred Experience and Capabilities: Experience and strong, demonstrated proficiency in mechanical fabrication and assembly, electrical and electronic assembly (technician level) are necessary. Core internship duties may be performed by students with physical disabilities or limitations. The following experience and capabilities would enable the intern to work on more advanced tasks:

• Demonstrated ability to assemble and build equipment, follow a wiring schematic, work with machine tools and work with metal, fiberglass and plastics
• Experience writing and organizing documentation
• Experience with 3D CAD software such as Solidworks, Inventor, or Alibre
• Experience writing software for microcontrollers or Windows
• Offshore work experience and the handling of small boats

Skills Gained: Interns will gain experience working directly with engineers in taking a concept to reality. Specific skills include design and requirements definition, specification and ordering of purchased components, assembly of parts and subsystems, and possibly, as the schedule permits, field testing of equipment. A portion of the intern’s time may be dedicated to completing a project and paper that is coordinated with academic class work. A previous intern received recognition for their work in a published conference poster.

Eligibility/Requirements: Internships are geared toward upperclassmen (juniors/seniors) and science graduate students. A valid California State driver’s license is required. Interns must be 18 years or older. Intern must be able to work independently and interact in a professional manner with engineers, marine biologists, machinists and vendors and support staff at all levels. Also, interns must have the ability to follow verbal procedures, record field notes and to fully understand any information presented in written format. Travel may be required to test locations and field offices.

Applicants are also subject to additional eligibility and requirements that can be found here.

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