Careers at Makai

Makai Ocean Engineering, Inc. was established in 1973 as a diversified ocean engineering and naval architecture company providing service primarily in Hawaii and the Pacific. In Makai’s early years, we took a technical lead in a number of innovative projects that helped develop a unique set of skills and expertise. Deep water pipeline design for energy applications, marine vehicles and deep water cable installation software development were some of those projects.

Today Makai’s services have greatly expanded, and we are more global in nature. Our clients are found throughout the world. Makai has developed a broad spectrum of engineering expertise and provides services in research and development, design, construction engineering support, construction management, testing, and systems analysis, cable lay planning, analysis and support and other diverse operations in the marine field. Makai takes pride in providing innovative award winning design solutions to complex ocean engineering challenges. Our personnel have extensive engineering, software development and technical backgrounds and are experienced in working on new and unique projects and in the preparation of comprehensive design documentation, specifications, cost estimates, engineering reports and presentations.

Why work at Makai?

Makai has developed a unique and powerful culture where creativity, intelligence, hard work, and independence are celebrated. These values are tempered with respect, humility, flexibility, and an open, cooperative demeanor. Our engineers truly love working here and they feel as though they are part of a carefully selected team of only the very best engineers.

Makai has about 39 employees, with 32 engineers who hold advanced degrees and experience in mechanical or civil engineering, computer science, physical oceanography, physics, and chemistry. We are seeking engineers who want to be the best at what they do. At Makai you’ll have the opportunity to make significant contributions that advance the state-of-the-art of your profession.

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Open Positions

We are looking for outstanding people for the following positions:

Robotics and Software Test Engineer

Makai’s Subsea Technology Group is looking for a Robotics and Test Engineer with strong analytical skills and domain knowledge in robotics, autonomous systems, physics, or engineering.

Candidates should have demonstrated ability working with ROS/ROS2, implementing real-time software to monitor and control autonomous systems, and experience performing and setting up continuous integration processes to conduct automated testing of algorithms and software products. Candidate will become a key member working on a team with collaborative engineers developing innovative solutions for both Commercial and Department of Defense (DoD) applications.

The successful candidate will work in a collaborative, multi-disciplinary engineering and testing environment with real-time software, and autonomous systems. Projects will include the development and testing of data processing and control software of remote, autonomous subsea robotics systems, as well as defining and implementing continuous integration processes for testing software and algorithms using playback and/or synthetically generated data.

The ideal candidate should have a strong interest in robotic systems and data analysis, demonstrated software, firmware or algorithm experience, and be energized by working on challenging, cross-disciplinary problems.

This is a permanent, full-time, in-person position in Waimanalo, Hawaii.

More Info

Responsibilities:

  • Design, modify, debug, and test real-time control system software using C, C++, Python, FORTRAN and other programming languages targeting Linux and Windows operating systems, as well as embedded operating systems;
  • Interface hardware and software systems with in-house, 3rd party, and Government systems;
  • Develop and document software APIs and user interfaces;
  • Review technical datasheets for sensors, actuators, and microcontrollers and implement drivers for them.
  • Utilize data processing software programs and write custom scripts to analyze software and algorithm performance against objectives, identify issues, generate insights, and produce plots and other graphical outputs to communicate findings to stakeholders both internal and external to Makai.
  • Support the specification of test plans and setup and maintain continuous integration processes to automate the building and testing of software products.
  • Periodically support offsite testing of software in both laboratory and off-shore settings.
  • Organize reports and give presentations to communicate results internally to team members and externally to customers.

Qualifications:

Minimum applicant requirements include:

  • Possession of a graduate degree (M.S. or higher) in a STEM related discipline (Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Physical Oceanography, or similar) with 2+ years of relevant experienced, or possession of a Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in the above and 5+ years of experience.
  • Strong proficiency using Python and data analysis libraries.
  • Strong proficiency using C/C++. Additional proficiency in FORTRAN and CI/CD tools such as Jenkins or GitLab is a big plus.
  • Experience with the Robot Operating System (ROS/ROS2) framework.
  • High degree of intellectual curiosity, willingness to learn new technical skills and flexibility to support innovative projects that may be initially “out of your comfort zone”.
  • Organized approach to developing and executing test processes for software programs.
  • Demonstrated ability to both work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team as well as independently.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills including writing reports and presenting to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Are willing and able to travel periodically (~4-6 weeks per year) to attend meetings or conduct tests and at facilities on the mainland USA or on vessels in port or at-sea.
  • Either already live on Oahu or be willing to relocate to Oahu to work in-person at Makai’s offices in Waimanalo, HI.
  • Possession of U.S. citizenship is required.
  • Either already possess or are able to obtain a Department of Defense security clearance. Applicants with clearances that are active or were previously held and currently in good standing are preferred.

Additional desirable qualifications include:

  • Most of Makai’s work is in the ocean or is marine related. Therefore, ocean experience or background (commercially and/or recreationally) is desirable.
  • Experience simulating robotic systems with Gazebo, Nvidia Isaac or similar is a plus.
  • Demonstrated experience with the Agile Software Development process.
  • Strong understanding of feedback control systems;
  • Experience with analog, digital, and serial electronic sensor selection and integration is highly desirable;
  • Experience selecting, integrating and testing electrical, pneumatic and/or hydraulic actuators is desired.
  • Previous experience working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
  • You enjoy being in, on or near the ocean.

Candidates with many of the above qualifications will be most highly considered.

Makai provides engineers and scientists with interesting and challenging projects, a competitive salary, full health and dental coverage, company matching retirement plans, excellent comp time and vacation policies, a dynamic and innovative company culture, and a beautiful and unique work atmosphere. Watch a video of Makai’s Oahu offices here: https://youtu.be/-pj_LkZEK-4

Makai participates in the Department of Homeland Security “E-Verify” Employment Eligibility Verification system for all new employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

    How to Apply

    To apply for this position, please email the following two documents to Hermann Kugeler at Hermann.Kugeler@makai.com:

    1. Comprehensive Resume including your overall GPA in graduate and undergraduate studies, year(s) of graduation, current location, and U.S. citizenship status.
    2. Cover Letter highlighting how your education, experience and training relevant to this position and why you want to work for Makai Ocean Engineering, Inc.

    Benefits of Working at Makai

    Makai’s staff of engineers and scientists have a diverse skillset, many of whom are experts in their fields. This allows the business to carry out a wide range of projects; both in and out of the water. From large marine construction, to custom hardware and software research and development, Makai likely has someone on staff with the experience to solve our clients’ problems.

    Beautiful Workplace

    The Makai Research Pier provides a beautiful place to work.

    Innovative Company

    Makai provides our employees with engaging projects.

    Informal Workplace

    Makai’s workplace environment is fun and informal.

    9 Annual Holidays

    Makai provides its employees with 9 paid holidays annually.

    Full Health Coverage

    Makai provides its employees with full health coverage. 

    Competitive Salaries

    Makai provides competitive pay, with an excellent comptime policy.

    Retirement Matching

    Makai provides IRA retirement plans with employer contributions.

    Freedom from Traffic

    Makai’s location avoids traffic that is common for other locations in Hawaii

    Have a project that could leverage Makai’s Expertise?
    ReACH OUT!

    Contact us by sending in this form any time you need professional support or have any questions. You can also fill in the form to leave your comments or feedback for Makai’s team.