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.

Interested in joining the Makai team? Follow us on LinkedIn and Sign-up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date on any available positions and to keep an eye on Makai!

Open Positions

Makai currently has he following open positions. We encourage you to check back in the future for new positions and follow us on LinkedIn to stay updated on new opportunities.

Robotics Software Engineer

Waimanalo, HI

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

Candidates must possess experience in robotics and real-time software development, with particular expertise in implementing ROS2 frameworks for the monitoring and control of autonomous systems. Proficiency in software engineering practices, including the design and implementation of continuous integration pipelines to enable automated testing of algorithms and software products, is required. The selected candidate will serve as a key contributor within a multidisciplinary engineering team dedicated to developing innovative solutions for both commercial and Department of Defense (DoD) applications.

The successful candidate will work in a fast-paced, collaborative, multi-disciplinary engineering and test environment with real-time software and autonomous systems. Projects will include the development and testing of hardware drivers, control software, and data processing/visualization for 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, hardware integration, and data analysis; demonstrated software, firmware, and algorithm experience; and be energized by working on challenging, cross-disciplinary problems, and learning new skills.

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

More Info

Responsibilities:

  • Work closely with multidisciplinary teams of systems, mechanical, electrical, software, and ocean engineers to design and deliver innovative and reliable ocean robotics and sensor systems.
  • 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 and specifications for sensors, actuators, and microcontrollers to develop, implement, and validate software drivers that interface with these components. 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.
  • Maintain clear, well-documented code and contribute to version-controlled software repositories (e.g., Git/GitLab).
  • Adhere to software engineering best practices, including code reviews, static analysis, and compliance with coding standards.
  • Develop and utilize simulation environments to test and validate robotic and control system performance prior to deployment.
  • 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 robotic systems 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, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, 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.
  • Proficiency working in Linux-based development environments.
  • Ability to work with existing and legacy codebases, including maintaining, debugging, and modifying code as needed to support evolving project requirements.
  • 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;
  • Proficiency in reading and creating electrical schematics and wiring diagrams, and performing testing and troubleshooting of electrical systems.
  • Familiarity with embedded systems, microcontrollers, and interface protocols (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, etc.).
  • Experience selecting, integrating and testing electrical, pneumatic and/or hydraulic actuators.
  • 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 to hiring@makai.com:

      1. Please place the job title “Robotics Software Engineer” in the email subject line.
      2. Comprehensive Resume including your overall GPA in graduate and undergraduate studies, year(s) of graduation, current location, prior or current work experience and U.S. citizenship status.
      3. A cover letter highlighting how your education, experience and training relevant to this position and why you want to work for Makai Ocean Engineering.

    All requested information is required in order to be considered for the position.

    Ocean/ Mechanical Engineer - Entry to Mid-Level

    Ventura, CA

    Makai Ocean Engineering is looking for an exceptional engineer to fill an available position in the Marine Services group out of Ventura, California. The Marine Services group primarily provides services to the U.S. Government and U.S. Government contractors that includes at-sea testing, marine construction, submarine cable installations, prototype systems development and specialty materials procurement. Employees will get to work on state-of-the-art and challenging, dynamic, ocean engineering problems as part of a collaborative, innovative, and experienced team. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical and design skills; with responsibility for hydrodynamic modeling, mechanical analysis and design using CAD and FEA software, and at-sea and field operations. The position provides the unique and rewarding opportunity to be hands-on and directly involved in projects from design through to installation and construction.

    This is a permanent, full-time position in Ventura, California, with some at-sea work and travel throughout the year. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

    Makai will consider hybrid-remote work arrangements but expects the position to be based several days per week in the Ventura office and a willingness to support at-sea and field operations.

    More Info

    Requirements:

    • Possession of U.S. citizenship is required.
    • Possession of B.S. degree in mechanical, aerospace, or similar engineering field is required.
    • GPA > 3.5
    • At least 3 years of relevant professional experience.
    • Practical experience, recreationally or professionally, with the ocean or marine environment.
    • Willingness to travel and work at-sea as needed.
    • Willingness to obtain and ability to maintain necessary U.S. Gov’t security clearances – to be completed after hiring.

     

    Desirable:

    Preference will be given to applicants with:

    • High GPAs when applying with limited prior work experience.
    • Demonstrable performance when applying with prior work experience.
    • M.S. or higher education degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Ocean Engineering, or similar.
    • P.E. license or willingness to obtain the P.E. license.
    • Professional experience with at-sea marine operations.
    • Ability to think logically and communicate and present ideas clearly and concisely.
    • High level of technical curiosity and strong engineering fundamentals.

     

    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.

      How to Apply

      To apply for this position, please email the following to hiring@makai.com:

        1. Please place “Ventura Engineer” at the start of the email subject line.
        2. Comprehensive Resume including your overall GPA in graduate and undergraduate studies, year(s) of graduation, current location, prior or current work experience and U.S. citizenship status. All requested information is required in order to be considered for the position.
        3. A cover letter highlighting how your education, experience and training relevant to this position and why you want to work for Makai Ocean Engineering, Inc will be required if your resume application is selected for further consideration. You may provide a cover letter at your option.

      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.