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, marine energy, undersea 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 48 employees, with 27 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 encourage you to check back regularly for new opportunities and follow us on LinkedIn to stay updated on new opportunities.
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 of at least 3.5
- 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:
- At least 3 years of relevant professional experience.
- 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.
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.
Ocean/ Mechanical Engineer - Senior 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 executing and overseeing 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.
- At least 8 years of relevant professional experience.
- GPA of at least 3.5
- 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:
- 5 or more years of professional experience directly in ocean/marine engineering.
- 3 or more years with demonstrated experience with offshore or at-sea operations.
- 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.
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.
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.