The mission of Monterey Bay Aquarium is to inspire conservation of the oceans. All work will be conducted in a way that promotes animal welfare, environmental sustainability, as well as a sustainable culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Core Activities:                                                                                                          

• Develop mechanical and electro-mechanical prototypes that align with content and design intent and are appropriate to each phase of the project.
• Draft and maintain mechanical documentation for interactive components including first iteration hand sketching and technical CAD files (e.g. parts and assemblies, electronics and wiring schematics, etc.) ensuring clarity for fabrication and assembly.
• Fabricate and assemble mechanical, electrical, and plumbing components of interactive exhibits while ensuring alignment with design intent, budget, and schedule.
• Explore, validate, and refine ideas for component fabrication, in collaboration with cross divisional work groups.
• Conduct morning rounds inspections and perform complex exhibit maintenance (e.g., inspect and assess mechanical interactive issues and perform repairs/ replace components, communicate inter-departmental maintenance improvements and repairs, etc.) to ensure proper functionality and upkeep.
• Maintain and update key production and fabrication documentation throughout each project.
• Provide support to internal Exhibit and project teams (time, materials and cost estimates, subcontractor research, etc.).
• Provide input to the development of large scopes of work and requests for proposals related to exhibit fabrication (e.g. interactive exhibits, rockwork, cabinetry, etc.) to support Exhibit and project teams, and selected subcontractors.
• Provide technical guidance to in-house production team/external subcontractors to ensure quality, safety, and design intent specifications are met through construction and installation.
• Conduct testing and evaluation of exhibit components, analyzing outcomes and providing recommendations to Exhibit and project teams.
• Update new and existing documentation for operations and maintenance and conduct training for other fabricators.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

• BA or BS, or equivalent combination of education, training and experience, preferably in mechanical engineering, mechanical design, electronics, machining, exhibit design, and/or exhibit fabrication 
• Minimum 4-5 years of fabrication, exhibit production, product development, or related experience 
• Ability to effectively communicate ideas and concepts verbally, and on paper - through hand sketching and/or computer aided drawing skills 
• Deep knowledge of current technologies and professional standards of exhibit fabrication, including wood, metal, plastic fabrication, and electronics, using appropriate production methods, and following safety standards. 
• Knowledge and experience reading, interpreting, technical drawings 
• Strong communication and active listening skills required
• Commitment to collaboration, iteration, and experimentation 
• High tolerance for ambiguity combined with the ability to develop clear solutions 
• Actively promotes innovation, quality, efficiency, visitor safety, and durability of exhibit solutions 
• Ability to work creatively within project management structures, project constraints and parameters 
• Ability to collaborate and build positive relationships with colleagues throughout the Aquarium, leadership staff, contractors, and stakeholders, regularly providing and soliciting expertise 
• Capable of prioritizing complex workloads across multiple projects, and proactively managing project timing while using good judgment, problem-solving skills, and follow-through 
• Maintains safety standards on all fabrication and site work, including internal staff and contractors 
• Ability, with training, to work with contractors and to learn to recognize and direct remediation of common construction hazards such as elevated work, confined spaces, hazardous chemicals, the hazardous release of stored energy 
• Excellent computer skills 
• Interest in science, teaching, new technologies, design thinking, and/or facilitation a plus 
• Ability to work within, and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Core Values

Physical Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions:

• Typical office equipment , pickup truck, large power tools, CNC machinery, prototyping tools
• Constant sitting, standing, walking, bending
• Occasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbs
• Typical office environment, main aquarium and exhibits, occasional offsite events, production shop, woodshop, paint shop, installation, and construction site

Annual Compensation Range:

$75,400- $93,000 USD annually. Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.