Naval Architect Intern

About Oceanus

Oceanus Marine Technologies is building the operating platform for the modern maritime world.

Global trade runs on ships, and we’re redefining what’s possible at sea by leveraging modern technology.

We’re a small, hands-on team based in El Segundo building full-stack systems that perform in real operating conditions across vessels, ports, and fleets. We focus on practical, deployable technology that brings safety oversight, automation, and coordination to complex maritime environments.

Our founding team previously built and operated SpaceX’s Autonomous Spaceport Droneships, which are among the most advanced autonomous maritime systems ever deployed. Today, we work with leading U.S. operators to bring that same rigor and systems thinking to the next generation of maritime infrastructure.

About the Role

We’re hiring a Naval Architect Intern, for the Summer or Fall term. Summer internships begin in June, and Fall internships begin in September, with a minimum 12 week commitment, and a preferred commitment of 4 to 8 months.

As a Naval Architect Intern, you’ll work on initiatives that improve how onboard systems are integrated, deployed, and operated across commercial vessels. You’ll help solve complex, real-world engineering problems spanning mechanical integration, electrical systems, packaging, test, and deployment in demanding marine environments.

This role sits at the intersection of mechanical, electrical, and marine engineering. You’ll contribute to the integration of sensors, compute, power systems, cabling, enclosures, and onboard infrastructure that must operate reliably in harsh real-world conditions.

Our size allows interns to take significant ownership. We give interns autonomy on interdisciplinary projects that move quickly from idea to implementation. Our philosophy is to build and test in days or weeks, not months.

Because of this, a portfolio or evidence of hands-on building is required to apply. Show us projects, systems, competition work, research, or fabrication experience that reflect strong engineering fundamentals, execution, and curiosity.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the integration of onboard mechanical and electrical systems deployed on operational vessels

• Support the design of sensor mounts, equipment enclosures, electrical panels, and cable routing layouts

• Assist with hardware installation, assembly, and system bring-up

• Participate in vessel integration, commissioning, and testing activities

• Support development and execution of structured test campaigns for deployed systems

• Help identify and troubleshoot mechanical or electrical integration issues in real-world environments

• Work closely with software, electrical, and mechanical engineers to improve system reliability and deployment efficiency

• Contribute to documentation including integration procedures, drawings, and system layouts

Minimum Qualifications

• Pursuing a BS, MS, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field

• Strong foundation in mechanical engineering (CAD, simulation, materials selection, etc.)

• Hands-on prototyping and fabrication experience (clubs, fabrication projects, internships, competition teams, research, or equivalent)

• Comfortable working close to hardware, tools, and physical systems

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience with robotics, marine systems, automotive, aerospace, or industrial hardware projects

• Familiarity with electrical systems, harnessing, or cable routing

• Experience building or integrating electromechanical systems

• Interest in maritime systems, offshore operations, robotics, or heavy industry

Work Environment

• On-site with the team at our office in El Segundo, CA

• Comfortable working around industrial equipment and shipboard machinery

Compensation and Benefits

Interns for this role are paid an hourly rate of $38/hr - $46/hr depending on experience and education level. Internships include up to 10 hours of pre-approved weekly overtime, paid at 1.5x the base hourly rate. Actual earnings will vary depending on internship length and hours worked.

Internship benefits:

• Housing stipend to help with first month expenses

• Fully stocked kitchen and catered lunch every day

• Flex paid time off and company holidays

• Onsite EV charging

• 401(k) traditional and roth options

• Additional perks that support your health, growth, and well-being

Why Oceanus, Why Now

Maritime operations are at the edge of a revolution. New connectivity and compute are finally unlocking remote monitoring, autonomy, and digitization.

Regulatory, economic, and geopolitical pressure is accelerating technology adoption, and U.S.-aligned infrastructure is more valuable than ever.

Oceanus is building on hard-won operational experience, including work on autonomous maritime systems supporting missions like SpaceX droneships, and have deep operator engagement with strong product-market alignment.

You will help form the technical core of a team transforming an industry that quite literally moves the world.