Science & Engineering Internship Program

The Nautilus Science and Engineering Internship Program (SEIP) aims to train and provide real-world experience for community college, undergraduate, and graduate students studying ocean sciences, technology, engineering, and video in the at-sea environment. Intern positions entail 3-5 week periods working aboard E/V Nautilus as Data Loggers, Seafloor Mappers, Navigators, ROV Pilots, or Video Engineers. All interns spend their time on Nautilus working with a wide array of scientists, engineers, students, and educators.
Applications are closed for 2023 Seafloor Mapping Internships.
Internship positions are available on three expeditions this season. Apply before the deadline of Monday, March 6, 2023. All applicants will be notified of their application status for an interview by April 5th, 2023.
OET offers five types of paid internships through SEIP: Ocean Science, Seafloor Mapping, Video Engineering, Navigation, and ROV Engineering.
- Ocean Science interns learn to make scientific observations, summarize scientific dive information, and preserve physical samples.
- ROV Engineering interns learn to maintain and operate our remotely operated vehicles and associated systems.
- Video Engineering interns learn to operate camera controls for the remotely operated vehicles’ video systems and work with lead engineers in the operation and maintenance of all video systems aboard Nautilus.
- The Navigation Internship is offered in partnership with the US Naval Academy and US Coast Guard Academy for cadets and midshipmen from those institutions.
- Seafloor Mapping interns learn to acquire, manage, and process seafloor mapping data from a multibeam sonar, sub-bottom profiler, and auxiliary sensors (e.g. CTD, XBT).
All interns gain experience in communications and leadership, including participation in educational outreach activities like broadcasts on NautilusLive.org and live ship-to-shore connections with classrooms. All internships include a paid stipend for participation along with travel to/from the expedition funded and arranged by OET. Due to the federal funding source of this program and its contingencies, only applicants who have unrestricted and independent authorization to work or participate in an internship and qualify as U.S. persons, are eligible.
The most rewarding element was making connections with people that I feel at home with...the team really made the experience so much more than an internship. It helped me figure out what I want to do with my life, and that there isn't just one way to reach those goals.
Ocean Science Intern
Applications are now closed for Ocean Science, ROV Engineering, and Video Engineering Internships for the 2023 expedition season.
Final selections will be made by March 3rd, 2023
OET is committed to including, amplifying, and making space for more Black, Indigenous, Latin, Asian, Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian, LGBTQIA+, and historically marginalized voices in the deep sea and STEAM communities. We encourage a diverse pool of applicants, particularly learners from populations who have been traditionally underrepresented in STEAM, and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, or handicap. Learn more about our diversity and inclusion efforts and priorities. The application packet includes more information about life aboard an exploration vessel and details about available support and accommodation.
All of the Hercules/Argus pilots were extremely supportive and patient, which allowed for a learning environment where I was not afraid to ask questions. Plus, I further developed my communication skills speaking with the general public and sharing my excitement for ocean exploration.
ROV Engineering Intern