About Oceanus

Oceanus Maritime 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 an Automation & Controls Engineering Intern for the Summer or Fall term. The Summer internship begins in June, and the Fall internship begins in September, with a minimum 12 week commitment, and a preferred commitment of 4 to 8 months.

As an Automation & Controls Engineering Intern, you’ll work on initiatives that accelerate how vessels are monitored, controlled, and operated. You'll tackle complex, high-stakes problems across controls, electrical systems, and software, with real-world deployment as the end goal.

Our size allows interns to take on 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 GitHub of things you’ve built is required to apply. Show us systems, projects, or experiments that reflect strong engineering fundamentals, execution, and curiosity.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development and testing of industrial automation and control systems used in real-world maritime environments

• Support integration of sensors, actuators, PLCs, and distributed control systems across shipboard and shore-side infrastructure

• Assist with system monitoring, telemetry, networking, and SCADA-style interfaces for connected vessel operations

• Participate in hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing, debugging, and validation of automation systems

• Collaborate across software, electrical, and mechanical systems to diagnose and resolve integration issues

Minimum Qualifications

• Pursuing a BS, MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls, Robotics, or a related field

• Strong evidence of hands-on building close to hardware and debugging real systems (clubs, hobbies, internships, research, competition teams, or equivalent)

• Knowledgeable with embedded systems, PLCs, robotics, or control systems

• Ability to move quickly, make progress with incomplete information, and take ownership

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience with PLC platforms (Beckhoff or similar)

• Familiarity with industrial or hardware communication protocols

• Experience integrating hardware and software systems

• Interest in maritime systems, energy systems, 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.