What is an Ocean Engineer?
An ocean engineer designs, builds, and tests technology that operates underwater. From remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to marine energy systems, ocean engineers tackle major challenges in marine and coastal environments.
About the Course
Meet Jeff Kleyner, a subsea robotics engineer at Makai Ocean Engineering in Hawaiʻi. From placing second in the world in robotics competitions at Mililani High School to designing ROVs, circuit boards, and 3D-printed parts that work on the ocean floor, Jeff has built a career at the intersection of engineering, ocean conservation, and hands-on problem solving. As an ocean engineer, no two days look the same—he might be soldering electrical boards in the morning, testing a robot in the surf at lunch, and debugging software in the afternoon. This profession is a blend of creative engineering, environmental purpose, and deep connection to place, making it one of the most exciting careers Hawaiʻi has to offer.
A Special Mahalo to the G.N. Wilcox Trust
Their generous sponsorship has been pivotal in the creation and development of this course. We are immensely thankful for the G.N. Wilcox Trust's role in this endeavor and are excited to present this collaborative effort.