Mission Operations Engineer

Responsibilities

How you support the mission

Develop deep understanding of vehicle HW and SW architecture, and how the vehicle operates as a integrated system.

Lead planning and execution of structured field tests for vessel performance pertaining to autonomous navigation, perception, communications, and sensor integration, among other vessel functionalities.

Diagnose and perform real-time troubleshooting of autonomy, networking, and onboard hardware or software during test events.

Implement solutions for testing, safety of vessel operations, and system robustness to maximize efficiency.

Own data logging and telemetry monitoring systems; ensure data integrity for post-test analysis.

Contribute to root cause analysis (RCCA) and issue triage workflows after field anomalies, with reporting to relevant review boards to eliminate repeat issues.

Maintain autonomous vessels and test environments, including vessel and support craft operations, through the use of telemetry tools and onboard diagnostics to enhance reliability of all equipment and products.

Ensure testing aligns with DoD performance, compliance, and safety standards when applicable.

How you support the team

Lead planning and execution of test cases to validate software updates, autonomy behaviors, and integrated system functionality.

Interface with autonomy, software, hardware, and systems teams to translate product requirements into field-validated test objectives.

Foster a collaborative and positive team environment, promoting open communication, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement.

Develop test procedures, checklists, and safety protocols to support repeatable and safe vessel operation and overall mission execution while eliminating process waste.

Create post-mission reports with detailed logs, data plots, issue summaries, and engineering feedback.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field

1+ years of hands-on engineering experience (design teams and previous internships qualify)

Preferred Qualifications

Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills (HW/SW) and ability to work effectively in challenging field conditions such as off-shore in open water

Experience and knowledge of best practices in planning and execution of complex test operations involving autonomous systems

Knowledge of networking protocols and communication systems used in autonomous vessels

Systems engineering experience, ability to understand multi-disciplinary integrated systems

Experience with sensor integration such as EO/IR, radar, IMU, and data processing

Experience with integration and testing of multi-disciplinary integrated systems

Experience with robotics, AI, or machine learning applications

Familiarity with software development in Rust, Python, or other languages and CLI environment

Familiarity with maritime operations

Understanding of DoD requirements and standards for autonomous systems

Experience working with embedded systems and real-time computing

Job requires up to 50% travel.

Physical Demands

Ability to certify as “fit for work” by demonstrating ability to swim and tread water

Frequently and repetitively, lift, push and carry up to 75 lbs.

Will be exposed to marine environments, including sun, wind, rain, cold, and saltwater spray, often for extended periods

Must be able to operate in daylight, low-light, and night conditions using marine navigation systems and visual cues

Ability to perform physically demanding work for extended periods of time, up to 12 hours/day

The ability to carry 20 lbs. up and down stairs

This role requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a “U.S. Person”: (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).