Maritime Test Engineer - Autonomous Systems

Responsibilities

• Execute on-water test events for autonomous surface vehicles aboard test and chase vessels in closed-course and open-ocean environments.
• Support pre-underway system checkouts, launch and recovery operations, and pier-side vessel preparation.
• Operate and monitor autonomy systems during test events, executing test cards and procedures while maintaining situational awareness and deck safety.
• Collect, manage, and perform first-pass analysis of test data, ensuring data quality and completeness for each sortie.
• Identify, document, and triage system discrepancies and anomalies using Atlassian Jira, collaborating with autonomy and hardware engineering teams.
• Contribute to test plans, test procedures, and test readiness reviews.
• Author after-action reports and test reports documenting results, observations, and recommendations.
• Support Hardware-in-the-Loop and simulation-based testing between on-water events.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline, Computer Science, or a related technical field, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• 3+ years of experience in test, integration, or field operations of complex electromechanical or software-intensive systems.
• Hands-on experience testing or operating autonomous or unmanned systems in an air, ground, or maritime domain.
• Ability to work aboard vessels offshore for extended periods and in potentially harsh conditions.
• Experience with agile program management tools such as Atlassian Jira.
• Strong technical writing skills, including the ability to draft test and after-action reports.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 40%, including significant offshore vessel work.
• U.S. citizenship and eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance.

Nice-to-haves

• Direct experience with Unmanned Surface Vehicles or Unmanned Underwater Vehicles.
• Experience with on-deck maritime operations, vessel handling, launch and recovery, and pier-side or port service partners.
• U.S. Coast Guard credentials or small-boat qualifications.
• Familiarity with marine electronics, RF communications, GPS/GNSS, and shipboard sensor systems.
• Experience supporting government test programs, particularly with the U.S. Navy.
• Relevant military experience, including Navy EOD, Naval Special Warfare, or robotic and autonomous systems operations.

Compensation

• Base salary: $145,000–$170,000 USD annually.
• Compensation may also include equity, health and welfare benefits, 401(k) benefits with employer match, stipends, and paid time off.