# Maritime Test Engineer - Autonomous Systems

**Company:** [Applied Intuition](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/applied-intuition)
**Location:** San Diego, CA
**Role:** QA Engineering
**Salary:** $145k – $170k/yr
**Experience:** 3+ years
**Skills:** Autonomous Systems, Unmanned Surface Vehicles, Unmanned Underwater Vehicles, Atlassian Jira, Hardware-In-The-Loop, Simulation Testing, Test Engineering, Data Analysis, Marine Electronics, Rf Communications, Gps/Gnss, Shipboard Sensors, Technical Writing, Vessel Operations, Launch And Recovery
**Posted:** 2026-08-31

> Conduct hands-on maritime testing of autonomous surface vehicles, operating systems aboard vessels, analyzing sortie data, and reporting anomalies to engineering teams. Requires 3+ years of complex-system test or field operations experience, maritime or autonomous-systems exposure, and U.S. security-clearance eligibility.

## Job Description

## 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.

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