Mission Operations Engineer (Platform)

Saronic Technologies•San Diego, CA

About The Position

Saronic Technologies is hiring a Mission Operations Engineer to support deployment, validation, and iterative improvement of its underwater unmanned vessel. The role is part of the Platform Acceptance element, which validates new assets being commissioned into the Saronic fleet. Work supports both project deliverables, such as capability rollouts, and ongoing programs, such as software releases. The engineer will help ensure systems meet technical and operational standards through structured testing, data analysis, troubleshooting, and cross-functional coordination. The position includes field testing and vessel and support craft operations, development of repeatable test and safety procedures, telemetry and data management, and post-mission reporting. The role requires up to 50% travel and work in marine environments.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
At least 1 year of hands-on engineering experience; design teams and previous internships qualify.
Ability to certify as fit for work by demonstrating the ability to swim and tread water.
Frequently and repetitively lift, push, and carry up to 75 pounds.
Ability to carry 20 pounds up and down stairs.
Ability to perform physically demanding work for extended periods, up to 12 hours per day.
Ability to work in marine environments, including sun, wind, rain, cold, and saltwater spray, often for extended periods.
Ability to operate in daylight, low-light, and night conditions using marine navigation systems and visual cues.
Willingness to travel up to 50%.

Nice To Haves

Strong hardware and software troubleshooting skills and ability to work effectively in challenging field conditions, including offshore in open water.
Experience and knowledge of best practices for planning and executing complex test operations involving autonomous systems.
Knowledge of networking protocols and communication systems used in autonomous vessels.
Systems engineering experience and ability to understand multidisciplinary integrated systems.
Experience with sensor integration, such as EO/IR, radar, IMU, and data processing.
Experience integrating and testing multidisciplinary integrated systems.
Experience with robotics, AI, or machine learning applications.
Familiarity with software development in Rust, Python, or other languages and with a CLI environment.
Familiarity with maritime operations.
Understanding of DoD requirements and standards for autonomous systems.
Experience working with embedded systems and real-time computing.

Responsibilities

Develop a deep understanding of vehicle hardware and software architecture and integrated vehicle operation.
Plan and execute structured field tests for vessel performance, including autonomous navigation, perception, communications, and sensor integration.
Diagnose and troubleshoot autonomy, networking, and onboard hardware or software during test events.
Implement solutions for testing, vessel-operation safety, and system robustness to maximize efficiency.
Own data logging and telemetry monitoring systems and ensure data integrity for post-test analysis.
Contribute to root cause analysis and issue-triage workflows after field anomalies, reporting findings to relevant review boards to prevent repeat issues.
Maintain autonomous vessels and test environments, including vessel and support craft operations, using telemetry tools and onboard diagnostics.
Ensure testing aligns with applicable DoD performance, compliance, and safety standards.
Plan and execute test cases that validate software updates, autonomy behaviors, and integrated system functionality.
Coordinate with autonomy, software, hardware, and systems teams to translate product requirements into field-validated test objectives.
Promote collaboration, open communication, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement within the team.
Develop test procedures, checklists, and safety protocols for repeatable, safe vessel operation and mission execution while eliminating process waste.
Create post-mission reports containing detailed logs, data plots, issue summaries, and engineering feedback.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical insurance; Saronic pays 100% of employee premiums and 80% of dependent premiums.
Dental and vision insurance; Saronic pays 100% of employee premiums under the basic plan and 80% of dependent premiums.
Generous paid time off and holidays.
Paid maternity and paternity leave.
Competitive salary and opportunities for performance-based bonuses.
401(k) plan with company match.
Stock options.
Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage.
Discounted pet insurance, including a 24/7 Telehealth helpline.
Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office.