Mission Operations Master

RED CAT HOLDINGS•Fort Pierce, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Blue Ops, a Red Cat company, is seeking an experienced maritime professional to lead the operation of autonomous surface vessels and supporting craft at its Fort Pierce, Florida location. The role combines traditional maritime command and vessel handling with testing, evaluation, and operational deployment of autonomous maritime systems. The Mission Operations Master is responsible for safe, efficient, and compliant vessel operations across a variety of maritime environments while supporting mission execution, system testing, and continuous operational improvement. The role supervises vessel crews, monitors vessel performance, coordinates with shoreside personnel, manages operational systems, and helps plan and execute autonomous vessel missions. The position coordinates with port and regulatory stakeholders, supports vessel inspections and readiness assessments, and maintains required vessel documentation and operational records. It also requires sound navigation judgment, risk management, emergency preparedness, and collaboration with engineering, software, systems-integration, and mission teams. The role is based in Fort Pierce, Florida, requires travel up to 50% as operational needs require, and has a projected 28-days-on / 28-days-off rotation. Compensation is salary plus an annual equity package and potential bonuses.

Requirements

Valid USCG Master license appropriate to the vessel, route, and assigned duties.
Required STCW credentials, including Basic Training, OICNW, Medical PIC, and FCC license, as applicable to the position.
Current TWIC.
Valid USCG/STCW medical certificate and valid passport.
Demonstrated experience in a senior deck officer or command role aboard crewed vessels in dynamic maritime environments.
Strong knowledge of marine navigation, ship handling, voyage planning, bridge resource management, and shipboard emergency procedures.
Working knowledge of USCG requirements, applicable SOLAS provisions, classification society requirements, and international maritime regulations.
Experience interpreting nautical charts, weather forecasts, navigational data, and maritime traffic information.
Proficiency with voyage-planning software, GIS tools, and marine navigation systems.
Ability to maintain accurate operational logs, maintenance records, inspection documentation, and compliance records.
Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and decision-making skills, including in time-sensitive or high-pressure environments.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to coordinate across operational, technical, and leadership teams.
Ability to stand a 12-hour navigational watch.
Ability to successfully complete required background screening and USCG/DOT drug testing.
Demonstrated success in a shipboard leadership or vessel command role.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple operational priorities simultaneously.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with crew, technical personnel, external stakeholders, and senior leadership.
Proactive approach to problem-solving, operational risk management, and continuous improvement.
Strong leadership skills, including setting expectations, developing personnel, and maintaining accountability.
Flexibility to support evolving mission requirements, operational schedules, and field assignments.
Ability to travel up to 50% as operational needs require.
Availability to work a projected 28-days-on / 28-days-off rotation.
Ability to meet applicable fitness-for-duty requirements, including swimming and treading water.
Ability to frequently lift, push, pull, and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work outdoors in marine conditions and hot, humid conditions, and to operate vessels and navigation systems in daylight, low-light, and nighttime conditions.
Ability to perform physically demanding tasks involving stooping, bending, reaching, squatting, kneeling, crouching, twisting, and crawling; climb ladders and access elevated structures; and stand and walk for extended periods on vessel decks and uneven surfaces.
Sufficient hearing to detect alarms, communications, and verbal safety instructions.
Ability to wear required PPE, including safety glasses, safety footwear, and hard hats as appropriate.
Ability to complete a post-offer background check.
For work subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions, proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence and no need for sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.

Nice To Haves

Eligibility to obtain a security clearance for assignments involving restricted or government-access facilities.
Extensive experience holding a USCG Master license and commanding or operating vessels in complex maritime environments.
Familiarity with the handling and maneuvering characteristics of jet-drive-propelled vessels.
Experience operating, testing, or supporting autonomous or unmanned maritime systems.
Experience supporting RDT&E activities.
Previous experience supporting the DoD, U.S. government agencies, or government-contracted maritime programs.
Experience coordinating vessel operations with engineering, software, and systems-integration teams.

Responsibilities

Ensure safe navigation and operation of assigned vessels, including during autonomous operations and testing.
Lead, supervise, and coordinate onboard personnel.
Collaborate with shoreside teams, engineers, and mission personnel to execute test plans, operational objectives, and assigned missions.
Support planning, preparation, execution, and evaluation of missions intended to develop, test, and refine autonomous operating systems.
Monitor vessel systems, performance, and operational status; identify issues and coordinate corrective actions.
Maintain readiness of vessels, crews, and onboard equipment for scheduled missions and operational tasking.
Lead onboard safety briefings, emergency response activities, and drills.
Maintain accurate logs, voyage records, maintenance documentation, and mission reports.
Ensure compliance with applicable USCG, IMO, SOLAS, classification society, and other relevant requirements.
Coordinate with port control, port authorities, the USCG, pilot associations, and other maritime stakeholders to obtain access, approvals, and operational support.
Manage vessel movements, berthing, fueling, provisioning, and dockside logistics according to mission schedules.
Maintain communication with regulatory authorities and external service providers.
Serve as the primary maritime contact for field operations involving port infrastructure, vessel support services, and external maritime stakeholders.
Support vessel inspections, regulatory reviews, and operational readiness assessments.
Keep required vessel documentation, certifications, and operational records current and available.
Interpret nautical charts, weather forecasts, navigational data, and other relevant information to support voyage planning and mission execution.
Apply COLREGs and applicable navigation rules; conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation measures.
Ensure emergency procedures, communications protocols, and safety equipment are understood, available, and operational.
Identify and resolve operational deficiencies and contribute to improvements in vessel procedures and mission execution.
Support evolving mission requirements, operational schedules, and field assignments; travel up to 50% as operational needs require.