Senior Marine Maintenance Engineer

Saronic Technologies•San Diego, CA

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms. We are seeking a Senior Marine Maintenance Engineer to serve as the technical authority and team lead for maintenance supporting Saronic’s 150+ ft. Marauder platform. This role is equivalent to a Chief Engineer / First Assistant Engineer (1AE) in a traditional shipboard structure and is responsible for planning, executing, and certifying maintenance cycles. You will own the development of technical standards, execution quality, regulatory compliance, and lead a team supporting all vessel systems. In the near-term, you will be responsible for execution of maintenance, as well as contributing to the development of a global maintenance organization for medium to large autonomous surface vessels. In the mid-to-far-term, you will lead a maintenance team which will execute focused maintenance periods both in the US and in foreign ports.

Requirements

Licensed Chief Engineer or 1AE (or equivalent experience) strongly preferred
10+ years marine engineering experience
Demonstrated experience across multi-discipline marine systems
Strong leadership experience leading engineering teams
Experience with CMMS platforms and maintenance planning; experience with implementation of these systems is desired
Deep understanding of marine regulatory frameworks
Experience in remote operations or expeditionary environments preferred
Ability to obtain Secret clearance
Willingness and ability to travel frequently, up to 75% of working time, including rapid deployment and field assignments

Responsibilities

Serve as lead engineer responsible for all vessel systems, including: Propulsion (diesel engines, waterjets, shafting, transmissions), Automation, controls, and sensor systems, Electrical generation and distribution, Auxiliary systems (pumps, HVAC, Fuel, lube oil, cooling)
Lead integrated system troubleshooting across disciplines
Approve maintenance actions aligned with OEM and regulatory requirements
Plan and execute 48-hour maintenance availabilities (MRO periods)
Develop PM/CM strategies across vessel systems
Manage CMMS planning, backlog and execution tracking
Ensure work meets quality, safety, and documentation standards
Lead and mentor junior engineers (flyaway team structure)
Assign work scopes and manage execution timelines, and ensure accountability
Serve as on-site decision-maker during maintenance evolutions
Interface with operations, engineering, and logistics teams
Ensure compliance with ABS, USCG, and IMO standards
Maintain audit-ready documentation and maintenance records
Enforce Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) protocols, including high risk marine operations
Align maintenance with mission schedules and operational constraints
Understand vessel usage profiles and adjust maintenance strategy accordingly
Support reliability improvements and “bad-actor analysis”

Benefits

Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services
Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents
Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care
Saronic pays 100% of the premium under the basic plan for employees and 80% for dependents
Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays
Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents
Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses
Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company match
Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success
Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage
Pet Insurance: Discounted pet insurance options including 24/7 Telehealth helpline
Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office