Mission Operations Chief Engineer

Austin, TX

About the role

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. Job Overview: Saronic is seeking a licensed Chief Engineer to support the operation of our mid-sized autonomous surface vessel, Marauder. In this role you will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the vessel's engine room. You will ensure that all marine systems including but not limited to main propulsion system, auxiliary machinery, fuel oil system, lube oil system, cooling system, and all associated environmental equipment. The ideal candidate will possess a strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities. Have a strong grasp on vessel engineering systems with the ability to work independently to resolve technical issues. A steadfast commitment to safety and adherence to maritime regulations is essential for ensuring the highest standards in vessel operations.

Responsibilities: Perform all required maintenance and repairs on vessel machinery and engineering systems. Oversee the safe operation of all engine room equipment and engineering systems. Remain on call while the vessel is underway to address engineering issues that arise during operations. Manage spare parts inventory and coordinate ordering of required components and consumables. Assist in the development and execution of the vessel’s Planned Maintenance System (PMS). Support mission execution by ensuring vessel engineering systems are fully operational and reliable. Role

Requirements: Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability manage multiple tasks and priorities Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to addressing challenges. Demonstrated leadership and ownership of engineering operations. Projected rotation is 28/28 Required

Qualifications: Valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) endorsed as Chief Engineer – STCW 3,000 kW / 4,000 HP or greater (Unlimited). STCW Basic Training and Officer in Charge of an Engineering Watch (OICEW). Valid TWIC, USCG Medical Certificate, and passport. Demonstrated proficiency in marine engineering systems and vessel machinery. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a multidisciplinary team. Must pass background check and USCG/DOT drug testing. Security clearance eligibility preferred for restricted or government-access sites. Preferred

Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Engineering or a related field. Experience with waterjet propulsion systems. Experience with autonomous or unmanned maritime systems. Familiarity with software-enabled vessel systems or marine automation platforms. Prior experience working with the DoW or other government agencies. Physical Demands: Ability to certify as fit for duty, including the ability to swim and tread water. Frequently lift, push, and carry up to 50 lbs. Work in marine environments including sun, wind, rain, cold, and saltwater spray. Operate in daylight, low-light, and nighttime conditions using marine navigation systems. Perform physically demanding work (stoop, bend, reach, squat, kneel, crouch, twist, crawl). Climb and maintain balance on ladders and elevated structures. Stand and walk for extended periods on vessel decks and uneven surfaces. Work in hot and humid environments while following safe hydration practices. Maintain hearing ability sufficient to detect alarms and verbal instructions. Wear required personal protective equipment including safety glasses, safety shoes, and hard hats.

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 Saronic CCPA Notice for Candidates and California Employees If this role is based in the United States, it requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a “U.S. Person”: (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) . Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and

benefits. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

About Saronic Technologies

Saronic is a defense technology company that designs, builds, and deploys autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) for naval and maritime applications. The company focuses on integrating advanced hardware, artificial intelligence, and software into scalable unmanned systems that enhance maritime awareness, extend operational reach, and improve survivability in complex environments. Its vessels are capable of functions such as navigation, target identification, communication, and payload deployment, enabling both independent and coordinated mission execution. Saronic emphasizes rapid innovation and high-throughput manufacturing to support defense and commercial maritime needs. The company primarily serves government and defense customers, aiming to modernize naval operations and strengthen maritime capabilities through autonomous, software-driven platforms.

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Job details

Location

Austin, TX

Company

NameSaronic Technologies
IndustryAerospace & Defense
Team Size4

Funding

Total raised

$2.6B

Last stage

Series A

Investors

Kleiner Perkins
8VC
Andreessen Horowitz
EElad Gil
CCaffeinated Capital

Founders

DM

Dino Mavrookas

CEO

LinkedIn
RL

Rob Lehman

Co-Founder & Chief Commercial Officer

VA

Vibhav Altekar

Co-Founder

What happens next.

No applications, no recruiter spam. Just the intro.

01

Confirm the fit

A few questions to make sure this role is the right shape for you. Two minutes.

02

I pitch you to the company

I write the intro, send it to the founder, and handle the back-and-forth.

03

A meeting lands on your calendar

If they’re a yes, I book the chat. You show up — that’s the whole job-hunt.