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 Summary: Saronic is seeking a highly experienced maritime professional to lead the development, execution, and continuous improvement of the training pipeline supporting Marauder, our mid-sized autonomous surface vessel (MUSV). In this critical role, you will own the qualification and readiness of MUSV-specific Mission Operations personnel by designing and managing a comprehensive training program that produces safe, proficient operators capable of conducting autonomous vessel missions in dynamic maritime environments. You will transform operational experience into structured curriculum, certification standards, and performance evaluation frameworks while working closely with vessel captains, engineers, and autonomy developers, and shoreside operations teams. This role plays a central part in scaling operations by ensuring personnel readiness keeps pace with vessel development, testing, and deployment. The ideal candidate combines deep maritime command experience with a strong ability to mentor, instruct, and build structured training programs in technically complex and rapidly evolving operational environments. Responsibilities: Training Program Ownership Design, implement, and manage the end-to-end training and certification pipeline for MUSV operations and support personnel. Establish operator qualification standards, progression tracks, and currency requirements. Develop scalable training throughput plans aligned with operational growth. Maintain centralized training records, certification status, and personnel readiness tracking. Standardize training processes across test, development, and operational deployments. Curriculum Development & Instruction Develop structured training curriculum covering: MUSV vessel systems and propulsion Remote operations and autonomy supervision Navigation, COLREGS, and maritime risk management Emergency response and casualty control Mission planning, execution, and post-mission analysis Regulatory compliance and operational documentation Build blended training approaches including classroom instruction, simulator training, tabletop exercises, and live vessel operations. Deliver advanced instruction and certification events for senior operators and mission leads. Create and maintain training manuals, SOPs, evaluation checklists, and operator handbooks. Operational Integration Translate real-world mission lessons learned into updated training materials and standards. Participate in sea trials, autonomy testing, and operational deployments to remain current on platform capabilities. Collaborate with engineering and autonomy teams to incorporate new systems, software releases, and operational changes into training. Support development of training scenarios that reflect realistic operational risks and mission profiles. Safety, Compliance & Certification Embed maritime safety culture and risk management principles throughout all training phases. Ensure training programs align with applicable USCG, SOLAS, IMO, and Class expectations where applicable. Validate operator readiness through formal evaluation events, check rides, and scenario-based assessments. Maintain documentation supporting inspections, audits, and operational readiness reviews. Evaluation & Readiness Metrics Develop measurable operator performance standards and evaluation frameworks. Conduct operator proficiency assessments and remediation planning. Track training outcomes, qualification status, and pipeline health. Provide leadership with readiness reports and training effectiveness metrics. External Coordination & Maritime Integration Coordinate training-related interactions with port authorities, pilot associations, and regulatory stakeholders when required. Develop onboarding and certification programs for external operators or customer personnel. Support government and partner training engagements as part of operational programs. Required Qualifications: Extensive experience in a senior officer or command role in dynamic maritime environments. Demonstrated ability to mentor, instruct, or develop operational personnel. Strong knowledge of ship handling, voyage planning, marine navigation, port operations, and COLREGS. Deep understanding of maritime safety, shipboard emergency procedures, and regulatory compliance. Experience developing SOPs, procedures, or structured operational documentation. Proficiency with voyage planning tools, GIS software, and maritime navigation systems. Strong analytical and decision-making skills in complex operational scenarios. Ability to support field operations, travel, and extended sea trials when required. Must pass background check and USCG/DOT drug testing. Security clearance eligibility preferred. Preferred Qualifications: Valid U.S. Coast Guard 500/1600T Master License of Self-propelled Vessels Upon Oceans. Unlimited Master’s license desired. STCW Basic Training, GMDSS Operator, OICNW, Medical PIC, FCC License. Valid TWIC, USCG STCW Medical Certificate, and passport. Bachelor’s Degree in Maritime Studies or similar field. Prior experience developing or managing formal training programs. Instructor certification or simulator training experience, including but not limited to Qualified Instructor, Qualified Assessor, and/or Designated Examiner Familiarity with autonomous or unmanned maritime systems. Experience supporting DoD or government maritime programs. Experience developing evaluation frameworks or operational certification programs. Familiarity with jet-drive vessel maneuvering characteristics. Role Requirements: Demonstrated success in maritime command or senior operational leadership roles. Strong organizational and program management skills. Ability to manage multiple training tracks simultaneously in a fast-paced development environment. Excellent communication skills across engineering, operations, and leadership teams. Ability to translate complex technical systems into clear operational instruction. Up to 50% travel; rotational field presence supporting sea trials and training events. Physical Demands: Must be capable of participating in live vessel training operations, shipyard activities, and field exercises in maritime environments. Ability to certify as “fit for work” by demonstrating ability to swim and tread water Frequently and repetitively, lift, push and carry up to 50 lbs. Will be exposed to marine environments, including sun, wind, rain, cold, and saltwater spray, often for extended periods Must be able to operate in daylight, low-light, and night conditions using marine navigation systems and visual cues Ability to perform physically demanding work i.e. stoop, lay, bend, reach, squat, kneel, crouch, twist and crawl for extended periods of time including up to 12 hours/day Climb and maintain balance on ladders, platforms, or other high structures Ability to stand and walk for up to 10 hours a day, including over varied and uneven terrain Climb and maintain balance on ladders, scaffolding or other high structures Ability to work in a hot and humid environment and follow safe practices to stay hydrated Hearing ability sufficient to detect alarms, verbal instructions, and workplace hazards in a high-noise environment. Must be able to work in a shipyard environment, including indoor fabrication shops, onboard vessels under construction, and outdoor areas exposed to changing weather conditions. Wear Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to: safety glasses, safety shoes, hard hat and adhering to prescribed safety rules and guidelines 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 This role 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.