Mission Operations Engineer – Technical Instructor

Job Summary

Saronic is seeking a Mission Operations Engineer – Technical Instructor to design, develop, and deliver advanced training programs in support of our autonomous systems mission sets. This role blends curriculum development, operational training, and hands-on engineering support to ensure mission readiness across internal teams, contracted customers, and DoD partners.

Responsibilities:

Training Delivery & Instruction

• Lead instructor-led training for internal operators and external customers on system operation, troubleshooting, and mission workflows

• Facilitate hands-on labs, simulations, and mission exercises across classroom, lab, and field environments

• Serve as the primary interface for trainee learning, ensuring comprehension, engagement, and operational readiness

• Evaluate trainee performance, administer assessments, and provide actionable feedback and remediation

• Lead certification events, operator checkouts, and mission rehearsals

Curriculum & Content Development

• Translate real-world mission operations and engineering workflows into structured, scalable training programs

• Develop and maintain training materials, including lesson plans, SOPs, labs, simulations, and assessments

• Continuously refine curriculum based on field experience, trainee performance, and product updates

• Partner closely with Engineering, Product, and Mission Operations to ensure training reflects current system capabilities and best practices

Customer Training & Enablement

• Own customer onboarding and training delivery, ensuring successful adoption of Saronic systems

• Translate complex technical concepts into clear, operator-focused instruction tailored to varying experience levels

• Act as a trusted technical advisor to customers during training and early operational use

• Gather customer feedback and translate it into actionable improvements for training and product teams

Field Operations & Training Support

• Deploy and operate ASV systems in real-world maritime environments to support training and mission execution

• Lead on-water training events, demonstrations, and mission scenarios

• Diagnose and resolve software and hardware issues in the field while incorporating lessons into training

• Ensure training environments accurately reflect real-world operational conditions

Systems Engineering & Technical Contribution

• Support and provide feedback on the development, testing, and maintenance of software for autonomous surface vessels using C++ and Rust in a Linux environment

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support system integration and performance

• Conduct testing and validation of system updates in both simulated and live environments

• Document technical processes, findings, and best practices

Team Collaboration

• Collaborate with stakeholders to achieve mission and training goals

• Foster a collaborative, learning-focused team environment

• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to other instructors and operators

Role Requirements:

• Demonstrated success in project coordination and leadership in current role

• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with team members, stakeholders, and senior management

• Demonstrated problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to addressing challenges

• Strong leadership qualities, including the ability to motivate and inspire team members

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent technical experience

• Minimum 4–8 years relevant experience

• Experience in software development with C++ in Linux

• Experience with embedded systems and real-time computing

• Strong technical troubleshooting skills in field environments

• Experience with robotics, autonomy, or maritime systems preferred

Physical Demands:

• 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

Experience Level: mid

Employment Type: full-time

Workplace Type: onsite

Category: Engineering

Industry: Technology

Salary Range: Not specified

Required Skills:

• C++
• Rust
• Linux
• Embedded systems
• Real-time computing

Preferred Skills:

• Robotics
• Autonomy
• Maritime systems