---
title: 'Mission Operations Chief Engineer, MUSV at Saronic Technologies'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/mission-operations-chief-engineer-musv-saronic-technologies-austin-fv18r7zzgvyp'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-24'
---

# Mission Operations Chief Engineer, MUSV at Saronic Technologies

- **Company:** [Saronic Technologies](https://feeny.ai/companies/saronic-technologies)
- **Location:** Austin, TX
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** onsite
- **Posted:** 2026-08-18
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-24
- **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/saronic/902f938d-ca23-4e9f-895a-cc26da503434

## Job description

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](https://saronic-assets-public.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/Saronic%20CCPA%20Notice%20for%20Candidates%20and%20California%20Employees.pdf) 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 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/8/1324b.

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

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Saronic Technologies builds autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) that combine hardware, software, and artificial intelligence to deliver scalable maritime security and domain awareness for naval forces.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Series D, total funding $2.6B)
- **Headquarters**: Austin, Texas, United States
- **Founded**: 2022
- **Founders**: Dino Mavrookas (CEO), Vibhav Altekar (CTO), Doug Lambert (COO), Rob Lehman (CCO)

## Core Business
- **Primary industry**: Defense and Space Manufacturing – autonomous maritime systems
- **Target customers**: U.S. and allied naval forces, government defense agencies (B2G)
- **Mission or purpose statement**: “Redefine maritime superiority” by providing the most advanced and capable autonomous vessels to address emerging threats and revolutionize naval warfare.

## Products & Services
- **Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs)**: A family of unmanned vessels (including models like *Mirage*, *Cipher*, and the 150‑foot *Marauder*) designed for launch from small craft, fleet assets, or beachheads. Capabilities include adaptive path planning, passive sensor tracking, resilient multi‑channel communications, and diverse payload integration.
- **Echelon Platform**: A unified software suite for mission planning, simulation, and command‑and‑control of autonomous surface vessels.
- **Capabilities Suite**: Integrated hardware/software stack covering launch, maneuver, perceive, communicate, execute, enable, and recover.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed (latest Series D at $1.8B implies a valuation well into the billions)
- **Key Metric**: Total funding $2.6B (Seed, Series A, Series B, and Series D); annual revenue reported at $9.5M
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: 8VC (Seed lead), Caffeinated Capital (Series A lead), Andreessen Horowitz (Series B lead), Kleiner Perkins (Series D lead). Strategic acquisition of Gulf Craft (April 2025) to accelerate shipbuilding.
- **Growth Signals**: Headcount of 785 employees (+218.7% YoY), 296 active job postings, awarded a $392M Navy contract, international offices in Australia, United Kingdom, and Japan.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Founder experience**: Co‑founder/CEO Dino Mavrookas is a former Navy SEAL with eight combat tours; the leadership team includes veterans and technologists who understand military needs firsthand.
- **Proven technology**: Autonomous vessels already deployed in contested environments, with a $392M Navy contract validating the platform.
- **Vertical integration**: In‑house manufacturing and software development, plus the acquisition of Gulf Craft for scaled shipbuilding.
- **Rapid scaling**: Massive funding and headcount growth signal strong investor and customer confidence.

## Strategic Focus
- Scaling production of ASVs from prototype to full manufacturing lines (new Head of Manufacturing hired).
- Expanding vessel lineup with larger platforms (150‑foot *Marauder*) and international partnerships in the Indo‑Pacific and Europe.
- Deepening the software ecosystem (Echelon) for mission planning and manned‑unmanned teaming.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: Values include “United We Win” (teamwork, respect), “Trust Fuels Triumph” (transparency, integrity), “Solutions Driven” (creative problem‑solving), and “One Mission” (national security focus).
- **Work environment**: Primarily on‑site in Austin, TX, with additional offices in Australia, UK, and Japan. High‑growth startup pace with a mission‑driven defense focus.
- **Perks & ratings**: LinkedIn employer rating 4.2/5.0 (compensation 4.5, culture 4.0, career 4.3). Notable talent drawn from SpaceX, Tesla, Anduril, Blue Origin, and Lockheed Martin.
- **Engineering culture**: Heavy emphasis on cross‑disciplinary teams (perception, navigation, ML, C2, systems integration) and building “captainless” ships.

## Sources
1. [saronic.com](https://www.saronic.com/) – Homepage, capabilities, and news (Navy contract)
2. [saronic.com/team](https://www.saronic.com/team) – Founders, leadership, values
3. [saronic.com/mission](https://www.saronic.com/mission) – Mission statement
4. [linkedin.com/company/saronic-technologies](https://www.linkedin.com/company/saronic-technologies) – Financials, headcount, funding rounds, investors, reviews
5. [jobs.ashbyhq.com/saronic](https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/saronic) – Active job postings

## Other roles at Saronic Technologies

- [Supplier Development Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/supplier-development-engineer-saronic-technologies-austin-cwfac0emrwq0) — Austin, TX
- [Integrated Master Scheduler](https://feeny.ai/job/integrated-master-scheduler-saronic-technologies-franklin-5asqk7j6cpne) — Franklin, LA
- [Senior People Operations Generalist](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-people-operations-generalist-saronic-technologies-austin-g1ez3sbbzzm8) — Austin, TX
- [Senior Electrical R&D Test Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-electrical-r-d-test-engineer-saronic-technologies-austin-9bnxw7gt6zty) — Austin, TX
- [Machine Shop Helper](https://feeny.ai/job/machine-shop-helper-saronic-technologies-austin-yzmpjepmwcfx) — Austin, TX
- [EHS Specialist](https://feeny.ai/job/ehs-specialist-saronic-technologies-franklin-gxn8gcgv6z0v) — Franklin, LA
- [Training Specialist](https://feeny.ai/job/training-specialist-saronic-technologies-austin-q7prgfk86qdh) — Austin, TX
- [Director of International Growth - Australia](https://feeny.ai/job/director-of-international-growth-australia-saronic-technologies-sydney-93vfssrz2mw3) — Sydney, Australia
- [Quality Assurance Specialist](https://feeny.ai/job/quality-assurance-specialist-saronic-technologies-franklin-9rf40vnsvhg8) — Franklin, LA
- [NPI Quality Inspector - Production](https://feeny.ai/job/npi-quality-inspector-production-saronic-technologies-austin-dm1pm9d0g3vf) — Austin, TX