USV Operator

Zohorecruit; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Black & Grey HR, on behalf of a client, seeks a USV System Operator in Abu Dhabi to safely operate and monitor Uncrewed Surface Vessels, ensuring missions are executed efficiently and safely according to procedures and maritime standards.

The role requires offshore/marine experience, strong IT/OT proficiency, and excellent communication to collaborate with technical teams and project personnel on permanent basis.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience operating USVs or similar unmanned systems.
• Experience in offshore/maritime environments is highly desirable.
• Proficiency with navigation, telemetry, and data collection tools.
• Ability to troubleshoot IT/OT and remote-control interfaces.
• Strong communication and teamwork to coordinate across multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Operate USVs during deployment, transit, mission execution, and recovery.
• Control vessel navigation, propulsion, and autonomous functions per mission plan.
• Monitor telemetry, navigation data, and payload performance during missions.
• Identify anomalies, deviations, or risks and take corrective action.
• Perform pre-mission and post-mission system checks.
• Complete mission readiness checklists and restore systems post-mission.
• Assist in troubleshooting onboard systems, comms, and payloads.
• Escalate major failures to the Unmanned Solutions Manager or support team.
• Maintain SOPs, risk assessments, maritime regulations, COLREGs and safety standards.
• Record mission performance and operational logs.
• Prepare accurate mission reports highlighting outcomes and lessons learned.
• Coordinate with technical teams and supporting vessels for safe execution.
• Provide timely operational updates and documentation.

Skills

USV/UxV operation

Autonomous/marine system operation

Navigation systems

IT/OT familiarity

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma (IT/OT)

Tools

Navigation software

Telemetry systems

Job description

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | Posted on 30/07/2026

Black & Grey HR is seeking a USV System Operator to join our client's Unmanned Systems team on a permanent basis in Abu Dhabi. You will be responsible for the safe operation, monitoring, and control of Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs), ensuring missions are executed efficiently while maintaining compliance with operational procedures and maritime safety standards.Working closely with the Unmanned Solutions Manager, technical teams, and project personnel, you will operate remote control and autonomous systems, monitor mission performance, perform pre- and post-mission checks, troubleshoot operational issues, and maintain accurate mission records.

Responsibilities

• - Operate Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) during deployment, transit, mission execution, and recovery.
• - Control vessel navigation systems, propulsion, and autonomous functions in accordance with approved mission plans and operational procedures.
• - Continuously monitor vessel telemetry, navigation data, and payload performance throughout mission execution.
• - Identify operational anomalies, navigation deviations, or system risks and take corrective action within assigned authority limits.
• - Perform pre-mission and post-mission system checks, including communications, navigation, propulsion, and payload readiness.
• - Complete mission readiness checklists and ensure all systems are returned to operational status after each mission.
• - Assist in troubleshooting minor technical issues related to onboard systems, communication links, remote control systems, and mission payloads.
• - Escalate major technical failures promptly to the Unmanned Solutions Manager or Technical Support team.
• - Maintain compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs), risk assessments, maritime regulations, COLREGs, and company safety standards.
• - Record mission performance, operational logs, incidents, and system status throughout each mission.
• - Prepare accurate mission reports, highlighting mission outcomes, anomalies, and lessons learned.
• - Coordinate with technical teams, supporting vessels, and project personnel to ensure safe and efficient mission execution.
• - Provide timely operational updates and ...

Requirements

• -High School Diploma in IT/OT or an equivalent qualification.
• - Additional relevant certifications or technical qualifications are an advantage.
• - Previous experience operating Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs), Unmanned Vehicles (UxVs), ROVs, AUVs, drones, or similar remote-operated systems is preferred.
• - Experience within offshore, marine, maritime, hydrographic survey, or unmanned systems operations is highly desirable.
• - Proficiency in navigation systems, sonar, and data collection tools.
• - Experience operating IT/OT systems, remote control systems, and software interfaces.
• - Strong understanding of vessel control systems and autonomous operations.
• - Ability to troubleshoot operational and IT/OT system issues independently.
• - Ability to work in offshore and varying environmental conditions and perform physical tasks as required.
• - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
• - Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• - Strong teamwork and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• - Demonstrated commitment to operational safety and compliance.