Maritime USV Operator & Coxswain — Defence Tech

UFORCE; Greater London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

UFORCE is building its UK maritime operations capability and seeks an experienced USV Operator / Coxswain to support safe, credible activity in a defence‑tech environment. You will plan and execute maritime activity, act as Coxswain/USV operator during demos, trials and training, and work with engineering teams to improve readiness and safety.

Strong maritime credibility, security awareness and the ability to operate with limited direction are essential as you train users and lead small teams on

Qualifications

• Credible military or high‑reliability operational experience, ideally maritime or littoral.
• Maritime qualifications such as RYA/MCA Powerboat, STCW, VHF, first aid or sea survival.
• Proven Coxswain judgement and safe boat‑handling experience—not certificate ownership alone.
• Experience in safety‑critical, mission‑delivery environments with clear communication.
• USVs, UAS, robotics or autonomy experience and quick learning ability.
• Experience training or coaching military, government or mixed‑experience users.
• Strong security awareness and handling of controlled information.
• Ability to plan, manage risk, brief and deliver practical outcomes with limited direction.
• Ability to work onsite regularly.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute maritime activity, including briefings, launch and recovery, communications, debriefs and post‑run checks.
• Act as Coxswain / USV operator during demonstrations, trials, training and internal testing.
• Support safe USV operations, including operating envelopes, handovers, emergency procedures and coordination with crewed vessels.
• Train military, government, partner‑force and customer users.
• Work with engineering and systems teams to prepare activity, capture defects and improve operational readiness.
• Brief plans, risks, limitations and tactical considerations to internal leaders, customers and senior stakeholders.
• Maintain high standards of security, export‑control awareness and customer sensitivity.
• Develop practical SOPs, checklists, risk controls and training materials.
• Lead small teams during operational and training activity.

Skills

Coxswain judgement

Maritime operational experience

USV/UAS knowledge

Safety-critical coordination

Autonomy/robotics familiarity

Education

RYA / MCA Powerboat certificates

STCW / sea survival

Job description

UFORCE is building its UK maritime operations capability and seeks an experienced USV Operator / Coxswain to support safe, credible activity in a defence‑tech environment. You will plan and execute maritime activity, act as Coxswain/USV operator during demos, trials and training, and work with engineering teams to improve readiness and safety.

Strong maritime credibility, security awareness and the ability to operate with limited direction are essential as you train users and lead small teams on