Director, Naval Field Operations & Training

Strativ Group; Valkenburg; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Deployment package

Equity options

Hybrid at base

Growth path

Adventure in defence

Job summary

Surge Marine is seeking a Director of Field Operations to bridge engineering and naval deployment. You will lead international delivery, training, and operational support of unmanned maritime systems, deploying abroad to train personnel and drive fleet integration.

Expect up to 60% international travel, working in deployed environments, and reporting directly to senior leadership. The role demands deep naval experience, leadership in field settings, and a track record of turning operational

Qualifications

• Commissioned naval officer with 10+ years in an EU navy including sea duty and command experience.
• EU citizenship is mandatory; Dutch nationality preferred; NATO security vetting desirable.
• Full availability for extended international deployments (up to 60% travel) including weeks abroad at customer sites.
• Operational experience with naval combat systems, underwater warfare, mine warfare, or unmanned/autonomous systems at tactical/operational level.
• Ability to design and deliver training for military personnel on complex technical systems and their tactical use.
• English is the working language; Dutch strongly preferred; other EU languages advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead international training and deployment programs at customer sites; train naval personnel in operation, maintenance and tactical use of autonomous maritime and underwater systems.
• Develop and deliver comprehensive curricula: classroom, simulations, harbour trials, and at-sea training tailored to customer doctrine.
• Act as primary company representative during acceptance tests, IOC milestones, and fleet integration; field face of Surge Marine.
• Collect structured feedback from end users and report to engineering as critical product intelligence.
• Support CONOPS, SOPs, and training manuals enabling navies to operate systems safely and confidently.
• Coordinate delivery logistics, deployment scheduling, and field support; track milestones and field issues.

Skills

Naval background

Deployment availability

Operational experience

Training & instruction

Languages: English

Languages: Dutch preferred

Education

EU citizenship requirements

Job description

Surge Marine is seeking a Director of Field Operations to bridge engineering and naval deployment. You will lead international delivery, training, and operational support of unmanned maritime systems, deploying abroad to train personnel and drive fleet integration.

Expect up to 60% international travel, working in deployed environments, and reporting directly to senior leadership. The role demands deep naval experience, leadership in field settings, and a track record of turning operational