Autonomous Vessel Operations & Customer Success Lead

North Eastern Services; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Dental insurance

Disability insurance

Flexible spending account

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Vision insurance

Job summary

Sea Machines Robotics is seeking a hands-on Vessel Operator to support testing, deployment, and operation of autonomous marine vessels. This role blends traditional seamanship with cutting-edge marine technology, requiring comfort operating vessels manually while assisting autonomous system testing and troubleshooting.

You will work with engineering, field operations, and customers to ensure safe, efficient vessel operations on water and in port, with opportunities for travel and

Qualifications

• USCG Merchant Mariner Credential is required.
• 3+ years operating commercial or government vessels.
• Strong knowledge of navigation, seamanship, COLREGS and marine safety.
• Experience operating vessels in varying weather and sea conditions.
• Mechanical aptitude with ability to troubleshoot marine systems.
• Proficiency with marine electronics: GPS, radar, AIS, chart plotters.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills; travel up to 40%.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate company vessels during testing, demonstrations, customer trials, and training.
• Conduct pre‑departure inspections and ensure vessels are ready for operation.
• Monitor vessel systems, propulsion, navigation equipment, and autonomous controls.
• Execute test plans and collect accurate test data.
• Assist engineers with integration, commissioning, and validation of new hardware and software.
• Identify and document vessel or system issues during operations.
• Support launch, recovery, transport, and storage of vessels and equipment.
• Coordinate with regulatory agencies, marinas, ports, and support vessels as needed.
• Ensure compliance with USCG regulations and company safety procedures.
• Assist with customer demonstrations, training events, and field deployments.
• Travel domestically and internationally to support operations.

Skills

USCG Merchant Mariner Credential

3+ years operating vessels

navigation and seamanship

COLREGS and marine safety

weather condition experience

mechanical troubleshooting

GPS

Radar

AIS

Chart plotters

Tools

GPS

Radar

AIS

Chart plotters

Job description

Sea Machines Robotics is seeking a hands-on Vessel Operator to support testing, deployment, and operation of autonomous marine vessels. This role blends traditional seamanship with cutting-edge marine technology, requiring comfort operating vessels manually while assisting autonomous system testing and troubleshooting.

You will work with engineering, field operations, and customers to ensure safe, efficient vessel operations on water and in port, with opportunities for travel and