Commissioning Assistant Engineer, Marauder

NightDragon Acquisition Corp.; Louisiana (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Time Off

401(k) plan

Stock Options

Life and Disability Insurance

Free lunch & unlimited snacks

Job summary

Saronic Technologies is seeking a Commissioning Assistant Engineer for Marauder to support the Chief Engineer in commissioning and operating the engine room aboard a novel autonomous vessel.

You will test and validate main propulsion, auxiliary machinery, fuel, lubrication, cooling, and environmental equipment, ensuring integration with the vessel's autonomy and software controls for safe, reliable operation.

Qualifications

• Must possess valid U.S. Coast Guard credentials and appropriate engine-room endorsements.
• Experience supporting commissioning, testing, and operation of marine propulsion systems.
• Ability to draft and refine procedures and technical documentation from scratch.
• Strong safety mindset and compliance with maritime regulations.

Responsibilities

• Support commissioning activities for autonomous vessels, including system testing, validation, and troubleshooting during operation.
• Work with autonomy and software teams to verify integration of machinery with the vessel's autonomy stack.
• Assist in developing, writing, and refining SOPs, checklists, and documentation from scratch.
• Perform maintenance on vessel machinery under the Chief Engineer's direction.
• Be on-call during hitch periods and assist with spare parts inventory and ordering.

Skills

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Written communication

Independent work

Education

Valid USCG MMC

National Assistant Engineer of Motor Vessels, Unlimited HP Endorsement

STCW OICEW / Basic Training / Advanced Firefighting endorsements

USCG STCW Medical Certificate

TWIC and Passport

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.

Commissioning Assistant Engineer, Marauder

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing defense autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms.

Job Summary:

In this role you will support the Chief Engineer in the commissioning and operation of the engine room and all associated machinery aboard a novel autonomous vessel. You will help ensure that all marine systems — including but not limited to main propulsion, auxiliary machinery, fuel oil, lubrication, cooling, and associated environmental equipment — are properly tested and validated through structured commissioning processes and integrated with the vessel's autonomy and software control systems to support reliable manned, remote, and autonomous operation.

The ideal candidate will possess strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities, along with a willingness to help build procedures and processes in support of a novel commissioning environment. Have a solid grasp on vessel engineering systems with the ability to take direction from the Chief Engineer while also working independently on assigned issues, including drafting and refining operational and technical documentation where none previously existed. A steadfast commitment to safety and adherence to maritime regulations is essential for ensuring the highest standards in vessel operations.

Responsibilities

• Support commissioning activities for autonomous vessels, including system testing, validation, and troubleshooting prior to and during operation.

• Work alongside autonomy and software engineering teams to verify integration between traditional machinery control systems and the vessel's autonomy stack across manned, remote, and autonomous operating modes

• Assist in developing, writing, and refining standard operating procedures, checklists, and technical documentation from scratch in the absence of established processes

• Perform assigned maintenance on vessel machinery under the direction of the Chief Engineer.

• Always be on-call while on-hitch to address any issues that arise.

• Assist with inventory and ordering of spare parts.

• Assist in the shipboard execution of mission objectives.

• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with team members, stakeholders, and senior management.

• Problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to addressing challenges.

• Ability to work effectively as part of a small team in a dynamic environment and pitch in when your skills are applicable while working across teams.

• Travel to multiple locations while on hitch

Required Qualifications

• Valid U.S. Coast Guard MMC

• National Assistant Engineer of Motor Vessels, Unlimited Horsepower Endorsement, or Designated Duty Engineer, Unlimited Horsepower Endorsement.

• STCW Endorsements of Officer in Charge of an Engineering Watch (OICEW), Basic Training, Advanced Firefighting

• Valid USCG STCW Medical Certificate

• Valid TWIC and Passport.

• Working knowledge of maritime engineering systems, particularly electrical systems

• Ability to work both independently and as a part of a group

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams

• Pass background check and USCG/DOT drug testing prior to onboarding.

• Security clearance and eligibility required

• Projected 28/28 schedule

Desired Qualifications

• Familiar with jet-drive marine engines

• Experience with autonomous or unmanned systems

• Experience with software engineering

• Experience with automation systems.

• Working toward higher-grade engineering license or endorsements

Physical Demands

• Ability to certify as “fit for work” by demonstrating ability to swim and tread water

• Frequently and repetitively, lift, push and carry up to 50 lbs.

• Will be exposed to marine environments, including sun, wind, rain, cold, and saltwater spray, often for extended periods

• Must be able to operate in daylight, low-light, and night conditions using marine navigation systems and visual cues

• Ability to perform physically demanding work i.e. stoop, lay, bend, reach, squat, kneel, crouch, twist and crawl for extended periods of time including up to 12 hours/day

• Climb and maintain balance on ladders, platforms, or other high structures

• Ability to stand and walk for up to 10 hours a day, including over varied and uneven terrain

• Climb and maintain balance on ladders, scaffolding or other high structures

• Ability to work in a hot and humid environment and follow safe practices to stay hydrated

• Hearing ability sufficient to detect alarms, verbal instructions, and workplace hazards in a high-noise environment.

• Must be able to work in a shipyard environment, including indoor fabrication shops, onboard vessels under construction, and outdoor areas exposed to changing weather conditions.

• Wear Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to: safety glasses, safety shoes, hard hat and adhering to prescribed safety rules and guidelines

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 99% of the premium 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

• 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

• Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office

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 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). 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.