Demo Operations Specialist

Drive Capital; North Kingstown (RI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental and Vision Insurance (1

Life Insurance (Employer Paid)

401k Matching

Unlimited PTO with 2 weeks minimum

Equity Package

Work/Home Office Stipend

Global Entry

16 Week Paid Parental Leave

Monthly Wellness Stipend

Job summary

HavocAI in Providence, RI, seeks a Demo Operations Specialist to lead customer demonstrations of autonomous maritime systems. You will operate vessels, support demos, and ensure readiness of mission systems in dynamic field environments.

This role requires hands-on technical expertise, strong communication, and up to 50% travel to field deployments, with citizenship DoD clearance preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Systems, or a related technical field (or equivalent hands-on experience).
• 2+ years of experience in field operations, testing, or systems support (defense, robotics, or maritime settings).
• Strong technical aptitude with familiarity in hardware, software, and networking systems.
• Proven experience troubleshooting and supporting complex systems in dynamic field environments.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, with comfort engaging customers and partners.
• Must be able to travel up to 50%.
• Comfortable operating in marine environments, including on boats or near open water.
• U.S. Citizenship required; eligibility for DoD Secret Clearance preferred.

Responsibilities

• Demonstration leadership: Plan, prepare, and execute customer demonstrations showcasing HavocAI’s autonomy capabilities and mission performance.
• Field operations & testing: Operate and validate ASV systems in diverse maritime environments, ensuring safe, reliable, and repeatable performance.
• System expertise: Develop a deep understanding of vessel hardware, autonomy software, and integrated payload systems to support real-world testing and demo readiness.
• Technical troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve real-time system issues during demos and test events.
• Data collection & analysis: Capture and document test and demo data for internal review and customer reporting.
• Cross-functional coordination: Align field activities with Engineering, Mission Ops, and Program teams.
• Customer interaction: Represent HavocAI in the field with partners, end users, and military customers.
• System readiness: Maintain and prepare vessels, support equipment, and test infrastructure.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Customer engagement

Field operations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Equivalent hands-on experience

Tools

Linux systems

ROS2

PX4

Telemetry tools

Job description

About Us:

Havoc is a leader in all-domain collaborative autonomy. Its software-defined hardware approach powers military and commercial-grade autonomous systems across sea, air, and land to sense, decide, and act together in complex and contested environments. Havoc connects assets, enabling them to share information, adapt in real time, and continue operating even when communications are disrupted or denied. Havoc optimizes mission performance and minimizes human risk.
Havoc was founded in 2024 and headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island. Learn more at Havoc: All-Domain Collaborative Autonomy .

About the Role:

As a Demo Operations Specialist at HavocAI, you'll be on the front lines demonstrating and deploying the next generation of Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs). You'll work hands-on with cutting-edge maritime autonomy technology - planning, executing, and supporting demonstrations, customer engagements, and field validation events.

This role bridges technical understanding with operational execution. You'll operate and maintain vessels, ensure successful demos, and help our customers see the real-world impact of maritime autonomy. When not in the field, you'll contribute to readiness, maintenance, and continuous improvement of demo and mission systems.

Key Responsibilities and Requirements:

• Demonstration Leadership:
  Plan, prepare, and execute customer demonstrations showcasing HavocAI’s autonomy capabilities and mission performance.

• Field Operations & Testing:
  Operate and validate ASV systems in diverse maritime environments, ensuring safe, reliable, and repeatable performance.

• System Expertise:
  Develop a deep understanding of vessel hardware, autonomy software, and integrated payload systems to support real-world testing and demo readiness.

• Technical Troubleshooting:
  Diagnose and resolve real-time system issues (hardware, software, networking) during demos and test events.

• Data Collection & Analysis:
  Capture and document test and demo data for internal review and customer reporting.

• Cross-Functional Coordination:
  Work with Engineering, Mission Ops, and Program teams to align field activities with ongoing development and customer needs.

• Customer Interaction:
  Represent HavocAI in the field - interfacing with partners, end users, and military customers to ensure demo success and positive engagement.

• System Readiness:
  Maintain and prepare vessels, support equipment, and test infrastructure for upcoming demos and deployments.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Systems, or a related technical field (or equivalent hands-on experience).

• 2+ years of experience in field operations, testing, or systems support (preferably in defense, robotics, or maritime settings).

• Strong technical aptitude with familiarity in hardware, software, and networking systems.

• Proven experience troubleshooting and supporting complex systems in dynamic field environments.

• Excellent communication and organizational skills, with comfort engaging customers and partners.

• Must be able to travel up to 50%, including multi-day field deployments.

• Comfortable operating in marine environments, including on boats or near open water.

• U.S. Citizenship required; eligibility for DoD Secret Clearance preferred.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience operating or maintaining autonomous or remotely operated vessels.

• Familiarity with Linux systems, telemetry tools, and autonomy frameworks (ROS2, PX4, or similar).

• Hands-on experience with payload integration, sensors, or maritime navigation systems.

• Small boat handling or maritime certification (e.g., USCG license, drone/ROV piloting).

• Understanding of DoD test or demo procedures.

Benefits:

• 100% Employer paid Health, Dental and Vision Insurance for you and your families

• Life Insurance (Employer Paid)

• Ability to participate in the companies 401k program (Matching)

• Unlimited PTO policy with an enforced 2 week minimum

• Equity Package

• Work / Home Office Stipend

• Global Entry

• 16 Week Paid Parental Leave

• Monthly Health and Wellness Stipend

Our Values:

• Innovation: We are driven to break new ground. Every day presents an opportunity to challenge the status quo, think boldly, and deliver advanced solutions that transform the future of defense technology.

• Integrity: We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards, ensuring transparency, accountability, and trust in all our actions and partnerships.

• Mission-Driven: We are focused on achieving impactful outcomes that align with our core mission - protecting lives through innovation.

• Forward-Leaning: We continuously seek out new opportunities and remain at the forefront of technological advancements. We embrace change and anticipate the challenges of tomorrow with confidence and creativity.

• Ownership of All Tasks: At HavocAI, no problem is too complex or too trivial. We believe that greatness comes from tackling the hardest challenges, but also in handling the smallest, sometimes thankless, tasks with the same level of commitment and care.

• Servant Leadership: We lead by serving others, whether it’s supporting our employees, partners, or the broader community. Empowering those around us is key to achieving long-term success and making a lasting impact.

HavocAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.