Diesel Mechanic

NightDragon Acquisition Corp.; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental and Vision Insurance

Time Off

Parental Leave

Competitive Salary

Retirement Plan

Stock Options

Life and Disability Insurance

Pet Insurance

Free lunch & drinks

Job summary

Saronic Technologies is seeking a Diesel Mechanic to support maintenance, repair, and sustainment of autonomous surface vessels. The role emphasizes strong mechanical skills and electrical troubleshooting in a fast-paced defense technology environment.

The position requires up to 80% travel to partner and customer locations, domestically and internationally, with opportunities to apply hands-on diagnostics, engine work, and collaboration with engineers and operators.

Qualifications

• 3+ years hands-on mechanical experience in automotive, aerospace, heavy industrial, marine, or related field.
• Proficiency in electrical troubleshooting including reading wiring diagrams and isolating faults.
• Strong mechanical maintenance skills: preventive maintenance, fluid systems, belts, and drivetrain components.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, diagrams, and schematics.
• Familiarity with diagnostic tools such as scan tools, multimeters, and oscilloscopes.
• Willingness to travel up to 80% for field deployments.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine maintenance tasks to ensure proper equipment function and longevity.
• Troubleshoot electrical faults and wiring issues using diagnostic tools.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical malfunctions using manuals and hands-on techniques.
• Inspect and test components and subsystems to address potential problems.
• Support engine-level maintenance including fluids, filters, belts, and cooling systems.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance, parts used, and labor hours.
• Follow safety protocols when working with engines and equipment.
• Collaborate with technicians, engineers, and operators to troubleshoot and implement solutions.

Skills

Electrical troubleshooting

Mechanical maintenance

Schematic reading

Team collaboration

Field deployment readiness

Tools

Multimeters

Oscilloscopes

Diagnostic tools

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.

Job Summary

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.

We are seeking a skilled Diesel Mechanic to join our growing team. The successful candidate will bring a strong mechanical foundation and electrical troubleshooting capability to support maintenance, repair, and sustainment operations on our autonomous surface vessels (ASVs). This role is well-suited for technicians coming from automotive, aerospace, heavy industrial, or marine backgrounds who are eager to apply and grow their skills in an emerging defense technology environment.

This role requires frequent travel to partner and customer locations, domestically and internationally, up to 80% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine maintenance tasks including oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, and preventive maintenance schedules to ensure proper equipment function and longevity.
• Troubleshoot and resolve electrical faults, wiring issues, and system-level problems using diagnostic tools, multimeters, and schematics.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical malfunctions using technical manuals, diagnostic equipment, and hands-on troubleshooting techniques.
• Inspect and test components, systems, and subsystems to identify and address potential problems or areas of concern.
• Support engine-level maintenance tasks including fluid systems, filters, belts, and cooling systems; assist with overhaul and rebuild activities as needed.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance and repair activities, including parts used, labor hours, and services performed, in accordance with quality and compliance requirements.
• Follow safety protocols for working with engines and related equipment, including proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials.
• Collaborate with technicians, engineers, and operators to troubleshoot problems, share knowledge, and implement solutions.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on mechanical experience in automotive, aerospace, heavy industrial, marine, or a related technical field.
• Demonstrated proficiency in electrical troubleshooting, including reading wiring diagrams, using multimeters, and isolating faults at the system and component level.
• Solid foundation in general mechanical maintenance: preventive maintenance, fluid systems, filters, belts, and drivetrain components.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, diagrams, and schematics.
• Familiarity with diagnostic tools and test equipment such as scan tools, multimeters, and oscilloscopes.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work through unfamiliar failure modes methodically.
• Experience working within quality management processes such as documenting work orders, following SOPs, and parts accountability, preferred.
• Engine teardown and rebuild experience is a plus but not required; willingness to learn and develop these skills is expected.
• Marine diesel experience is a plus; candidates without it who demonstrate strong fundamentals will be considered.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Willingness to work in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and field deployment requirements.
• Job requires up to 80% travel.

Physical Demands

• Ability to perform physically demanding work for extended periods, up to 12 hours/day.
• Frequently and repetitively lift, push, and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in marine and waterside environments.
• Frequently and repetitively bend, lift, and reach to install and remove components of varying size and weight.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, including over varied and uneven terrain such as docks, vessel decks, and gravel surfaces.
• Stoop, lay, bend, reach, squat, kneel, crouch, twist, and crawl for extended periods while working in confined or low-clearance spaces.
• Climb and maintain balance on ladders, platforms, vessels, and other elevated structures.
• Exposure to loud noise, vibration, engine exhaust, and hazardous materials with required adherence to safety and disposal procedures.
• Wear Personal Protective Equipment at all times in work areas, including safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, steel-toed footwear, and other PPE as required.

Security

• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. An active clearance is not required to start, but candidates must be able to pass a background investigation as a condition of employment.
• This role may require access to export-controlled information or items. Candidates must qualify as a U.S. Person as defined by applicable law (U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or certain protected classes of asylees and refugees).

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 100% of the premium under the basic plan 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 with company match.
• 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.
• Pet Insurance: Discounted pet insurance options including 24/7 Telehealth helpline.
• 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.