Diesel Technician, Instructor

Saronic Technologies; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Saronic Technologies in Virginia Beach, VA is seeking a Diesel Technician Instructor to design, develop, and deliver advanced technical training programs focused on diesel propulsion systems supporting autonomous surface vessels.

The role blends curriculum development, hands-on maintenance training, field-based support, and certification pathways to ensure crews and DoD partners stay mission-ready.

Qualifications

• Proven experience delivering technical instruction in diesel systems.
• Hands-on maintenance and field support background.
• Strong communication across technical and non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead instructor-led training on diesel propulsion and maintenance.
• Develop and update training materials, SOPs, and manuals.
• Deliver hands-on labs, field trainings, and assessments.

Skills

Technical instruction

Field maintenance

Communication

Travel readiness

Training delivery

Tools

Diagnostic tools

Oscilloscopes

Scan tools

Multimeters

Job description

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.

Saronic is seeking a Diesel Technician Instructor to design, develop, and deliver advanced technical training programs focused on diesel propulsion systems supporting our autonomous surface vessels (ASVs). This role blends curriculum development, hands‑on maintenance training, and field‑based technical support to ensure mission readiness across internal teams, contracted customers, and DoD partners.

You will be responsible for both creating and executing hands‑on training initiatives that encompass diesel engine maintenance, diagnostics, repair, and system troubleshooting. This role also contributes to team readiness, supports development of professional certification pathways, drives technical standards, and ensures personnel are prepared to maintain and sustain Saronic-operated vessels in operational environments.

Responsibilities

Training Delivery & Instruction

• Lead instructor‑led training for internal personnel and external customers on diesel engine systems, maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting workflows
• Facilitate hands‑on labs, practical maintenance exercises, and field‑based training events
• Serve as the primary interface for trainee learning, ensuring comprehension, engagement, and technical proficiency
• Evaluate trainee performance, administer assessments, and provide actionable feedback and remediation
• Lead certification events and qualification checkouts for diesel maintenance personnel

Curriculum & Content Development

• Translate real-world maintenance workflows and technical procedures into structured, scalable training programs
• Develop and maintain training materials, including lesson plans, SOPs, technical guides, and practical exercises
• Continuously refine curriculum based on field experience, trainee performance, and system updates
• Partner with Engineering, Product, and Mission Operations teams to ensure training reflects current configurations and approved maintenance practices

Customer Training & Enablement

• Own customer onboarding and training delivery for diesel maintenance programs
• Translate complex mechanical and electrical concepts into clear, operator-focused instruction
• Act as a trusted technical advisor to customers during training and early operational deployment
• Gather feedback from trainees and customers to inform improvements to training and maintenance processes

Field Operations & Training Support

• Support on-site and on-water training events, demonstrations, and mission scenarios
• Diagnose and troubleshoot diesel engine issues in operational environments while incorporating lessons into training
• Ensure training environments reflect real-world maintenance conditions and operational constraints
• Assist with validation of maintenance procedures and system performance in field settings

Systems Maintenance & Technical Expertise

• Perform and instruct routine maintenance tasks including oil changes, filter replacements, and fluid checks
• Diagnose and repair diesel engine malfunctions, mechanical issues, and electrical faults
• Inspect, test, overhaul, and rebuild diesel engine systems including fuel systems, turbochargers, and exhaust systems
• Utilize diagnostic tools, technical manuals, and schematics to support troubleshooting and instruction
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance procedures, service history, and system performance

Team Collaboration

• Collaborate with Mission Training, Engineering, Mission Operations, and Product teams to align training with system updates
• Support knowledge transfer from development teams into training programs
• Foster a collaborative, learning-focused environment across instructors and trainees
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to other instructors and maintenance personnel

Role Requirements

• Demonstrated success in technical instruction, field maintenance, or hands‑on mechanical leadership roles
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to support multiple training events
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences
• Demonstrated problem‑solving ability in dynamic operational environments
• Ability to travel up to 50% in support of training and field operations

Qualifications

• 4–8+ years of experience as a diesel technician, preferably in marine or heavy equipment environments
• Marine Diesel and/or Volvo VODIA experience strongly preferred
• Proven experience diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining diesel engines and related systems
• Strong mechanical aptitude with ability to read and interpret technical manuals, diagrams, and schematics
• Experience with diagnostic tools such as scan tools, multimeters, and oscilloscopes
• Experience in maritime, defense, or regulated environments preferred