Marine Electrical Systems Technician

Fathom Robotics; Oxnard (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health reimbursement (ICHRA)

401(k) plan

Job summary

Fathom Robotics in California seeks a Marine Electrical Systems Technician to own the electrical reliability of the uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) we operate and maintain. You will diagnose and fix power distribution, charging, and battery problems, ensuring payloads get clean, dependable power on every underway.

You will set electrical standards for payload connections, work with the vessel manufacturer and government customers on configuration changes, and be on the water when it counts.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical or trade school training preferred.
• 3+ years of hands‑on marine or electrical experience on AC and DC systems.
• ABYC certification or willingness to obtain within six months of hire; knowledge of ABYC E-11.
• Experience with lithium battery systems, battery management systems, and alternator charging.
• Ability to read and draw electrical schematics, calculate loads, and size conductors and breakers.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and repair AC and DC power systems on USVs, including shore power, inverters, alternators, house and engine start batteries, battery switches, breakers, and GFCI protection.
• Hardwire payload power to the AC distribution panel on dedicated, correctly sized circuits and breakers.
• Build a power budget for each hull and payload configuration, covering average load, peak load, and startup (inrush) current.
• Verify charging and load performance from onboard data and sea trial logs, and write short findings reports after trials and events.
• Set electrical installation standards and payload power requirements so payload teams build to a known specification.
• Coordinate with the vessel manufacturer and government customers on any change to vessel electrical configuration, and document every modification as installed.
• Run pre‑underway electrical checks and respond to power faults during test events.

Skills

Schematic reading

Load calculations

Electrical troubleshooting

On-water field operations

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

ABYC marine electrical certification

ABYC E-11 knowledge

ABYC E-13 knowledge

Tools

Multimeter

Clamp meter

Data logger

CAN/NMEA 2000 software

Job description

ABOUT FATHOM ROBOTICS

Fathom Robotics provides operations, maintenance, training, and applied engineering services for uncrewed maritime systems supporting U.S. Government and commercial defense programs. We have multiple active projects across a variety of government and commercial clients and are actively fielding systems in operational environments.

ROLE OVERVIEW

Fathom Robotics is hiring a Marine Electrical Systems Technician to own the electrical reliability of the uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) we operate and maintain. You will diagnose and fix power distribution, charging, and battery problems, and make sure customer payloads get clean, dependable power on every underway.

You will set the electrical standards for how payloads connect to our vessels, work directly with the vessel manufacturer and government customers on configuration changes, and be on the water when it counts.

Every payload on the water depends on power you designed and verified.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

• Morning: pull charging and load data from yesterday’s sea trial and check it against the power budget for that hull
• Midday: hardwire a payload to the AC distribution panel on its own correctly sized breaker, then test it under load
• Afternoon: write up the findings, update the payload power requirements, and coordinate any configuration change with the manufacturer

PROGRAM CONDITIONS

Work is split between the shop and field events on the water. Field events involve boat operations and outdoor coastal environments in all weather conditions typical to the Southern California coast. The position follows a standard schedule, full‑time or part‑time by arrangement, with the expectation that test milestones and demonstration events will require additional or adjusted availability, including early mornings and occasional weekend work tied to vessel operations. Occasional travel to other ranges and test sites is required.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Troubleshoot and repair AC and DC power systems on USVs, including shore power, inverters, alternators, house and engine start batteries, battery switches, breakers, and GFCI protection Hardwire payload power to the AC distribution panel on dedicated, correctly sized circuits and breakers
• Build a power budget for each hull and payload configuration, covering average load, peak load, and startup (inrush) current
• Verify charging and load performance from onboard data and sea trial logs, and write short findings reports after trials and events
• Set electrical installation standards and payload power requirements so payload teams build to a known specification
• Coordinate with the vessel manufacturer and government customers on any change to vessel electrical configuration, and document every modification as installed
• Run pre‑underway electrical checks and respond to power faults during test events
• Work with Fathom engineers and payload teams to trace integration faults, such as communications dropouts, back to power or grounding causes

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical or trade school training preferred
• 3+ years of hands‑on marine or equivalent electrical experience on AC and DC systems
• ABYC marine electrical certification, or willingness to obtain it within six months of hire; working knowledge of ABYC E-11 (AC and DC electrical systems on boats)
• Experience with lithium battery systems, battery management systems, and alternator charging
• Ability to read and draw electrical schematics, calculate loads, and size conductors and breakers
• Skill with diagnostic tools: multimeter, clamp meter, data logger, and CAN or NMEA 2000 diagnostic software
• Comfortable working on and around the water, including boat operations and outdoor field conditions
• Able to lift 50 pounds and perform physical work in a shop, in confined spaces, and in a marine field environment
• Valid driver’s license
• U.S. Person status required (defense program context)
• Must be able to pass a background check and be eligible to obtain a SECRET clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Training in ABYC E-13 (lithium‑ion batteries)
• Experience on military or commercial small craft, uncrewed vessels, or high‑power payload integration
• Electrical engineering or power electronics background, by degree or experience
• Prior service as a Navy, Coast Guard, or Marine Corps electrician, electronics technician, or equivalent
• Experience with satellite communications terminals and their power and grounding requirements
• Experience supporting Navy or defense contractor field operations, and writing technical reports for government customers
• Active SECRET clearance

We offer a flexible ICHRA (Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement), so you choose the health plan that fits you instead of a one‑size‑fits‑all option. Eligible employees receive up to $750 per month toward an individual plan, selected through a simple online marketplace, and any unused funds can go toward other eligible medical expenses. We also offer a 401(k) plan to help you save for the future.

Compensation: Full‑time, $95,000–$135,000 salary, commensurate with experience. Part‑time, $46–$65 per hour, commensurate with experience.

Fathom Robotics is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.