Marine Mechanic - Gas/Diesel Small Craft

Fathom Robotics; Oxnard (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ICHRA health stipend

Health plan option with $750 stipend

Job summary

Fathom Robotics in Oxnard, CA is seeking a USV Marine Diesel Mechanic/Technician to maintain and troubleshoot uncrewed surface vessels supporting defense programs. You will service engines, hulls, propulsion, and electromechanical systems both in the shop and on-water during tests.

The role requires hands-on maintenance, problem solving in field conditions, and readiness for early mornings and occasional weekends.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical or trade school training, or an Associate's degree in a relevant field, preferred
• 3 or more years of hands-on mechanical maintenance experience, in marine, automotive, or a related field
• Working knowledge of small boat engines, hydraulic systems, and basic electrical troubleshooting
• Comfortable working on and around the water, including boat operations and outdoor field conditions
• Proficiency with common hand tools and power tools
• Able to lift 50 pounds and perform physical work in a shop and marine field environment
• Valid driver's license
• US person status required (defense program context)
• Must be able to pass a background check and be eligible to obtain a SECRET clearance

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on USV propulsion, hull, and mechanical systems
• Troubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical faults on vehicles in the shop and in the field
• Conduct pre-mission and post-mission inspections and maintenance checks
• Support vehicle launch and recovery operations from small boats and shore-based platforms
• Diagnose and resolve issues in real time during on-water test events and customer demonstrations
• Maintain parts inventory, tooling, and shop consumables needed to keep vehicles mission-ready
• Document maintenance actions, discrepancies, and repairs in test and maintenance logs
• Support packaging, staging, and transport of vehicles and support equipment to test sites

Skills

Mechanical maintenance

Hydraulic systems

Electrical troubleshooting

Tool proficiency

Boat operations

Physical endurance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate's degree in a relevant field (preferred)

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

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 USV Marine Diesel Mechanic/Technician to maintain and troubleshoot uncrewed surface vessels supporting active government and commercial defense programs in the Oxnard, CA area. You will keep vehicles field-ready: engines, hulls, propulsion, and the electromechanical systems that keep them running. You will work in the shop between test events and on the water during them, launching, recovering, and troubleshooting vehicles in real time alongside the operations team.

Location:

Oxnard, California (shop-based, with regular field work in and around Port Hueneme and on-water test areas)

Work Type:

Full-Time

Program Conditions:

Work is based out of a government facilities Port Hueneme and nearby on-water test locations. Field events involve boat operations and outdoor environments in all weather conditions typical to the Southern California coast. The position follows a standard full-time schedule 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.

Responsibilities:

• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on USV propulsion, hull, and mechanical systems
• Troubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical faults on vehicles in the shop and in the field
• Conduct pre-mission and post-mission inspections and maintenance checks
• Support vehicle launch and recovery operations from small boats and shore-based platforms
• Diagnose and resolve issues in real time during on-water test events and customer demonstrations
• Maintain parts inventory, tooling, and shop consumables needed to keep vehicles mission-ready
• Document maintenance actions, discrepancies, and repairs in test and maintenance logs
• Support packaging, staging, and transport of vehicles and support equipment to test sites

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical or trade school training, or an Associate's degree in a relevant field, preferred
• 3 or more years of hands-on mechanical maintenance experience, in marine, automotive, or a related field
• Working knowledge of small boat engines, hydraulic systems, and basic electrical troubleshooting
• Comfortable working on and around the water, including boat operations and outdoor field conditions
• Proficiency with common hand tools and power tools
• Able to lift 50 pounds and perform physical work in a shop and marine field environment
• Valid driver's license
• US person status required (defense program context)
• Must be able to pass a background check and be eligible to obtain a SECRET clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

• USCG license or other maritime credentials
• Prior experience maintaining unmanned or autonomous surface vessels
• Forklift operator
• Small boat operation experience
• Welding, fiberglass, or fabrication skills
• Outboard or diesel engine certifications
• Prior experience supporting Navy or defense contractor field operations

We offer a flexible ICHRA (Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement) plan, giving employees the freedom to choose their own health coverage through an online shopping platform. Each employee receives a $750 stipend to put toward their plan, and the funds can also be used toward other eligible health expenses. This approach lets you tailor your coverage to fit your individual needs rather than a one-size-fits-all option.

Compensation:

$95,000 - $155,000, commensurate with experience.