Mission Operations Engineer (Program)

NightDragon Acquisition Corp.; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental and Vision Insurance

Generous PTO and Holidays

Parental Leave

Competitive Salary

Retirement Plan

Stock Options

Life and Disability Insurance

Pet Insurance

Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks

Job summary

NightDragon Acquisition Corp. is looking for a Mission Operations Engineer to support the deployment and validation of autonomous surface vessels. The role involves detailed testing, data analysis, and collaboration with various teams to ensure compliance and performance of the systems.

The ideal candidate should have at least a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Engineering and must possess hands-on engineering experience, along with strong problem-solving skills.

This position requires travel and offers a range of comprehensive benefits, including medical and dental insurance, paid time off, and stock options.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of hands-on engineering experience (design teams and previous internships qualify).
• Experience with robotics, AI, or machine learning applications.
• Understanding of DoD requirements and standards for autonomous systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop deep understanding of vehicle HW and SW architecture.
• Lead planning and execution of structured field tests for vessel performance.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot autonomy and onboard hardware or software.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Troubleshooting skills

Understanding of HW/SW architecture

Knowledge of networking protocols

Sensor integration

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field

Tools

Rust

Python

Marine navigation systems

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 Overview

As a Mission Operations Engineer, you will be hands‑on with the deployment, validation, and iterative improvement of our autonomous surface vessels. You will be a member of the Integrity & Performance element, the focused execution arm for high‑priority validation efforts that strengthen product confidence, improve capability performance, and increase reliability. Your work will directly support both project‑based deliverables (e.g., capability rollouts) and ongoing programs (e.g., V1 software release). You will help ensure our systems meet rigorous technical and operational standards through detailed testing, data analysis, and cross‑functional coordination. You are able to meet deadlines and achieve desired outcomes as both an individual contributor and as a part of your team.

Responsibilities

How you support the mission

• Develop deep understanding of vehicle HW and SW architecture, and how the vehicle operates as an integrated system.
• Lead planning and execution of structured field tests for vessel performance pertaining to autonomous navigation, perception, communications, and sensor integration, among other vessel functionalities.
• Diagnose and perform real‑time troubleshooting of autonomy, networking, and onboard hardware or software during test events.
• Implement solutions for testing, safety of vessel operations, and system robustness to maximize efficiency.
• Own data logging and telemetry monitoring systems; ensure data integrity for post‑test analysis.
• Contribute to root cause corrective action (RCCA) and issue triage workflows after field anomalies, with reporting to relevant review boards to eliminate repeat issues.
• Support day‑to‑day operation of autonomous vessels and support craft, using telemetry and onboard diagnostics to diagnose issues and improve reliability.
• Ensure testing aligns with DoD performance, compliance, and safety standards when applicable.

How you support the team

• Lead planning and execution of test cases to validate software updates, autonomy behaviors, and integrated system functionality.
• Interface with autonomy, software, hardware, and systems teams to translate product requirements into field‑validated test objectives.
• Foster a collaborative and positive team environment, promoting open communication, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement.
• Develop test procedures, checklists, and safety protocols to support repeatable and safe vessel operation and overall mission execution while eliminating process waste.
• Create post‑mission reports with detailed logs, data plots, issue summaries, and engineering feedback.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field
• 1+ years of hands‑on engineering experience (design teams and previous internships qualify)

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong problem‑solving and troubleshooting skills (HW/SW) and ability to work effectively in challenging field conditions such as off‑shore in open water
• Experience and knowledge of best practices in planning and execution of complex test operations involving autonomous systems
• Knowledge of networking protocols and communication systems used in autonomous vessels
• Systems engineering experience, ability to understand multi‑disciplinary integrated systems
• Experience with sensor integration such as EO/IR, radar, IMU, and data processing
• Experience with integration and testing of multi‑disciplinary integrated systems
• Experience with robotics, AI, or machine learning applications
• Familiarity with software development in Rust, Python, or other languages and CLI environment
• Familiarity with maritime operations
• Understanding of DoD requirements and standards for autonomous systems
• Experience working with embedded systems and real‑time computing
• Job requires up to 50% travel.

Physical Demands

• Ability to certify as “fit for work” by demonstrating ability to swim and tread water
• Frequently and repetitively, lift, push and carry up to 75 lbs.
• Will be exposed to marine environments, including sun, wind, rain, cold, and saltwater spray, often for extended periods
• Must be able to operate in daylight, low‑light, and night conditions using marine navigation systems and visual cues
• Ability to perform physically demanding work for extended periods of time, up to 12 hours/day
• The ability to carry 20 lbs. up and down stairs

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.