Small Research Vessel Captain

Leidos LLC; United States; Remote; USD 104,000 - 141,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Wellness programs

Retirement plan

Paid leave

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Small Research Vessel Captain for Palmer Station in Antarctica for the austral summer season (Oct-April). The role supports waterfront operations, serves as one of three resident mariners, and advises Station Management on marine operations.

Responsibilities include operating and maintaining a fleet of small boats and two 30' vessels, conducting maritime training, and ensuring safety. Deployment to Antarctica may be required up to 6 months annually; US Citizenship and a

Qualifications

• Active NSF Public Trust Security Clearance (or eligibility) required.
• US Citizenship required by contract.
• Minimum three years of Captain experience or equivalent vessel maintenance experience.
• Minimum two years of experience driving motorized small vessels.
• Experience in commercial marine operations (merchant marine, fisheries, boatyards).
• Knowledge of small vessel operation, trailering, troubleshooting and maintenance.
• Ability to perform safety training and oversight for marine operations.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain a fleet of small boats and two 30' research vessels.
• Provide marine safety training and oversight for station personnel.
• Maintain vessel logs, fuel usage, and maintenance records.
• Prepare documentation for boating operations, including JHAs and SOPs.
• Oversee mooring maintenance and shop area safety and cleanliness.
• Support waterfront operations and advise station management on marine operations.

Skills

Maritime operations

USCG Captain's license

Vessel maintenance

Safety training

Seamanship and navigation

Problem solving

Verbal and written communication

Tools

Small boats handling

Oceanographic equipment handling

Job description

Must have an active NSF Public Trust Security Clearance to be considered. The Marine Division of the Antarctic Support Contract at Leidos has an opening for a Small Research Vessel Captain to work at Palmer Station, Antarctica for the coming austral summer season (Oct-April). The Small R/V Captain supports all aspects of waterfront operations at Palmer Station. The Small R/V Captain acts as one of three resident professional mariners on Station, advising Station Management on all aspects of marine operation.

Duties consist of operating and maintaining a fleet of fifteen active small boats, plus a number of reserve vessels, and executing all aspects of maritime training and safety for Station residents.

*** Deployment to Antarctica may be necessary at the discretion of management (approximately 6 months/year). The candidate in the position must complete the physical and dental examinations required by the NSF for deploying to Antarctica. ***

Due to contract requirements, US Citizenship is required. Must obtain a Public Trust security clearance prior to start date. This process could take up to 4 months.

Your greatest work is ahead!

About the Antarctic Support Contract:

Leidos Antarctic Support Contract (ASC) is the prime contractor to the National Science Foundation (NSF) in support of the United States Antarctic Program (USAP). Leidos supports the NSF’s Office of Polar Program’s Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics by aligning with their Mission and Vision Statements: Vision: Expanding our scientific reach in Antarctica through increased operational and logistical effectiveness. Mission: To provide the operational and logistical platform necessary for the U.S. to conduct world-class science in Antarctica and maintain its active and influential presence on the continent. Leidos ASC provides science and logistics support for approximately 150 science and technical events across three geographically remote research stations; McMurdo Station, Palmer Station, and South Pole Station and several deep field sites across Antarctica. Each station or field site supports world class research across multiple science disciplines. The planning and implementation of science support requirements in Antarctica is a critical part of our mission.

To learn more about the Leidos Antarctic Support contract.

Are you ready to join a team dedicated to a mission?

The Challenge:

• Maintains accountability for, commitment to, and involvement with personal, co-worker, community, and project safety as a constant priority
• Operates and maintains a fleet of an average of fifteen active small boats, including inflatable boats and outboard motors, as well as the two 30' research vessels in the program
• Operates vehicles and equipment to launch and recover the small boats via trailer and oversees maintenance of said equipment, including, but not limited to, inboard diesel, hydraulics, outboard motors, inflatable boats, and rigid hull inflatables
• Provides training and oversite for station personnel in marine safety which may include basic seamanship, dead reckoning and electronic navigation, radio protocol, small boat handling, creating a float plan, rough weather operations, sea ice operations, vessel safety, cold water survival, deployment of oceanographic systems, trailering vessels, procedures for conducting operations in remote settings, and other topics as needed
• Maintains records of daily operations including vessel logs, situation reports, fuel usage, equipment maintenance, vessel launch/recovery, and turnover reports
• Prepares and maintains documentation for Palmer Station boating operations, including JHA's and Standard Operating Procedures
• Maintains stock and records of extensive spares inventory in order fully support the scientific program
• Performs timely inspections of safety, lifesaving, firefighting, and other emergency equipment
• Responsible for mooring maintenance
• Responsible for the safety and cleanliness of various shop areas

What Sets You Apart:

• USCG Captain's OUVP license. During seasons at Station where no 30' RHIBs are present, equivalent experience will be accepted
• Minimum three years of experience acting as Captain, or, in seasons with no RHIB operation, equivalent experience in vessel maintenance
• Minimum of two years of experience driving motorized small vessels
• Minimum two years of experience maintaining small vessel systems and hulls, or equivalent
• Experience in commercial marine operations such as merchant marine, fisheries, or boatyards
• Comprehensive knowledge of small vessel operation, trailering, troubleshooting and maintenance
• Proven ability to repair and troubleshoot engines and/or machinery including 4-stroke outboards, diesel, and inflatables
• High level independent problem-solving and multi-tasking skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong customer service skills

You May Also Have:

• USCG 25-ton (or higher) Captain's license
• Experience working on vessels with customers and/or students
• College level coursework in marine or a science-related field
• High-latitude experience is a plus
• Experience transporting, handling, deploying and retrieving oceanographic sampling equipment

At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting: July 9, 2026

Pay Range:

Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00 The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers.

Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement.

More details are available here.

Commitment and Diversity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.