Uncrewed Vessel Operator

Lynker Corporation; Leesburg (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive healthcare at no cost

401(k) retirement plan with company matching

Tuition assistance and training reimbursement

Job summary

Lynker Corporation is looking for an Uncrewed Vessel Operator to support offshore energy expansion and marine resource management. The role involves operating underwater vehicles and requires a background in marine science or engineering.

The successful candidate must be comfortable with extended travel at sea and have relevant technical experience. Benefits include comprehensive healthcare, competitive compensation, and educational assistance.

Qualifications

• Support operations at sea on board NOAA vessels for up to 30 consecutive days.
• Ability to lift 45 lb. objects and work in confined spaces.
• Yearly travel requirement of 50% or more.

Responsibilities

• Stand pilot watches ensuring safety during semi-autonomous operations.
• Monitor vessel status feedback and perform troubleshooting.
• Maintain record keeping during watches.

Skills

Experience operating USVs, UUVs, or Underwater Gliders

Boat handling and seamanship

Collaboration and communication

Experience with satellite, cellular, and RF telemetry systems

Experience with maritime situational awareness

Education

Associate’s Degree or higher in Marine Technology, Marine Science, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering

Tools

Multibeam Sonars

Side Scan Sonars

Acoustic systems

GNSS, INS/IMU, USBL

Job description

Overview

The mission of Lynker Corporation is to deliver innovative solutions to support global environmental security and economic prosperity as a trusted partner to governments, communities, and industry. With the growing demand for offshore energy expansion, marine natural resource management, and coastal resilience to environmental threats, there has been a need for more advanced and efficient hydrographic mapping systems. Lynker leverages cutting‑edge technologies and scientific expertise to support the expansion of mapping across the US Exclusive Economic Zone using Uncrewed Systems (UxS), which include Uncrewed Surface Vehicles (USV), Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles (UUV), and Underwater Gliders. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for innovation, Lynker is leading the way in providing operational, logistical, and training support for Uncrewed Systems.

We are seeking individuals who can help our team support our contract with NOAA Uncrewed Marine Systems Division (UMSD) and other partners in UxS Industry. The Uncrewed Systems Operator must have experience operating hydrographic survey or oceanographic research technologies. This position involves travelling for long durations at sea aboard vessels or to Remote Operations Centers (ROC). A strong background in marine science, information technology, or mechanical engineering is desirable. If you are interested in joining a dynamic team and working with advanced marine technologies, review the Responsibilities and Qualifications for this position.

This position is contingent upon contract award.

Responsibilities

Duties of the Uncrewed Vessel Operator will include, but not be limited to, the following:

• The primary duty of a UxS Operator is to stand pilot watches with the responsibility of maintaining the safety of the public and of the vessel while at sea under semi‑autonomous operations.
• 8‑12 hr night or day watches based in a regional Remote Operating Center, or from a host vessel at sea.
• Ensure the safety of navigation and situational awareness of the vehicle during operations.
• Monitor vessel status feedback, telemetry stability and configuration, and basic data acquisition control.
• Operate troubleshooting technical and software issues, and relay that information to the watch supervisor.
• Maintain proper record keeping during watches and in diagnostic scenarios.

Qualifications

The Uncrewed Vessel Operator selected should have the following:

• Associate’s Degree or higher in at least one of the following: Marine Technology, Marine Science, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering.
• Support operations at sea on board NOAA vessels, or at a regional remote operation center, for up to 30 consecutive days at a time.
• Ability to lift 45 lb. objects, climb ladders, and work in confined spaces.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively in an interagency atmosphere.
• Yearly travel 50% or more.

The Ideal Uncrewed Vessel Operator will have the following:

• Experience operating USVs, UUVs, or Underwater Gliders is desired.
• Experience in boat handling and seamanship: licensed boater or captain is desired.
• Experience implementing COLREGs into the safety of navigation of UxS.
• Experience with operating satellite, cellular, and RF telemetry systems.
• Experience with maritime situational awareness using AIS, FLIR, ECDIS, LiDAR, and RADAR.
• Experience with data acquisition using Multibeam Sonars, Side Scan Sonars, and acoustic systems is desired.
• Experience with marine positioning systems using GNSS, INS/IMU, or USBL.

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost.
• Healthcare benefit covers medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision.
• Personal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidays.
• Highly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company‑matching.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Employee assistance program (EAP).
• Short‑ and long‑term disability insurance.
• Life and accident insurance.
• Tuition assistance/Training/Workforce improvement reimbursement per year.
• Spot bonuses for exceptional performance.
• Annual Employee Recognition Awards with bonuses.
• Employee Referral Program.
• Free centralized, self‑directed Learning Management System.
• Personalized career growth plans for every employee.

Lynker is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local laws.