USV Operator/Technician

Fathom Robotics; United States; On-site; USD 92,000 - 148,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Hazard pay

Per diem

Lodging

Transportation

Job summary

Fathom Robotics is hiring USV Operators / Technicians to support unmanned maritime operations for government and commercial programs. You will plan, execute, and operate USVs, perform pre- and post-mission checks, and troubleshoot subsystems in the field.

Deployment-based positions run 30–90 days, CONUS pre-deployment training, and OCONUS rotations. Requires active SECRET clearance and US person status; part‑time rotation with lodging and per diem benefits where applicable.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience operating or maintaining USVs, ROVs, or comparable unmanned maritime systems.
• Small craft handling and on-water operations experience.
• Mechanical and electrical troubleshooting on marine or field-deployed systems.
• Able to deploy OCONUS on short notice; valid U.S. passport.
• Comfortable operating in austere environments on extended field schedules.
• Physically able to perform boat operations and outdoor work.
• Active SECRET clearance.
• US person status required (defense program context).

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute unmanned maritime operations to meet customer objectives.
• Operate USVs during live operations, including launch, recovery, and on-water control.
• Perform pre-mission checks, system configuration, and post-mission maintenance.
• Troubleshoot propulsion, power, navigation, and communications subsystems in the field.
• Serve as customer liaison during operations, coordinating with military/government personnel.
• Deliver operator training and technical advisory support to customer personnel.
• Maintain mission logs, maintenance records, and operational reporting.

Skills

Operational USVs/ROVs

Small craft handling

Troubleshooting electrical/mechanical

OCONUS deployment readiness

Austere environment work

Physical stamina for field ops

Active SECRET clearance

US person status

Education

Engineering degree or related field

Military unmanned systems / ops background

OCONUS deployment experience

Tools

Ground control station experience

ArduPilot/MAVLink experience

SATCOM setup and troubleshooting

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 USV Operators / Technicians to assist with the planning, execution, and operation of unmanned maritime operations for government customers. Services include operational support, customer liaison, system troubleshooting, training, and technical advisory support as required to meet customer objectives. Engineers who want hands‑on field experience with operational unmanned systems are encouraged to apply.

Operators work directly alongside active duty service members and government personnel on real‑world mission requirements.

LOCATION: Deployment based, no home station; CONUS training and OCONUS rotations, locations vary by tasking

WORK TYPE: Contract, rotational deployments (typically 30 to 90 days), short‑notice tasking

CLEARANCE: Active SECRET clearance required

COMPENSATION: $500 to $700 per day base, commensurate with experience, plus hazard pay, per diem, lodging, and transportation

PROGRAM CONDITIONS

This is a short‑notice, deployment‑based position. Selected operators complete CONUS pre‑deployment training, then deploy OCONUS on rotations of 30 to 90 days depending on availability and tasking. Work environments include vessels, piers, and austere field sites, with extended days during active operations. Between taskings the schedule is flexible.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan and execute unmanned maritime operations in support of customer objectives
• Operate USVs during live operations, including launch, recovery, and on‑water control
• Conduct pre‑mission checks, system configuration, and post‑mission maintenance
• Troubleshoot and repair propulsion, power, navigation, and communications subsystems in the field
• Serve as customer liaison during operations, coordinating daily with military and government personnel
• Deliver operator training and technical advisory support to customer personnel
• Maintain mission logs, maintenance records, and operational reporting

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Hands‑on experience operating or maintaining USVs, ROVs, or comparable unmanned maritime systems
• Small craft handling and on‑water operations experience
• Mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills on marine or field‑deployed systems
• Able to deploy OCONUS on short notice; valid U.S. passport
• Comfortable operating in austere environments on extended field schedules
• Physically able to perform boat operations, lifting, and sustained outdoor work
• Active SECRET clearance
• US person status required (defense program context)

PREFERRED BACKGROUNDS

• Degree in electrical, mechanical, or a related engineering field
• Military unmanned systems, small boat, or expeditionary operations background (NSW, NECC, EOD, surface fleet, or similar)
• Ground control station experience (Mission Planner, QGroundControl, or similar)
• ArduPilot or MAVLink‑based system experience
• Gas or diesel small craft engine maintenance
• SATCOM setup and troubleshooting
• Prior OCONUS deployment experience

Benefits

This is a part‑time position and is not eligible for health benefits.

Compensation:$500 to $800 per day, commensurate with experience