Vessel Operations and Customer Success Lead

North Eastern Services; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Dental insurance

Disability insurance

Flexible spending account

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Vision insurance

Job summary

Sea Machines Robotics is seeking a hands-on Vessel Operator to support testing, deployment, and operation of autonomous marine vessels. This role blends traditional seamanship with cutting-edge marine technology, requiring comfort operating vessels manually while assisting autonomous system testing and troubleshooting.

You will work with engineering, field operations, and customers to ensure safe, efficient vessel operations on water and in port, with opportunities for travel and

Qualifications

• USCG Merchant Mariner Credential is required.
• 3+ years operating commercial or government vessels.
• Strong knowledge of navigation, seamanship, COLREGS and marine safety.
• Experience operating vessels in varying weather and sea conditions.
• Mechanical aptitude with ability to troubleshoot marine systems.
• Proficiency with marine electronics: GPS, radar, AIS, chart plotters.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills; travel up to 40%.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate company vessels during testing, demonstrations, customer trials, and training.
• Conduct pre‑departure inspections and ensure vessels are ready for operation.
• Monitor vessel systems, propulsion, navigation equipment, and autonomous controls.
• Execute test plans and collect accurate test data.
• Assist engineers with integration, commissioning, and validation of new hardware and software.
• Identify and document vessel or system issues during operations.
• Support launch, recovery, transport, and storage of vessels and equipment.
• Coordinate with regulatory agencies, marinas, ports, and support vessels as needed.
• Ensure compliance with USCG regulations and company safety procedures.
• Assist with customer demonstrations, training events, and field deployments.
• Travel domestically and internationally to support operations.

Skills

USCG Merchant Mariner Credential

3+ years operating vessels

navigation and seamanship

COLREGS and marine safety

weather condition experience

mechanical troubleshooting

GPS

Radar

AIS

Chart plotters

Tools

GPS

Radar

AIS

Chart plotters

Job description

Sea Machines Robotics Sea Machines is a fast-growing startup specializing in autonomous technology for marine vessels. The world’s oceans convey 90% of global commerce. We’re applying practical A.I. to disrupt the massive marine and maritime transportation market. Our tech provides ships and workboats the intelligence to operate autonomously and remotely, and which increases safety for maritime crews, and radically improves operator productivity.

www.sea-machines.com

Job Summary

We're looking for a hands-on, safety-focused Vessel Operator to support the operation, testing, and deployment of cutting-edge autonomous vessels. This role combines traditional seamanship with advanced marine technology, requiring someone who is comfortable operating vessels manually while supporting autonomous system testing, troubleshooting, and continuous product development.

You’ll work closely with engineering, field operations, and customers to ensure safe, efficient, and successful vessel operations both on and off the water.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely operate company vessels during testing, demonstrations, customer trials, and training.
• Conduct pre‑departure inspections and ensure vessels are ready for operation.
• Monitor vessel systems, propulsion, navigation equipment, and autonomous control systems during operations.
• Execute test plans and operational procedures while collecting accurate test data.
• Assist engineers with integration, commissioning, and validation of new hardware and software.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and document vessel or system issues encountered during operations.
• Support launch, recovery, transport, and storage of vessels and equipment.
• Coordinate with regulatory agencies, marinas, ports, and support vessels when required.
• Ensure compliance with all USCG regulations and company safety procedures.
• Assist with customer demonstrations, training events, and field deployments.
• Travel domestically and internationally to support vessel operations and customer projects.

Qualifications and Skills

• USCG Merchant Mariner Credential
• 3+ years operating commercial or government vessels
• Strong knowledge of navigation, seamanship, COLREGS, and marine safety
• Experience operating vessels in varying weather and sea conditions
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot marine systems
• Comfortable using marine electronics including GPS, radar, AIS, and chart plotters
• Excellent communication and documentation skills
• Valid passport and willingness to travel up to 40%

Job Type

Full-time, hybrid in-office position in a fast‑paced and collaborative work environment with travel opportunities.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance