Vessel Operations and Customer Success Lead

Sea Machines Robotics; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 95,000; 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 operation, testing, and deployment of autonomous vessels. This role blends seamanship with cutting-edge marine technology, requiring comfort operating vessels manually while assisting autonomous system testing.

You will work with engineering, field operations and customers to ensure safe, efficient vessel operations on and off the water. Travel up to 40% domestically and internationally.

Qualifications

• Holder of USCG Merchant Mariner Credential and ability to operate vessels safely.
• Minimum 3+ years operating commercial or government vessels.
• Strong knowledge of navigation, seamanship, COLREGS and marine safety.
• Experience with varying weather and sea conditions.
• Willingness to travel up to 40% and obtain passport.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate company vessels during testing, demonstrations and training.
• Conduct pre-departure inspections and ensure readiness.
• Monitor systems, propulsion, navigation and autonomous controls.
• Assist engineers with integration, commissioning, validation.
• Record test data and document issues.
• Coordinate with regulators, marinas, ports and support vessels.
• Travel domestically and internationally to support operations.

Skills

USCG Merchant Mariner Credential

Vessel operation experience

Navigation

COLREGS

Marine safety

Test and troubleshooting

Documentation

Travel readiness

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