Vessel Operations and Customer Success Lead

Shoptalk; 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 seeks a hands-on Vessel Operator to support the operation, testing, and deployment of autonomous vessels. This role blends traditional seamanship with advanced marine technology, requiring comfort operating vessels manually while supporting autonomous system testing and development.

You will work closely with engineering, field operations, and customers to ensure safe, efficient vessel operations both on and off the water, with travel to support projects domestically and

Qualifications

• USCG Merchant Mariner Credential 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 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%.

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.

Skills

USCG Credential

Vessel operation experience

Navigation & seamanship

Weather readiness

Mechanical troubleshooting

Marine electronics (GPS, radar, AIS)

Communication & docs

Travel willingness 40%

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