SlipstreamJobs tracks this role from the company's public career site. Apply directly on the employer's site.
Saronic Technologies is developing autonomous surface vessels for maritime defense. As a Commissioning Assistant Engineer, you will support the Chief Engineer in commissioning and operating the engine room and associated machinery aboard novel autonomous vessels.
You will ensure that marine systems—including main propulsion, auxiliary machinery, fuel oil, lubrication, cooling, and environmental equipment—are properly tested, validated, and integrated with the vessel's autonomy and software control systems. This role bridges traditional maritime engineering with cutting-edge autonomous technology, supporting manned, remote, and fully autonomous operating modes.
Key responsibilities include:
- Support commissioning activities including system testing, validation, and troubleshooting prior to and during vessel operation
- Collaborate with autonomy and software engineering teams to verify integration between machinery control systems and the autonomy stack across all operating modes
- Develop, write, and refine standard operating procedures, checklists, and technical documentation from scratch in a novel commissioning environment
- Perform assigned maintenance on vessel machinery under Chief Engineer direction
- Maintain on-call availability while on-hitch to address operational issues
- Assist with spare parts inventory and ordering
- Support shipboard execution of mission objectives
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously with strong organizational and time management skills
- Collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams including autonomy, software, and senior management
The ideal candidate possesses strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities, solid grasp of vessel engineering systems, ability to work both independently and as part of a team, and a steadfast commitment to safety and maritime regulations. You will help build procedures and processes in a novel commissioning environment and draft technical documentation where none previously existed.
Physical demands include: ability to certify as fit for work (swimming/treading water), frequently lift/push/carry up to 50 lbs, operate in marine environments (sun, wind, rain, cold, saltwater) often for extended periods, work in daylight/low-light/night conditions, perform physically demanding work (stooping, bending, reaching, kneeling, crawling) for up to 12 hours/day, climb ladders and maintain balance on high structures, stand and walk up to 10 hours daily over varied terrain, work in hot/humid environments, detect alarms and verbal instructions in high-noise settings, and wear required PPE.
Schedule: Projected 28/28 on-hitch/off-hitch rotation with travel to multiple locations.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)
- National Assistant Engineer of Motor Vessels, Unlimited Horsepower Endorsement, OR Designated Duty Engineer, Unlimited Horsepower Endorsement
- STCW Endorsements: Officer in Charge of an Engineering Watch (OICEW), Basic Training, Advanced Firefighting
- Valid USCG STCW Medical Certificate
- Valid TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) and Passport
- Working knowledge of maritime engineering systems, particularly electrical systems
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a group
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with cross-functional collaboration ability
- Pass background check and USCG/DOT drug testing prior to onboarding
- Security clearance eligibility and U.S. Person status (as defined by export control regulations)
- Ability to commit to projected 28/28 schedule
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Familiarity with jet-drive marine engines
- Experience with autonomous or unmanned systems
- Experience with software engineering
- Experience with automation systems
- Working toward higher-grade engineering license or endorsements
