Director of Ship Maintenance, MUSV

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms.

Job Summary:

Saronic Technologies is seeking a strong, hands-on technical leader to launch, develop, and lead our MRO program in support of Saronic's growing fleet in the +150-foot length range.

This is a ground-zero role - ideal for someone with proven maritime repair/shipyard experience and the drive to build a program that shapes the next generation of MRO capabilities. Initially, you will support 2 to 5 ships with plans to grow beyond this as we rapidly scale.

You must establish relationships with shipyards, vendors, suppliers, docking/undocking facilities, and classification societies; define processes, policies, and KPIs for repair and overhaul; and manage execution of MRO work on Saronic's assets and vessels under contract.

Responsibilities

• Program Establishment & Strategy
• Define the vision, scope, and roadmap for Saronic's MRO program-covering in-service maintenance, periodic overhauls, emergent repairs, upgrades, and modifications for our growing fleet
• Build a budget, staffing, and investment plan for the MRO function
• Recruit, mentor, and lead a team of MRO engineers, planners, inspectors, and subcontractor oversight staff
• Shipyard & Vendor Relations
• Identify, evaluate, qualify, and negotiate with shipyards, repair yards, docking/undocking facilities, retrofit facilities, subcontractors, and specialty vendors to support global MRO capabilities
• Develop master service agreements, repair, and performance-based contracts to support MRO
• Act as the primary liaison between Saronic and external yards / contractors
• Project Execution & Oversight
• Oversee planning, scheduling, and execution of MRO work, both routine and capital (overhauls, refits, modifications)
• Ensure work is delivered on time, within budget, to technical and quality standards, and in compliance with classification society / regulatory requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Engineering, Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering or Marine Systems
• 5+ years of experience in maritime repair, shipyard operations, vessel maintenance, or MRO of marine systems
• Proven experience negotiating and managing shipyard / repair facility contracts and partnerships
• Hands-on technical experience with vessel systems, structural repairs, propulsion, HVAC, electrical systems, etc.
• Strong project management and scheduling skills (e.g. complex multi-month overhauls)
• Experience with classification and regulatory compliance
• Strong verbal and written communication, negotiation, stakeholder management skills
• Ability to travel regularly up to 75% of the time to oversee work at shipyards / repair sites
• Must be able to move about on foot to perform essential duties and work in outdoor environments under varied weather conditions (including heat, cold, rain, and wind).
• Preferred / Desirable
• Experience starting an MRO / repair program from scratch (greenfield)
• International / multi-jurisdiction repair & classification experience
• Knowledge of reliability / predictive maintenance (condition-based, prognostics)
• Experience with maintenance management systems / Salesforce
• Experience in defense / regulated maritime environment

Physical Demands

• Ability to certify as "fit for work" by demonstrating ability to swim and tread water
• Frequently and repetitively, lift, push and carry up to 75 lbs.
• Will be exposed to marine environments, including sun, wind, rain, cold, and saltwater spray, often for extended periods
• Must be able to operate in daylight, low-light, and night conditions using marine navigation systems and visual cues
• Ability to perform physically demanding work for extended periods of time, up to 12 hours/day
• The ability to carry 20 lbs. up and down stairs

Benefits

• Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services
• Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care
• Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents
• Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays
• Parental Leave: Paid…