Unmanned Surface Vehicle Operations Technician

USV (Unmanned Surface Vehicle) Operations Technician

USV Operations Technician

Full-time:
Average of 40 hours per week

Full time, hourly: $35 - $45/ hour (overtime eligible)

This position is in Groton, CT

Have a passion for technology, innovation, and the ocean? We’re looking for energetic talent with experience in undersea or maritime operations to help continue growing as a leader in deployable autonomous maritime solutions for government and commercial customers. We’re looking for a USV Ops Tech to join our Surveillance System team. Our team is responsible for the safe operation of a variety of unmanned boat systems.

Thayer Mahan is an industry leader in unmanned maritime system/payload integration, and our unmanned operators and Ops personnel are at the tip of that spear, delivering efficient maritime domain awareness.

In this enhanced role, you will also lead field deployments, mentor junior technicians, coordinate vessel movements, support engineering with troubleshooting and test documentation, and contribute operational feedback to improve system reliability.

• U.S. Citizen (required)
• Active DoD security clearance or ability to obtain one
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Strong computer skills
• Detail-oriented with disciplined documentation practices
• Ability to ramp up quickly on technical subject matters
• Creative problem solver
• Full, clean Driver’s License
• Reliable transportation
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs
• Must pass DOT/USCG physicals and complete STCW/GWO safety courses

• Experience working onboard small vessels
• Good understanding of maritime regulations
• Experience working with unmanned systems or ocean robotics
• Ability to read and interpret nautical charts
• Soldering/splicing cables; mechanical/electrical troubleshooting
• 6+ years of maritime operations or marine engineering experience (preferred)
• Experience operating forklifts/cranes; towing trailers
• QA/QC or ISO 9001/45001 documentation familiarity
• Ability to travel up to 50%, including up to 2-week at-sea trips

• Operation of remote comms to effectively communicate with deployed teams
• Assess maritime weather systems and currents to ensure navigational safety
• Prepare, launch, pilot, and recover autonomous vehicles
• Lead deck crews during at-sea operations
• Assemble and test payloads for deployments
• Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and RF issues with engineers
• Provide structured feedback to R&D teams
• Maintain build guides and test documentation
• Coordinate packouts and vessel movements with charter captains
• Participate in customer/VIP demonstrations
• Mentor and train junior technicians and operators

Thayer Mahan designs, builds, deploys, and operates autonomous sensing systems. In the defense market, our technology and operational approach enables effective and efficient maritime domain awareness in support of naval undersea warfare, homeland security, and protection of borders, natural resources, and undersea infrastructure. In the commercial market, we support sustainable US Offshore Wind development through acoustic monitoring and noise mitigation to protect endangered marine species and provide maritime domain awareness for combatting illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

Thayer Mahan is ISO 9001:2015, ISO 45001:2018, and ISNetworld Certified with extensive Federal, military, and commercial experience. We received the HIRE Vets Medallion and the regional Chamber of Commerce Industry Innovator Award.

Thayer Mahan is an exciting and special place to work. Our team employs the latest software, equipment, sensors, and platforms across an array of applications and programs. Collaboration, camaraderie, innovation, and respect are at the core of our culture and are reflected in everything we do. Our diverse team of engineers, operators, technicians, and researchers work together as a mission-oriented, innovative ecosystem.

Main facilities:
Groton, CT