Senior Marine Maintenance Engineer

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 Overview

We are seeking a Senior Marine Maintenance Engineer to serve as the technical authority and team lead for maintenance supporting Saronic’s 150+ ft. Marauder platform.

This role is equivalent to a Chief Engineer / First Assistant Engineer (1AE) in a traditional shipboard structure and is responsible for planning, executing, and certifying maintenance cycles. You will own the development of technical standards, execution quality, regulatory compliance, and lead a team supporting all vessel systems.

In the near-term, you will be responsible for execution of maintenance, as well as contributing to the development of a global maintenance organization for medium to large autonomous surface vessels. In the mid-to-far-term, you will lead a maintenance team which will execute focused maintenance periods both in the US and in foreign ports.

Responsibilities

Technical Authority

• Serve as lead engineer responsible for all vessel systems, including:
• Propulsion (diesel engines, waterjets, shafting, transmissions)
• Automation, controls, and sensor systems
• Electrical generation and distribution
• Auxiliary systems (pumps, HVAC, Fuel, lube oil, cooling)
• Lead integrated system troubleshooting across disciplines
• Approve maintenance actions aligned with OEM and regulatory requirements

Maintenance Execution & Planning

• Plan and execute 48-hour maintenance availabilities (MRO periods)
• Develop PM/CM strategies across vessel systems
• Manage CMMS planning, backlog and execution tracking
• Ensure work meets quality, safety, and documentation standards

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and mentor junior engineers (flyaway team structure)
• Assign work scopes and manage execution timelines, and ensure accountability
• Serve as on-site decision-maker during maintenance evolutions
• Interface with operations, engineering, and logistics teams

Regulatory & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with ABS, USCG, and IMO standards
• Maintain audit-ready documentation and maintenance records
• Enforce Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) protocols, including high risk marine operations

Operational Integration

• Align maintenance with mission schedules and operational constraints
• Understand vessel usage profiles and adjust maintenance strategy accordingly
• Support reliability improvements and “bad-actor analysis”

Qualifications

• Licensed Chief Engineer or 1AE (or equivalent experience) strongly preferred
• 10+ years marine engineering experience
• Demonstrated experience across multi-discipline marine systems
• Strong leadership experience leading engineering teams
• Experience with CMMS platforms and maintenance planning; experience with implementation of these systems is desired
• Deep understanding of marine regulatory frameworks
• Experience in remote operations or expeditionary environments preferred
• Ability to obtain Secret clearance
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently, up to 75% of working time, including rapid deployment and field assignments

Physical Demands

• This position requires the ability to perform essential physical job functions in a marine and industrial environment
• Ability to stand, walk, and work for extended periods (up to 12 hours per shift)
• Frequently lift, carry, push, and pull up to 45 pounds, and occasionally more with assistance
• Perform physically demanding tasks including bending, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and working overhead
• Ability to climb ladders, access vessel compartments, and work at heights or in restricted access areas
• Work in confined spaces such as machinery spaces, bilges, and tanks in accordance with safety procedures
• Maintain balance and coordination while working on moving vessels or uneven surfaces
• Exposure to marine and industrial hazards, including rotating equipment, pressurized systems, fuels, oils, and hazardous materials
• Ability to safely operate tools, machinery, and diagnostic equipment
• Ability to wear required PPE, including respiratory protection where required
• Work in outdoor and non-climate-controlled environments, including exposure to weather and marine conditions
• Ability to identify hazards and respond appropriately using visual, auditory, and tactile awareness
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently, up to 75% of working time, including rapid deployment and field assignments

Benefits

Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services

Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents

Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care

Saronic pays 100% of the premium under the basic plan for employees and 80% for dependents

Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays

Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents

Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses

Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company match

Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success

Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage

Pet Insurance: Discounted pet insurance options including 24/7 Telehealth helpline

Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office

Saronic CCPA Notice for Candidates and California Employees

If this role is based in the United States, it requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a “U.S. Person”: (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.