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 equipm