Maritime Vessel Operations
Vatn Systems
Salary undisclosed
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Description
Position Overview
The Maritime Vessel Operations position provides hands-on support for UAV testing and waterfront facility operations. This role is responsible for operating support vessels between 20’ and 74’, assisting test engineers during maritime UAV operations and logistics across the waterfront site. The ideal candidate is comfortable working on the water, mechanically inclined, and able to support dynamic test environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Safely operate small and larger vessels up to 74’ (RHIBs and larger work boats) to support UAV testing and maritime operations (plus if comfortable operating larger support vessels)
- Transport personnel, equipment, and UAV’s between testing facility and test locations
- Assist test engineers with setup, launch, recovery, and troubleshooting of UAV systems
- Provide on-water safety oversight during testing activities
- Support waterfront logistics, including staging equipment, fueling, and inventory coordination
- Perform basic vessel maintenance and pre-/post-operation checks
- Maintain operational readiness of docks and support equipment
- Keep accurate logs of vessel usage, fuel, and operational activities
- Assist with general facility upkeep and maritime support tasks as needed
Required Qualifications
- Experience operating small boats in coastal or harbor environments
- Valid boating license or certification (e.g., USCG Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) preferred or equivalent)
- Strong understanding of maritime safety practices and navigation rules
- Ability to lift and move equipment (50+ lbs) and work in outdoor marine conditions
- Basic mechanical aptitude and comfort with tools and equipment
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting test operations, field engineering, or R&D environments
- Familiarity with UAV systems or marine robotics
- Marine safety certifications (e.g., First Aid/CPR, STCW Basic Training)
- Experience with trailering, launching, and recovering vessels
- Forklift or rigging experience
Key Competencies
- Reliability and safety-first mindset
- Ability to adapt in fast-paced, changing test environments
- Strong situational awareness on the water
- Hands-on problem solving and initiative
Working Conditions
- Outdoor, waterfront-based role with regular on-water operations
- Exposure to varying weather and sea conditions
- Occasional early mornings, extended days, or weekend work depending on test schedules
Vatn is an equal opportunity employer.
About this role
Vatn Systems is seeking someone to keep their maritime UAV testing operations running smoothly from the water. You'd operate vessels ranging from small RHIBs to 74-foot work boats, transport personnel and equipment between the facility and test sites, and provide direct support to test engineers launching and recovering UAVs. The role blends boat handling with hands-on logistics—you'll manage dock operations, perform basic vessel maintenance, coordinate equipment staging and fueling, and maintain detailed operational logs, all while maintaining safety as the top priority.
The ideal candidate has practical boating experience in coastal or harbor settings and holds a valid boating license (USCG OUPV or equivalent). You should be mechanically inclined, comfortable with tools, physically capable of moving 50+ pound loads, and at ease working outdoors in variable weather. Beyond technical skills, this role rewards people who are reliable, adaptable, and have strong situational awareness on the water—the kind of person who spots problems early and solves them without waiting for direction.
If you've worked in test environments, supported field engineering, or have UAV or marine robotics experience, that's a plus. Marine safety certifications, forklift operation, or vessel trailering experience would strengthen your candidacy. Expect outdoor waterfront work year-round, occasional early starts or extended days depending on test schedules, and the kind of dynamic environment where no two days are quite the same.
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Pay for this role
The employer didn't post a pay range for this role. That usually means pay is set in negotiation, which favors whoever arrives with numbers. Check ranges on comparable Maritime Vessel Operations postings in Tiverton, and analyze any offer before you accept it.
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