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Senior Marine Maintenance Engineer

External
Saronic logoSaronic · San Diego, CA
Full-timeOn-site1mo ago
ComplianceDocumentationLeadership
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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"

Requirements

  • 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

Benefits

Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of servicesSaronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependentsDental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision careSaronic pays 100% of the premium under the basic plan for employees and 80% for dependentsTime Off: Generous PTO and HolidaysParental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parentsCompetitive Salary: IndustHealth insuranceDental insuranceVision insurancePaid time offRemote work optionsParental leave

Additional Information

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.


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