Mission Operations Master (Autonomous Maritime Systems)

Location: Fort Pierce, Florida, USA; onsite marine operations. The role may require travel up to 50% and availability for a projected 28-days-on / 28-days-off rotation.

Salary plus a generous annual equity package and potential bonuses; no exact salary amount provided.

Company

Blue Ops, a hirify.global company, advances autonomous maritime capabilities by integrating maritime operational expertise with emerging autonomous vessel technologies.

What you will do

• Safely navigate and operate assigned crewed and autonomous vessels during missions, testing, and operational activities.
• Lead and coordinate onboard crews, conduct safety briefings and drills, and maintain vessel and crew readiness.
• Plan, prepare, execute, and evaluate missions supporting the development and refinement of autonomous operating systems.
• Monitor vessel systems and performance, identify issues, and coordinate corrective actions with engineers, mission personnel, and shoreside teams.
• Coordinate port access, vessel movements, berthing, fueling, provisioning, inspections, regulatory reviews, and dockside logistics.
• Maintain voyage records, maintenance documentation, mission reports, certifications, and compliance records.

Requirements

• Valid U.S. Coast Guard Master license appropriate to the vessel, route, and assigned duties.
• Required STCW credentials, including Basic Training, OICNW, Medical PIC, and an FCC license, as applicable.
• Current TWIC, valid USCG/STCW medical certificate, and valid passport.
• Experience serving as a senior deck officer or in a command role aboard crewed vessels in dynamic maritime environments.
• Strong knowledge of marine navigation, ship handling, voyage planning, bridge resource management, and shipboard emergency procedures.
• Working knowledge of USCG requirements, applicable SOLAS provisions, classification society requirements, and international maritime regulations.
• Experience interpreting nautical charts, weather forecasts, navigational data, and maritime traffic information.
• Proficiency with voyage-planning software, GIS tools, and marine navigation systems.
• Accurate recordkeeping, strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, sound decision-making under pressure, and effective written and verbal communication.
• Ability to stand a 12-hour navigational watch and complete background screening and USCG/DOT drug testing.

Nice to have

• Extensive USCG Master license experience and command of vessels in complex maritime environments.
• Experience with jet-drive-propelled vessels, autonomous or unmanned maritime systems, or RDT&E activities.
• Experience supporting the DoD, U.S. government agencies, or government-contracted maritime programs.
• Experience coordinating with engineering, software, and systems-integration teams.
• Security-clearance eligibility for restricted or government-access assignments.
• Shipboard leadership, personnel development, organizational, interpersonal, risk-management, and continuous-improvement skills.

Culture & Benefits

• Work with autonomous maritime systems that combine traditional maritime operations with emerging technologies.
• Outdoor marine work in sunlight, wind, rain, cold, saltwater spray, and hot or humid conditions.
• Physical requirements include swimming and treading water, lifting up to 50 pounds, climbing ladders, and standing or walking on vessel decks.
• Operations may occur during daylight, low-light, and nighttime conditions with required PPE.
• Compensation includes salary, annual equity, and potential bonuses.

Hiring process

• Successful completion of a post-offer background check is required.
• USCG/DOT drug testing is required.
• ITAR/EAR-restricted work requires proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence and no need for sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.