Mission Engineer, Maritime Systems (Robotics)

TL;DR

Mission Engineer, Maritime Systems (Swarm Robotics): Deploying, operating, and maintaining unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) equipped with swarm autonomy software in real-world commercial and defense environments with an accent on field operations, systems troubleshooting, and regulatory compliance. Focus on executing missions in austere conditions, providing operational feedback to engineering teams, and supporting business development demonstrations.

Location: Fully Remote (US only; requires U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency due to ITAR/EAR restrictions, no sponsorship). Travel to test sites, customer locations, and operational environments required. Office in Torrance, CA.

Company

Apium Swarm Robotics (ASR), part of hirify.global, builds swarm autonomy software for air, surface, undersea, and ground vehicles deployed on real platforms in complex, safety-critical conditions for commercial and defense customers.

What you will do

• Deploy, operate, and maintain USV platforms and supporting systems, with secondary support for UAS, UUV, and UGV as needed
• Configure, troubleshoot autonomy software, perform pre-deployment checks, launch/recovery operations, and post-mission analysis
• Maintain and repair USV hulls, propulsion, payloads, and ground equipment in open-water, near-shore, and harbor environments
• Ensure compliance with COLREGS, USCG regulations, and local waterway rules during operations
• Provide detailed feedback to engineering and sales teams based on real operational experience
• Support business development, demonstrations, customer evaluations, training, and deployments; travel frequently

Requirements

• 3+ years hands-on experience operating, deploying, or maintaining USVs, small crewed vessels, or marine platforms
• Working knowledge of COLREGS and U.S. Inland Navigation Rules
• Experience operating in open-water, coastal, or harbor environments with awareness of tides, currents, and hazards
• Strong mechanical, electrical, or systems troubleshooting skills
• VHF marine radio proficiency, including DSC emergency procedures
• Comfort working independently under pressure; ability to travel frequently, sometimes on short notice
• U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency required (ITAR/EAR compliance; background check and E-Verify)

Nice to have

• Military/government experience with unmanned vessels
• Experience with autonomous/semi-autonomous vehicles or command-and-control systems
• USCG OUPV license or Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
• Familiarity with AIS, ECDIS, maritime safety equipment, weather interpretation
• U.S. security clearance or experience in classified/export-controlled environments

Culture & Benefits

• Significant autonomy and decision-making in field operations
• Base pay plus equity and potential bonuses
• Work in high-impact, real-world missions prioritizing performance and reliability
• EEO employer; participates in E-Verify

Hiring process

• Post-offer background check required