Autonomous Vehicle Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The mission of Lynker Corporation is to deliver innovative solutions to support global environmental security and economic prosperity as a trusted partner to governments, communities, and industry. With the growing demand for offshore energy expansion, marine natural resource management, and coastal resilience to environmental threats, there has been a need for more advanced and efficient hydrographic mapping systems. Lynker leverages cutting-edge technologies and scientific expertise to support the expansion of mapping across the US Exclusive Economic Zone using Uncrewed Systems (UxS), which include Uncrewed Surface Vehicles (USV), Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles (UUV), and Underwater Gliders. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for innovation, Lynker is leading the way in providing operational, logistical, and training support for Uncrewed Systems.

We are seeking individuals who can help our team support our contract with NOAA Uncrewed Marine Systems Division (UMSD) and other partners in UxS Industry. The Uncrewed Systems Operator must have experience operating hydrographic survey or oceanographic research technologies. This position involves travelling for long durations at sea aboard vessels or to Remote Operations Centers (ROC). A strong background in marine science, information technology, or mechanical engineering is desirable. If you are interested in joining a dynamic team and working with advanced marine technologies, please review the Responsibilities, Qualifications, and Requirements for this position.

This position is contingent upon contract award.

Duties of the Uncrewed Vessel Operator will include, but not be limited to, the following:

The primary duty of a UxS Operator is to stand pilot watches with the responsibility of maintaining the safety of the public and of the vessel while at sea under semi-autonomous operations.
8-12hr night or day watches based in a regional Remote Operating Center, or from a host vessel at sea
Ensure the safety of navigation and situational awareness of the vehicle during operations
Additional duties include monitoring vessel status feedback, telemetry stability and configuration, and basic data acquisition control
Operators are responsible for troubleshooting technical and software issues, and relaying that information to the watch supervisor.
Proper record keeping during watches and in diagnostic scenarios

The Uncrewed Vessel Operator selected should have the following:

Associates Degree or higher in at least one of the following: Marine Technology, Marine Science, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering
Support operations at sea on board NOAA vessels, or at a regional remote operation center, for up to 30 consecutive days at a time
Ability to lift >45 lb. objects, climb ladders, and work in confined spaces.
Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively in an interagency atmosphere.
Yearly travel 50% or more

The Ideal Uncrewed Vessel Operator will have the Following:

Experience operating USVs, UUVs, or Underwater Gliders is desired.
Experience in boat handling and seamanship: licensed boater or captain is desired.
Experience implementing COLREGs into the safety of navigation of UxS.

Experience with operating satellite, cellular, and RF telemetry systems
Experience with maritime situational awareness using AIS,FLIR, ECDIS, LiDAR, and RADAR.
Experience with data acquisition using Multibeam Sonars, Side Scan Sonars, and acoustic systems is desired.
Experience with marine positioning systems using GNSS, INS/IMU, or USBL.

About Lynker

Lynker is a growing, employee owned, small business, specializing in professional, scientific and technical services. Our continually expanding team combines scientific expertise with mature, results-driven processes and tools to achieve technically sound, cost effective solutions in hydrology/water sciences, geospatial analysis, information technology, resource management, conservation, and management and business process improvement.

We focus on putting the right people in the right place to be effective. And having the right people is critical for success. Our streamlined organization enables and empowers our talented professionals to tackle our customers' scientific and technical priorities – creatively and effectively.

Lynker offers a team-oriented work environment, and the opportunity to work in a culture of exceptionally skilled and diverse professionals who embrace sound science and creative solutions. Lynker's benefits include the following:

• Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost
• Healthcare benefit covers medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision
• Personal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidays
• Highly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks
• 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – we're all company owners!
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Life and accident insurance
• Tuition assistance/Training/Workforce improvement reimbursement per year
• Spot bonuses for exceptional performance
• Annual Employee Recognition Awards with bonuses
• Employee Referral Program
• Free centralized, self-directed Learning Management System to learn at your own pace
• Personalized career growth plans for every employee

Lynker is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local laws.