Director Autonomous Driving Engineer Jobs in Missouri

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.

We are seeking a talented and motivated Shipyard Production Engineer to support the scaled manufacturing and development of autonomous surface vessels. This role will provide hands‑on experience in traditional ship building and advanced autonomous technologies; driving impact in defense innovation. As a Production Engineer in our shipyard, you’ll execute hands‑on oversight of fabrication, integration, and issue resolution at the shipyard, work with shipyard manufacturing engineers on product and process improvements, and interface remotely with our design engineering teams in Austin.

Production Engineers at Saronic-Franklin are expected to have the knowledge, skill, and ability to accomplish the below:

• Assist in the design, development, analysis, and construction of ASVs
• Collaborate with other engineers to perform CAD modeling, structural/mechanical/electrical design, and weight management for vessel optimization
• Operate as liaison between engineering, drafting, and production to resolve challenges that arise during design and construction
• Identify and resolve non-conformances, lead root cause analysis, and drive resolution via IRBs (Issue Review Boards) and rework plans
• Lead and coordinate Engineering Change Orders (ECOs)—ensure traceability, communication, implementation, and verification
• Support the integration of autonomous navigation and control systems into vessel designs
• Participate in design reviews and brainstorming sessions for new and existing vessel concepts
• Support documentation, technical writing, and preparation of reports for internal use, regulatory bodies, and client presentations
• Manage CAD models to document changes made during ship construction
• Support sea‑trials and at‑sea testing of ASVs as needed
• Own problem solving and disposition of production defects, drive root cause problem solving to impact yield and rework rates
• Read, interpret, and follow blueprints and sketches to understand the specifications of a project
• Create production processes in unstructured areas of our operational system
• Support the shipyard’s transition from low‑rate to high‑volume production, identifying and implementing necessary changes in processes and infrastructure
• Assist in work prioritization and triage during peak production periods to maintain workflow efficiency
• Onboard new automated production assets, collaborating with software and manufacturing engineering to drive improvements in software products that support production processes
• Initial major tasking will include leading and/or supporting translating all shipbuilding processes from anecdotal knowledge into a digital and scalable format

• Follow all shipyard safety policies, including proper use of PPE, fire prevention, and confined space protocols
• Assist in the training and development of other production engineers
• Collaborate and communicate with welders, metal fitters, pipefitters, electricians, and other trades as required to complete vessel construction or repair and to maintain efficient workflows
• Work independently and as part of a team in a fast‑paced ship production environment
• Maintain a clean and safe work area
• Maintain a positive attitude toward customers and represent Saronic professionally
• Make a personal commitment and be accountable for HSE results, driving toward the achievement of defined goals

• Bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• Familiarity with maritime industry standards including ABS and USCG regulations
• Strong fundamentals in core engineering principles, including structure, mechanical, and electrical systems
• Experience working in a shipyard or onboard ships
• Strong knowledge with 2D and 3D CAD software (e.g., Rhino, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, NX)
• Deep familiarity with interpreting technical drawings, GD&T, weld symbols, and fabrication tolerances
• Strong communication skills across engineers, technicians, quality teams, and leadership
• Comfortable working in an industrial shipyard environment

• Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services
• Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check‑ups, orthodontics, and vision care Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents
• Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays
• Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents
• Competitive Salary: Industry‑standard salaries with opportunities for performance‑based bonuses
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan
• Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success
• Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short‑ and long‑term disability coverage
• Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office

Saronic CCPA Notice for Candidates and California Employees

As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a “U.S. Person”: (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.