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Marine Navigation Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Marine Navigation Instructor information

What does a marine navigation instructor do?

A Marine Navigation Instructor teaches students how to safely and efficiently navigate vessels on water. Their responsibilities include instructing on the use of navigational tools, interpreting nautical charts, understanding maritime laws, and practicing safety procedures. They may work in maritime schools, colleges, or training centers, and often combine classroom teaching with hands-on training aboard ships or simulators. Their goal is to prepare students for roles as professional mariners or recreational boaters by ensuring they have the necessary skills and knowledge.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a marine navigation instructor?

To thrive as a Marine Navigation Instructor, you need deep expertise in maritime navigation principles, chart plotting, and vessel operations, usually backed by relevant maritime certifications and instructional experience. Familiarity with electronic navigation systems, simulators, and international maritime regulations is essential for effective teaching. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to engage and motivate learners are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure instructors can deliver accurate, up-to-date training that prepares mariners for safe and effective navigation.

What are some common challenges marine navigation instructors face when teaching new students?

Marine Navigation Instructors often encounter challenges such as varying levels of prior experience among students, adapting teaching methods to both classroom and on-water environments, and ensuring students grasp complex navigational concepts like chart plotting and electronic navigation systems. Instructors must also stay updated on the latest maritime regulations and technology to provide accurate, current information. Effective communication and patience are key, as students may require hands-on practice and repeated explanations to master essential skills.

What is the difference between Marine Navigation Instructor vs Marine Safety Instructor?

AspectMarine Navigation InstructorMarine Safety Instructor
Required CertificationsNavigation certifications, STCW endorsements, maritime training credentialsSafety training certifications, STCW safety endorsements, first aid/CPR
Work EnvironmentMaritime training centers, onboard vessels, maritime academiesMaritime training centers, safety workshops, onboard safety drills
Employer & Industry UsageMaritime academies, shipping companies, maritime training institutionsMaritime training institutions, shipping companies, safety organizations

Both roles involve maritime training but focus on different areas. Marine Navigation Instructors specialize in teaching navigation skills and maritime chartwork, while Marine Safety Instructors focus on safety procedures and emergency response. Understanding these differences helps candidates choose the right career path in the maritime industry.

How to become a marine navigation instructor?

To become a marine navigation instructor, one typically needs a maritime or navigation-related certification, such as a captain's license or a maritime degree, along with extensive experience in navigation and seamanship. Additional teaching credentials or instructor certifications may be required, and familiarity with navigation tools and safety protocols is essential.

What are popular job titles related to Marine Navigation Instructor jobs?

For Marine Navigation Instructor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Marine Navigation Instructor job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Mission Operations Engineer - Technical Instructor

San Diego, CA • On-site

$73K - $99K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

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 Summary

Saronic is seeking a Mission Operations Engineer – Technical Instructor to design, develop, and deliver advanced training programs in support of our autonomous systems mission sets. This role blends curriculum development, operational training, and hands‑on engineering support to ensure mission readiness across internal teams, contracted customers, and DoD partners.

Responsibilities Training Delivery & Instruction
  • Lead instructor‑led training for internal operators and external customers on system operation, troubleshooting, and mission workflows
  • Facilitate hands‑on labs, simulations, and mission exercises across classroom, lab, and field environments
  • Serve as the primary interface for trainee learning, ensuring comprehension, engagement, and operational readiness
  • Evaluate trainee performance, administer assessments, and provide actionable feedback and remediation
  • Lead certification events, operator checkouts, and mission rehearsals
Curriculum & Content Development
  • Translate real‑world mission operations and engineering workflows into structured, scalable training programs
  • Develop and maintain training materials, including lesson plans, SOPs, labs, simulations, and assessments
  • Continuously refine curriculum based on field experience, trainee performance, and product updates
  • Partner closely with Engineering, Product, and Mission Operations to ensure training reflects current system capabilities and best practices
Customer Training & Enablement
  • Own customer onboarding and training delivery, ensuring successful adoption of Saronic systems
  • Translate complex technical concepts into clear, operator‑focused instruction tailored to varying experience levels
  • Act as a trusted technical advisor to customers during training and early operational use
  • Gather customer feedback and translate it into actionable improvements for training and product teams
Field Operations & Training Support
  • Deploy and operate ASV systems in real‑world maritime environments to support training and mission execution
  • Lead on‑water training events, demonstrations, and mission scenarios
  • Diagnose and resolve software and hardware issues in the field while incorporating lessons into training
  • Ensure training environments accurately reflect real‑world operational conditions
Systems Engineering & Technical Contribution
  • Support and provide feedback on the development, testing, and maintenance of software for autonomous surface vessels using C++ and Rust in a Linux environment
  • Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to support system integration and performance
  • Conduct testing and validation of system updates in both simulated and live environments
  • Document technical processes, findings, and best practices
Team Collaboration
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to achieve mission and training goals
  • Foster a collaborative, learning‑focused team environment
  • Provide mentorship and technical guidance to other instructors and operators
Role Requirements
  • Demonstrated success in project coordination and leadership in current role.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with team members, stakeholders, and senior management.
  • Demonstrated problem‑solving abilities and a proactive approach to addressing challenges.
  • Strong leadership qualities, including the ability to motivate and inspire team members.
  • Job requires up to 50% travel.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent technical experience
  • Minimum 4–8 years relevant experience
  • Experience in software development with C++ in Linux
  • Experience with embedded systems and real‑time computing
  • Strong technical troubleshooting skills in field environments
  • Experience with robotics, autonomy, or maritime systems preferred
Physical Demands
  • Ability to certify as “fit for work” by demonstrating ability to swim and tread water
  • Frequently and repetitively, lift, push and carry up to 50 lbs.
  • Will be exposed to marine environments, including sun, wind, rain, cold, and saltwater spray, often for extended periods
  • Must be able to operate in daylight, low‑light, and night conditions using marine navigation systems and visual cues
  • Ability to perform physically demanding work i.e. stoop, lay, bend, reach, squat, kneel, crouch, twist and crawl for extended periods of time including up to 12 hours/day
  • Climb and maintain balance on ladders, platforms, or other high structures
  • Ability to stand and walk for up to 10 hours a day, including over varied and uneven terrain
  • Climb and maintain balance on ladders, scaffolding or other high structures
  • Ability to work in a hot and humid environment and follow safe practices to stay hydrated
  • Hearing ability sufficient to detect alarms, verbal instructions, and workplace hazards in a high‑noise environment.
  • Must be able to work in a shipyard environment, including indoor fabrication shops, onboard vessels under construction, and outdoor areas exposed to changing weather conditions.
  • Wear Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to: safety glasses, safety shoes, hard hat and adhering to prescribed safety rules and guidelines
Benefits

Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services
Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents

Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check‑ups, orthodontics, and vision care
Saronic pays 100% of the premium under the basic plan 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 with company match

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

Pet Insurance: Discounted pet insurance options including 24/7 Telehealth helpline

Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office

Saronic CCPA Notice for Candidates and California Employees

If this role is based in the United States, it requires access to export‑controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. 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.

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