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Underwater Vehicle Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About Vatn Systems Vatn Systems is an innovative startup at the forefront of designing and manufacturing autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Our mission is to revolutionize underwater security ...

About Odin Dynamics Founded in 2025, Odin Dynamics is a defense technology company building autonomous underwater vehicles that will define the next era of undersea warfare. We are focused on ...

Develop and implement autonomy algorithms for autonomous underwater vehicles and robotic systems. * Design software for vehicle navigation, guidance, control, perception, planning, and decision ...

New

Reporting to the Program Manager, the Secretary II provides administrative, secretarial, and clerical support for the Underwater Vehicles Support team at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF ...

Reporting to the Program Manager, the Secretary II provides administrative, secretarial, and clerical support for the Underwater Vehicles Support team at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF ...

New

Advanced Systems Engineer

Canonsburg, PA · On-site +1

$56.52 - $65.22/hr

Experience designing, developing, or testing underwater vehicle systems or torpedo systems * Experience leading systems engineering efforts across multiple development phases * Strong requirements ...

Reporting to the Program Manager, the Secretary II provides administrative, secretarial, and clerical support for the Underwater Vehicles Support team at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF ...

Reporting to the Program Manager, the Secretary II provides administrative, secretarial, and clerical support for the Underwater Vehicles Support team at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF ...

In this role, you will contribute to the design, development, and testing of advanced unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) systems for critical military programs. This role supports both internal R&D ...

Reporting to the Program Manager, the Secretary II provides administrative, secretarial, and clerical support for the Underwater Vehicles Support team at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF ...

Showing results 41-60

Underwater Vehicle information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an underwater vehicle operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Underwater Vehicle Operator, you need expertise in marine engineering, navigation, and remote vehicle piloting, often supported by a technical degree or specialized training. Familiarity with remotely operated vehicle (ROV) control systems, sonar equipment, and underwater communication tools is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork help operators manage complex missions and unexpected challenges. These skills ensure safe, precise operation and successful completion of underwater tasks in challenging environments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals operating underwater vehicles, and how are they typically addressed?

Professionals operating underwater vehicles often face challenges such as limited visibility, strong currents, and equipment malfunctions due to the harsh underwater environment. These challenges are typically managed through rigorous pre-dive planning, use of advanced sensors and navigation systems, and regular maintenance of equipment. Operators also work closely with teams on the surface to monitor vehicle status and ensure safety protocols are followed. Continuous training and simulation exercises help operators stay prepared for unexpected situations.

What is the difference between Underwater Vehicle vs Marine Technician?

AspectUnderwater VehicleMarine Technician
CredentialsEngineering degrees, certifications in ROVs/AUVsMarine certifications, technical training
Work EnvironmentUnderwater, offshore, research vesselsMarinas, research labs, offshore platforms
Industry UsageResearch, defense, oil & gas, explorationMaintenance, repair, installation of marine equipment

Underwater Vehicle specialists design, operate, and maintain remotely operated or autonomous underwater vehicles used for exploration, research, and industry. Marine Technicians focus on repairing and maintaining marine equipment, including underwater vehicles, but typically work onshore or in workshops. While both roles require technical skills and marine industry knowledge, Underwater Vehicle professionals are more involved in the operation and development of underwater robotics, whereas Marine Technicians support the maintenance and servicing of marine systems.

What is an underwater vehicle?

Underwater vehicles are specialized machines designed to operate below the surface of water, such as oceans, lakes, or rivers. They can be remotely operated (ROVs), autonomously operated (AUVs), or even manned submarines. These vehicles are used for a variety of tasks including scientific research, underwater exploration, marine construction, and military purposes. Their designs vary depending on their intended use, and they are equipped with technologies like cameras, sensors, and robotic arms to perform complex underwater tasks.
Infographic showing various Underwater Vehicle job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution.

Acoustic Systems Engineer

Vatn Systems

Bristol, RI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

About Vatn Systems
Vatn Systems is an innovative startup at the forefront of designing and manufacturing autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Our mission is to revolutionize underwater security, exploration, research, and operations through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled engineering. Our AUVs are defining the next generation of underwater autonomy.
The Role
As an Acoustic Systems Engineer, you will integrate acoustic devices with VATN autonomous underwater vehicles, work with specialists to characterize the performance, and implement improvements. Devices you will work with include in-house acoustic forward looking sonar arrays, passive acoustic monitoring systems, and countermeasure devices. You'll work closely with the acoustics and autonomy team to characterize real-world sensor behavior and close the loop between fielded performance and algorithm development.
What You'll Do
  • Plan and execute in-water data collections for forward looking sonar designs
  • Isolate defects to root cause across the sensing chain - sensor, analog front end, acquisition software, vehicle integration, or environment - and drive corrective action to closure against requirements
  • Develop and maintain automated analysis pipelines that ingest multichannel recordings and produce spectra, beamformed outputs, detection and tracking metrics, and homing performance summaries
  • Develop and maintain ROS 2 nodes for these acoustic systems, launch configurations, and recording tools supporting payload data capture and playback on vehicle platforms..
What We're Looking For
Required
  • 3-5 years of experience in robotics perception or autonomous systems
  • Strong Python and/or MATLAB skills for software development and data analysis
  • Demonstrated system analytical / system level debugging skills
  • Solid understanding of linux operating system and commandline operations
  • Willingness to work in the field system and participate in weekly field test exercises.

Nice To Have:
  • Exposure to transducers, hydrophones, or other analog sensor front ends, including their failure modes and interface requirements
  • Familiarity with underwater or ocean acoustics, including propagation, array theory, or the sonar equation
  • Experience deploying sensor perception algorithms on embedded hardware (Jetson or similar)

Vatn is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially having you join our team in shaping the future of autonomous underwater exploration.