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Unmanned Vessel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) Pilot Location: San Diego, CA (in-office) Typical working hours: Rotating shift coverage across 24/7 operations, including: * 3:00 AM - 11:00 AM * 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM * 7 ...

Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) Pilot Location: San Diego, CA (in-office) Typical working hours: Rotating shift coverage across 24/7 operations, including: * 3:00 AM - 11:00 AM * 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM * 7 ...

Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) Pilot Location: San Diego, CA (in-office) Typical working hours: Rotating shift coverage across 24/7 operations, including: * 3:00 AM - 11:00 AM * 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM * 7 ...

THE COMPANY Saildrone is a maritime defense company and the global leader in autonomous unmanned ... Reporting to the Captain, you will play a critical role in supporting vessel operations and ...

The Medium Displacement Unmanned Surface Vessel (MDUSV) program involves deployment of autonomous unmanned surface vessels (USV's) to demonstrate an enhanced warfighting capability to disrupt ...

Principal Test Engineer

El Cajon, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

The Medium Displacement Unmanned Surface Vessel (MDUSV) program involves deployment of autonomous unmanned surface vessels (USV's) to demonstrate an enhanced warfighting capability to disrupt ...

Principal Test Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

The Medium Displacement Unmanned Surface Vessel (MDUSV) program involves deployment of autonomous unmanned surface vessels (USV's) to demonstrate an enhanced warfighting capability to disrupt ...

Principal Test Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

The Medium Displacement Unmanned Surface Vessel (MDUSV) program involves deployment of autonomous unmanned surface vessels (USV's) to demonstrate an enhanced warfighting capability to disrupt ...

Principal Test Engineer

Chula Vista, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

The Medium Displacement Unmanned Surface Vessel (MDUSV) program involves deployment of autonomous unmanned surface vessels (USV's) to demonstrate an enhanced warfighting capability to disrupt ...

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Unmanned Vessel information

What is an unmanned vessel?

Unmanned vessels, also known as autonomous or remote-controlled ships, are watercraft that operate without an onboard crew. They use advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, sensors, and satellite communication to navigate and carry out tasks either autonomously or under remote human supervision. These vessels are used for various applications, including maritime research, military operations, cargo transport, and environmental monitoring. Their use can improve safety, reduce operational costs, and allow for missions in hazardous or hard-to-reach areas.

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

To thrive as an Unmanned Vessel Operator, you need a background in marine operations, navigation, and remote vehicle control, often supported by relevant maritime certifications or technical degrees. Familiarity with remote piloting systems, GPS navigation software, and vessel monitoring technologies is essential. Strong problem-solving, situational awareness, and clear communication are critical soft skills for safe and efficient vessel management. These skills ensure the successful and secure operation of unmanned vessels, particularly in challenging and dynamic maritime environments.

What are some common challenges faced by operators of unmanned vessels, and how are they typically addressed?

Operators of unmanned vessels often encounter challenges related to remote navigation, real-time communication, and unexpected technical issues. Ensuring reliable connectivity for vessel control and data transmission is crucial, especially in remote or harsh maritime environments. Additionally, operators must be adept at troubleshooting software and hardware problems from a distance. These challenges are typically addressed through rigorous training, adherence to safety protocols, and close collaboration with engineers and support teams who monitor vessel systems and provide rapid response when issues arise.

What is the difference between Unmanned Vessel vs Remote Operator?

AspectUnmanned VesselRemote Operator
CredentialsMaritime certifications, remote operation licensesMaritime certifications, remote operation licenses
Work EnvironmentAutonomous or remotely controlled ships, onboard systemsControl centers, command rooms, remote stations
Industry UsageMaritime, shipping, research vesselsMaritime, shipping, offshore operations

Unmanned Vessels are autonomous or remotely operated ships designed to perform tasks without onboard crew, often controlled remotely or via automation. Remote Operators are personnel who control or monitor these vessels from a distance, typically working in command centers. While both roles require maritime knowledge and remote operation skills, Unmanned Vessels focus on the vessel's autonomous systems, whereas Remote Operators focus on controlling and overseeing vessel operations remotely.

More about Unmanned Vessel jobs
What cities are hiring for Unmanned Vessel jobs? Cities with the most Unmanned Vessel job openings:
What states have the most Unmanned Vessel jobs? States with the most job openings for Unmanned Vessel jobs include:
Infographic showing various Unmanned Vessel job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Small Unmanned Surface Vessel (sUSV) Fleet Integration Team (FIT)

Anchor Innovation, Inc.

San Diego, CA โ€ข On-site

$25.50 - $34.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Description:Small Unmanned Surface Vessel (sUSV) Fleet Integration Team (FIT)

Accepting Applications for Future Opportunities


Locations

San Diego, CA


Clearance

Active Secret Clearance Required


Travel

Limited CONUS travel in support of fleet operations, testing, training, waterfront support, and systems integration.


About This Opportunity

Anchor Innovation maintains an active candidate pool for future opportunities supporting the U.S. Navy's Small Unmanned Surface Vessel (sUSV) Fleet Integration Team (FIT) in San Diego, California.

The Fleet Integration Team (FIT) serves as the bridge between Navy program offices, operational commands, and industry partners, enabling the successful fielding, sustainment, training, and operational employment of Small Unmanned Surface Vessel (sUSV) capabilities. Our team works directly with fleet operators to transition emerging technologies into day-to-day operational use while building long-term fleet self-sufficiency.

Qualified applicants may be considered for future opportunities supporting fleet integration, operator training, maintenance, sustainment, technical support, systems integration, operational testing, and waterfront operations.

This candidate pool supports anticipated contract growth, personnel transitions, surge requirements, future contract awards, and expanding support across the Navy's unmanned maritime enterprise.


Typical Functional AreasFleet Training & Readiness

Future opportunities may include:

  • Operator Training Specialist
  • Local Controller Instructor
  • Operator Qualification Programs
  • Curriculum Development
  • Lesson Plan Development
  • Fleet Familiarization
  • Over-the-Shoulder Instruction
  • Exercise Support
  • Technical Mentorship
Maintenance & Sustainment

Future opportunities may include:

  • Maritime Maintenance Technician
  • Marine Electrician
  • Electronics Technician
  • Mechanical Maintenance Specialist
  • Preventive Maintenance
  • Corrective Maintenance
  • Configuration Management
  • Logistics & Readiness Support
  • Waterfront Maintenance
Fleet Integration & Systems Support

Future opportunities may include:

  • Fleet Integration Team (FIT) Support
  • Systems Integration
  • Operational Test & Evaluation
  • Government Acceptance Events
  • Installation Support
  • Technical Documentation
  • Configuration Verification
  • Technical Assessments
  • Fleet Experimentation
Mission Systems & Operations

Future opportunities may include:

  • Small Unmanned Surface Vessel (sUSV) Operations
  • Local Controller (SRC) Operations
  • Unmanned Operations Center (UOC) Support
  • Communications Systems
  • RF Communications
  • SATCOM
  • Tactical Networking
  • Command & Control (C2) Systems
  • Mission Planning Systems (e.g. Lattice & Echelon)
  • Operational Troubleshooting
Typical Platforms & Technologies Supported

Applicants with experience supporting one or more of the following are encouraged to apply:

  • Small Unmanned Surface Vessels (sUSV)
  • Local Controller (SRC) Systems
  • Unmanned Operations Centers (UOC)
  • Mission Planning Software
  • RF Communications
  • SATCOM
  • Tactical IP Networking
  • Command & Control (C2) Systems
  • Fleet Communications Systems
  • Waterfront Test & Evaluation Equipment
Ideal Backgrounds

Qualified applicants may have experience supporting one or more of the following organizations or communities:

  • U.S. Navy Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron (USVRON)
  • SURFDEVGRU
  • PAE RAS, PMS-406, PMS-420
  • NAVSEA
  • NIWC
  • Government Unmanned Systems Programs
  • Defense Industry OEMs supporting unmanned maritime systems
Preferred Qualifications

Dependent on Functional Are supported

  • Active Secret Clearance
  • U.S. Citizenship
  • Experience supporting unmanned maritime systems
  • Experience supporting fleet training, maintenance, or sustainment
  • Technical troubleshooting experience
  • Mechanical, electrical, electronics, or networking experience
  • Experience supporting operational test events or fleet experimentation
  • Instructor experience or technical training experience
  • Familiarity with Navy maintenance and logistics processes
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Comfortable working aboard vessels and in waterfront environments
  • Ability to work independently while supporting integrated government and contractor teams
  • Willingness to travel as customer requirements dictate

Why This Role Matters

The Navy's unmanned maritime capability continues to expand, requiring experienced professionals who can help transition new technologies into operational fleet use.

Anchor Innovation's Fleet Integration Team provides the training, maintenance, sustainment, technical expertise, and waterfront support necessary to increase fleet readiness.

Whether supporting operator qualification, systems integration, maintenance, or mission planning, our professionals work directly alongside the fleet to deliver practical capability where it matters most.


About Anchor Innovation

Anchor Innovation provides fleet integration, training, maintenance, sustainment, and technical support to the Navy's Small Unmanned Surface Vessel community.

Our team works directly with operational commands, program offices, and industry partners to improve readiness, increase operator self-sufficiency, and accelerate the transition of emerging unmanned technologies into operational service.

As our support continues to expand, we're continually looking for talented professionals who want to remain at the forefront of the Navy's unmanned maritime mission.


Benefits
  • 401(k) with Company Match
  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Paid Time Off

Anchor Innovation is a VETS First and V3 Certified Company and is proud of our diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and participate in E-Verify. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.

Requirements: