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Unmanned Vessel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 · 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 · 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 · 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

Encinitas, CA · 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 · 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

Spring Valley, CA · 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 · 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 · 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

Escondido, CA · 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 · 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

Jamul, CA · 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

Del Mar, CA · 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 · 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 · 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 ...

This opportunity resides within Uncrewed Systems (UxS) , supporting advanced naval unmanned surface vessel (USV/MUSV) development, autonomy integration, and prototype test execution. We design, build ...

Showing results 21-40

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.

Principal Test Engineer

SAIC

San Diego, CA

$160K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 223 rated it services


Job description

Job Description
Description
SAIC is seeking a Principal Test Engineer to support Medium Displacement Unmanned Surface Vessel (MDUSV) and related Test and Evaluation activities in San Diego, CA. Must be local to area. Must be able to travel up to 15%.
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 adversary activity in a given maritime region. This program seeks to advance unmanned autonomous USV war fighting capabilities while participating in high-visibility operations such as RIMPAC and Integrated Battle Problems. The MDUSV program is a multi-year effort managed by NIWC-PAC with PMS-406 as the Program Office and Unmanned Surface Vessel Development Squadron-1 (USVDIV1).
In this role, the candidate will be working with the Government IPT Lead and other support staff in the development and execution of directed Test and Evaluation events of Autonomous Systems and unmanned automation on developmental surface vessels. Support will also include supporting technology upgrades, In-Service Engineering to existing platforms, test/planning support to satisfy Program Office and Fleet demand signals.
JOB DUTIES:
  • Skillset and knowledge coordinating personnel and finances for million-dollar programs.
  • Skillset and knowledge to lead autonomy development and associated integration to support unmanned operations.
  • Skillset and knowledge for leading or/and overseeing autonomous test, evaluation, demonstration, data collection, and reporting
  • Communication skills to support NIWC program leadership briefings and reporting requirements.
  • Conducting or executing of tests following established procedures
  • Ship riding as part of testing

Qualifications
REQUIREMENTS:
  • Bachelors degree in an engineering field and nine (9) years or more related experience.
  • 5 years experience working with or on Unmanned Surface Vessels (USV)
  • 5 years experience coordinating and supporting at-sea test events
  • 5 years experience with vessel autonomy systems and operations
  • Must be able to obtain a Secret Clearance after start
  • Organizational, time-management, and communication skills.

Target salary range: $120,001 - $160,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.
Overview
SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.
SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.
We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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