Large USV Fleet Operations Master

The Large USV Fleet Operations Master is the senior maritime authority for a 23-metre first-of-class unmanned surface vessel throughout launch, commissioning, trials, testing and operational activity. Once the vessel is afloat, the Vessel Master holds overall authority for its safe conduct and operation, whether control is exercised locally or remotely.

The postholder will command and supervise the USV operation, direct the USV operators and supporting personnel, and make final operational decisions concerning navigation, safety, readiness, test execution and the continuation, suspension or termination of activities. This authority applies during all company-led trials and testing and must be exercised in accordance with applicable maritime law, company procedures, approved risk controls and local operating requirements.

As this is a first-of-class platform, the role requires an experienced mariner, who can translate design intent into safe, repeatable and auditable operating and test practice. The postholder will work closely with Engineering, Systems Integration, Production, QHSE, programme teams, customers and external maritime stakeholders to establish operational readiness and support acceptance of the vessel.

The postholder will help Kraken define learning objectives for LUSV trials and capture operational lessons to inform how these vessels will be operated in the future. This learning will support the development of practical operating concepts, procedures and training requirements, contributing to future LUSV operations across the UK and the wider maritime industry.

• Act as Vessel Master and overall maritime authority for the 23-metre first-of-class USV after the internal handover from the Production phase into commissioning trials and acceptance.  
• Hold final authority for the safe operation of the vessel, including decisions to commence, continue, modify, suspend or terminate an activity. 
• Ensure the vessel is operated safely, lawfully and within its approved operating envelope, procedures, risk controls, certification and local / legal permissions. 
• As platform Master; Supervise USV operators and other assigned personnel, setting clear roles, watchkeeping arrangements, communications protocols and standards of conduct. 
• Confirm that operators and support personnel are competent, briefed, appropriately rested and authorised for their assigned duties. 
• Own the end-to-end planning and delivery of all internal vessel trials and testing, supporting initial test definition and creation with Systems Engineering, through execution, evidence capture, defect resolution, retest and close-out. 
• Create, maintain and control the comprehensive master test document for internal trials, ensuring full traceability between requirements, test cases, results, supporting evidence, defects and acceptance decisions. 
• Develop trial plans, test procedures, operating instructions, checklists, briefs, acceptance criteria, contingency arrangements and post-trial reports. 
• Chair operational readiness reviews and pre-trial briefings, verifying vessel condition, personnel, weather, sea state, communications, support assets, permissions and emergency arrangements before on water operations. 
• Ensure defects and operational limitations are assessed, communicated and controlled, with clear recommendations on vessel availability and readiness. 
• Coordinate with ports, harbour authorities, vessel traffic services, regulators, customers, contractors and support-vessel masters as required for safe and effective trials. 
• Provide clear readiness, safety, test-progress and performance reports to the Maritime Operations Director and relevant programme stakeholders. 
• Drive a disciplined culture of seamanship, procedural compliance, learning, accountability and continuous improvement across USV operations. 
• Be a key driving stakeholder in the progression of the commercial code of practise certification of the LUSV, chairing industry stakeholder meetings to aid in maintaining intended timeframes 
• Take ownership of the associated operational documentation of the platform, making sure key SMS and SOP documents are understood by supporting operators and support crew 
• Once initial acceptance testing is complete and commercial certification is gained, the post holder will have the ability to propose, plan and conduct further trials which will develop business learning on the operation of Platforms of this size 

• Current commercially endorsed Master 200 GT Certificate of Competency, or a directly equivalent qualification acceptable to the business and relevant authorities. 
• Demonstrable command experience on vessels of 24 metres or over, with responsibility for safe navigation, crew, operational decisions and emergency response. 
• Proven ability to exercise vessel command authority and make timely, defensible go/no-go decisions in dynamic trial environments. 
• Experience supervising bridge teams and maintaining effective command, control and communications. 
• Strong working knowledge of emergency procedures, marine risk assessment and safe systems of work. 
• Sound technical understanding of propulsion, steering, electrical, navigation, communications and integrated vessel systems, with the ability to work effectively with engineering specialists. 
• Strong planning, technical-writing, problem-solving and decision-making skills, with disciplined control of documentation and configuration. 
• Clear and authoritative communication skills, including the ability to brief teams, coordinate external stakeholders and report operational status to senior management. 
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel, work afloat and support trials outside normal working hours when operationally required. 
• Knowledge of UK vessel certification, coding, classification, regulatory engagement and approval processes for vessels of this size 

• Direct experience operating, commanding or trialling unmanned surface vessels, autonomous maritime systems or remotely controlled craft. 
• First-of-class, prototype, defence, naval, workboat or high-speed craft commissioning experience. 
• Experience creating comprehensive vessel trial plans, test procedures, acceptance criteria, risk controls, evidence packs and test reports. 
• Substantial practical experience commissioning vessels of a comparable size, including harbour and sea trials, system proving and acceptance activity 
• Experience developing concepts of operation, operating envelopes, standing orders, emergency response plans and remote operations procedures. 
• Experience with systems engineering, requirements verification, test management, configuration control and defect-management tools. 
• Relevant instructor, assessor, human-factors, incident-investigation or marine safety qualifications. 
• Experience supporting customer demonstrations, formal acceptance events and delivery programmes. 

You’ll take a hands-on role throughout commissioning, harbour and sea trials, testing and operational activity, working both afloat and alongside remote USV operations.

You’ll coordinate with ports, harbour authorities, vessel traffic services, regulators, customers, contractors and support-vessel masters to ensure all activities are planned and delivered safely and effectively.

This role offers the opportunity to take a leading position in the commissioning, trialling and operational development of a first-of-class large unmanned surface vessel.

You will have genuine authority over vessel operations and the opportunity to establish safe operating practices, develop future trial activity and contribute to the wider development of large USV operations within Kraken and the maritime industry.

• 25 days holiday per year, plus paid bank holiday
• After two years’ consecutive service, one additional day’s annual leave up to a maximum of five additional days annual leave
• Holiday buy/sell, up to five days per calendar year
• Flexi working, core hours 10:00 to 15:00, subject to departmental requirements
• Private Medical Insurance with optional family cover
• Pension scheme with a 5% employer contribution, there is no cap on the employee contribution level
• Life assurance 3x salary
• Group Income Protection
• Health Care Cash Plan
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Electric Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing mental health and wellbeing support
• Professional membership reimbursement

Due to the nature of our work many of our roles require a UK nationality and the ability to obtain a security clearance.  Applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment must meet the requirement of right to work in the UK and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information and will be subject to Government security checks.

Kraken Works Limited is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We are committed to maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination and offers equal opportunities to all.  Applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage and civil partnerships.