USV Maritime Operations Specialist

As a USV Maritime Operations Specialist, the role is focused on learning and developing the knowledge, skills and practical judgement required to safely operate Kraken Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs). The position supports day‑to‑day maritime operations, including Factory acceptance test, Sea acceptance tests, mission preparation, execution and recovery, and contributes to monitoring vessel performance, maintaining situational awareness and producing accurate operational reporting. This role requires meticulous documentational planning of on and off water operations. This role may require periods of time away from home.

• Plan and execute day-to-day USV operations in line with business objectives and safety requirements
• Conduct factory and sea acceptance tests, mission preparation, execution and recovery
• Safely operate USVs in both line-of-sight (LOS) and beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) scenarios
• Ensure compliance with COLREGs and relevant maritime regulations at all times
• Carry out pre-deployment checks across propulsion, power, navigation, communications, autonomy software and payloads
• Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical and system-level faults during operations
• Perform first-line maintenance, configuration updates and minor repairs in the field
• Develop detailed trial plans including objectives, scope, risks and acceptance criteria
• Produce and maintain documentation such as test procedures, risk assessments and checklists
• Capture and manage trial data, ensuring traceability from objectives through to results
• Produce post-trial reports with clear outcomes, issues and recommendations
• Monitor vessel performance and maintain situational awareness during operations
• Complete logs, mission reports and debriefs, capturing lessons learned
• Support continuous improvement in operational performance and processes

• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore (commercially endorsed)
• Significant experience operating USVs (5–15m range)
• Full UK driving licence with towing experience
• Experience commissioning, testing or operating manned or unmanned vessels
• Ability to travel and work flexibly, including offshore operations
• Strong understanding of maritime operations and vessel handling
• Ability to quickly learn and operate new systems, software and technologies
• Experience producing detailed operational documentation and reports
• Confidence operating in offshore and safety-critical environments

• Knowledge of UK flag state regulatory requirements
• MCA Master 200 or equivalent
• Instructor or training qualifications
• Experience in military or high-profile maritime operations
• Experience working in global or complex operational environments

• Operate with a strong focus on safety and compliance
• Work effectively under pressure in dynamic conditions
• Collaborate closely with internal teams and external partners
• Take ownership of tasks and contribute to operational success
• Continuously develop skills and knowledge within maritime and autonomous systems

• Work at the forefront of autonomous maritime operations
• Gain hands-on experience across real-world missions and trials
• Be part of a collaborative and high-performing operations team
• Contribute to cutting-edge technology in a safety-critical environment

• 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 3x salary, subject to eligibility
• 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.