• Senior USV Autonomy Engineer

    Red Cat Holdings (Valdosta, GA)


    Senior USV Autonomy Engineer

    Job Details

    Job Location

     

    Blue Ops - Valdosta, GA

    Description

    Position Summary

    Blue Ops is seeking a highly skilled Senior USV Autonomy Engineer (USA) to lead the integration, management, and advancement of our proprietary autonomy technology stack for Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs). This role is essential to ensuring the successful integration of the autonomy stack into Blue Ops vessels while driving innovation toward advanced AI-enabled, fully autonomous maritime operations.

     

    Essential Duties and Responsibilities

     

    Technology Integration & Management

     

    + Lead U.S.-based installation, calibration, and testing of the Blue Ops autonomy stack on production and demonstration vessels.

    + Serve as the technical liaison between autonomy developers and U.S. boatbuilding/engineering teams.

    + Oversee adaptation of the autonomy stack for U.S. environmental, regulatory, and operational requirements.

     

    Collaboration & Training

     

    + Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians.

    + Deliver training to U.S. personnel on autonomy system installation, operation, troubleshooting, and upgrades.

    + Work closely with technical partners in the U.S. and abroad to advance autonomy capabilities.

     

    Research & Development

     

    + Collaborate with technical partners on technology evolution, ensuring system upgrades are implemented and validated in U.S. operations.

    + Support the roadmap toward AI-driven, fully autonomous operations, including sensor fusion, situational awareness, and decision-making algorithms.

    + Identify, evaluate, and integrate emerging technologies to maintain Blue Ops’ leadership in USV autonomy.

     

    Program Support

     

    + Support demonstrations, field tests, and evaluations with U.S. government customers.

    + Document integration processes, configurations, and lessons learned to ensure repeatability and continuous improvement.

    + Ensure compliance with ITAR, cybersecurity, and U.S. defense technology transfer regulations.

    Required Qualifications

    + U.S. Citizenship (must be eligible for security clearance).

    + Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or related field.

    + 7+ years’ experience in autonomy systems, robotics, or related engineering fields.

    + Hands-on experience with system integration, hardware/software calibration, and field testing.

    + Strong understanding of marine systems, navigation sensors, and control architectures.

    + Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams and collaborate with technical partners.

     

    Additional Desired Qualifications

     

    + Master’s degree or PhD in Robotics, Autonomous Systems, or Artificial Intelligence.

    + Experience with maritime systems, USV/ASV platforms, or naval/military engineering programs.

    + Familiarity with AI/ML models for real-time decision-making and autonomous navigation.

    + Prior experience with ITAR compliance and U.S. defense technology projects.

     

    Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

     

    + Must be able to walk, stand, and navigate large indoor and outdoor facilities for extended periods of time.

    + Ability to lift, carry, and move materials and equipment weighing up to 25 lbs on a regular basis.

    + Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required in designated areas or when performing specific tasks, in accordance with safety protocols and company policy.

    + May be required to climb ladders, stoop, kneel, or crouch during inspections, maintenance walk-throughs, or emergency response situations.

    + Regular exposure to facility operations including noise, dust, temperature fluctuations, and industrial equipment.

    + Occasional off-hours or weekend work required for emergency facility responses or projects as needed

    + Requires frequent use of a computer and other standard office equipment for documentation, communication, and coordination tasks.

     

    Background Check

     

    This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.

     

    EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure

     

    Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.

     

    E-Verify

     

    The company participates E-Verify (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/EVerifyParticipationPoster.pdf) ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER\_RightToWorkPoster%20Eng\_Es.pdf) rules.

     

    Compensation: Salary plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.