Commissioning Technician / Fabrication

Position Overview

Blue Ops, a Red Cat company, is seeking an experienced Commissioning Technician / Fabrication Specialist with a strong background in marine propulsion, mechanical systems, electrical systems, and vessel commissioning to support the production, testing, and operational readiness of autonomous surface vessels (ASVs).

This hands-on technical role is responsible for commissioning, inspecting, troubleshooting, testing, and maintaining critical marine systems throughout vessel construction, integration, and initial operational testing prior to delivery. Systems include main propulsion, auxiliary machinery, electrical generation and distribution, ventilation, fuel delivery, lubrication, cooling, and associated environmental and support equipment.

The successful candidate will bring extensive practical knowledge of marine machinery, diesel engines, waterjet propulsion, and vessel systems, along with the ability to independently diagnose complex issues and coordinate corrective actions. This position will also support fabrication activities, oversee machine shop work, standardize maintenance procedures, and provide technical guidance to vessel engineers and operational crews.

The ideal candidate is a safety-focused, resourceful technical professional who thrives in a hands-on shipyard environment and is committed to delivering reliable, high-performance marine systems that meet established quality, safety, and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Vessel Commissioning and Acceptance Testing

• Support marine operations across vessels during production, systems integration, commissioning, and initial testing at Fort Pierce, Florida, facility and associated shipyards.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute commissioning activities for propulsion, mechanical, electrical, and auxiliary vessel systems.
• Conduct functional testing, inspections, and operational checks to verify that installed equipment performs according to applicable specifications and acceptance criteria.
• Oversee vessel system commissioning and acceptance testing in coordination with shipyards, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), engineering teams, and vessel personnel.
• Identify deficiencies, document test results, track corrective actions, and verify resolution before system acceptance or vessel delivery.
• Support shipboard commissioning activities and provide technical assistance during vessel startup, sea trials, and initial operational testing.
• Maintain commissioning records, equipment documentation, inspection reports, and system test results to support vessel readiness and delivery requirements.

2. Propulsion, Mechanical, and Electrical Systems

• Troubleshoot, inspect, test, and maintain diesel engines, waterjet propulsion systems, and associated auxiliary machinery.
• Support equipment manufactured by Caterpillar, Cummins, John Deere, Mitsubishi, Mercury Marine, and other applicable OEMs.
• Diagnose and resolve issues involving propulsion controls, cooling systems, lubrication systems, fuel systems, electrical generation and distribution, ventilation, and related marine equipment.
• Perform or coordinate preventive and corrective maintenance to maintain equipment reliability and operational readiness.
• Identify root causes of mechanical and electrical failures and implement appropriate corrective actions.
• Coordinate with OEM representatives and technical specialists when advanced diagnostics, repairs, or manufacturer support are required.
• Verify that repaired or adjusted systems operate safely and meet applicable technical and performance requirements.

3. Technical Leadership and Vessel Support

• Provide technical guidance and troubleshooting support to Chief Engineers, vessel crews, technicians, and other operational personnel.
• Support the shipboard execution of commissioning activities, system upgrades, maintenance procedures, and operational readiness checks.
• Assist in resolving complex mechanical, electrical, and propulsion-related issues across multiple vessels.
• Communicate equipment status, technical risks, maintenance needs, and commissioning progress to engineering and operations leadership.
• Support the development of technical procedures and train personnel on equipment operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting, as appropriate.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure vessel systems are properly integrated, tested, documented, and ready for operation.

4. Fabrication and Machine Shop Oversight

• Manage and coordinate machine shop fabrication activities supporting vessel construction, equipment installation, repairs, and modifications.
• Review fabrication requirements, drawings, measurements, and technical specifications to ensure work meets design and quality expectations.
• Provide technical direction on fabrication, component fitment, mechanical assemblies, and installation-related challenges.
• Coordinate fabrication priorities, materials, tooling, and work schedules to support commissioning and production timelines.
• Inspect completed fabrication work and verify that components meet applicable dimensional, functional, and workmanship requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve fabrication methods, equipment integration, maintainability, and production efficiency.
• Ensure fabrication activities follow established safety procedures and applicable quality standards.

5. Maintenance Planning and Reliability

• Develop, implement, and standardize planned maintenance schedules for vessel machinery, propulsion systems, and auxiliary equipment.
• Establish maintenance procedures and documentation aligned with OEM recommendations, operating conditions, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Track maintenance activities, equipment condition, recurring failures, and outstanding corrective actions.
• Coordinate maintenance priorities to minimize downtime and support production schedules and vessel availability.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, equipment histories, and service documentation.
• Recommend improvements to maintenance practices, system reliability, and lifecycle equipment support.

6. Safety and Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure commissioning, maintenance, fabrication, and testing activities are conducted in accordance with established safety procedures and applicable maritime regulations.
• Support compliance with relevant U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), OEM, and other applicable requirements.
• Conduct or support equipment inspections, hazard assessments, and operational readiness reviews.
• Ensure appropriate safety precautions are followed during machinery testing, electrical work, lifting operations, and shipyard activities.
• Use required personal protective equipment (PPE) and maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Support documentation and inspection readiness for vessel acceptance, regulatory reviews, and internal quality assessments.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience commissioning, maintaining, and troubleshooting marine propulsion, mechanical, and auxiliary systems.
• Experience working with diesel engines manufactured by Caterpillar, Cummins, John Deere, Mitsubishi, or comparable OEMs.
• Hands-on experience with waterjet propulsion systems and Mercury Marine propulsion equipment.
• Strong independent troubleshooting and diagnostic skills across mechanical and propulsion systems, with working knowledge of associated electrical and control systems.
• Experience supporting new-build vessel commissioning, system integration, acceptance testing, vessel operations, and maintenance.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, equipment manuals, system schematics, and OEM service documentation.
• Experience developing or implementing preventive maintenance schedules and maintaining accurate technical records.
• Ability to coordinate effectively with shipyards, OEMs, engineering teams, vessel crews, and external technical service providers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to provide clear technical direction.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple technical priorities.
• Ability to pass required background screening and USCG/DOT drug testing before onboarding.
• Ability to obtain and maintain the security clearance required for assigned duties.

Preferred Qualifications

• OEM training or certification in marine diesel engines, waterjet propulsion, Mercury propulsion systems, or related marine equipment.
• Existing manufacturer certifications or the ability to obtain relevant OEM certifications.
• Experience with jet-drive propulsion and high-performance small craft.
• Experience supporting autonomous surface vessels, unmanned maritime systems, or advanced marine technology platforms.
• Previous experience working with the Department of Defense (DoD), U.S. government agencies, or government-contracted programs.
• Experience in shipyard production, machine shop operations, fabrication oversight, and vessel systems integration.
• Familiarity with commissioning documentation, acceptance testing, sea trials, and vessel delivery processes.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This position requires hands-on work in shipyards, fabrication shops, and aboard vessels under construction, commissioning, or testing. The employee must be able to perform essential job functions in physically demanding environments, with reasonable accommodation provided as required by applicable law.

• Frequently and repetitively lift, push, and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Work for extended periods in marine environments exposed to sun, wind, rain, cold, humidity, and saltwater spray.