Mission Operations Master

Position Summary

Blue Ops, a Red Cat company, is seeking a highly experienced and skilled Mission Operations Master to lead the operation of autonomous surface vessels and supporting craft at our Fort Pierce, Florida, location.

This critical role combines traditional maritime command and vessel handling with the testing, evaluation, and operational deployment of advanced autonomous maritime systems. The Mission Operations Master is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant vessel operations across a variety of maritime environments while supporting mission execution, system testing, and continuous operational improvement.

Responsibilities include supervising vessel crews, monitoring vessel performance, coordinating with shoreside personnel, managing operational systems, and supporting the planning and execution of autonomous vessel missions. The successful candidate will provide experienced maritime leadership while helping advance the development and operational effectiveness of next-generation autonomous vessels.

The ideal candidate brings a strong background in maritime operations, sound judgment, exceptional problem-solving skills, and a demonstrated commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Vessel and Mission Operations

• Ensure the safe navigation and operation of assigned vessels, including during autonomous operations and testing.
• Lead, supervise, and coordinate onboard personnel to maintain a professional, disciplined, and high-performing team.
• Collaborate with shoreside teams, engineers, and mission personnel to execute test plans, operational objectives, and assigned missions.
• Support the planning, preparation, execution, and evaluation of vessel missions designed to develop, test, and refine autonomous operating systems.
• Monitor vessel systems, performance, and operational status; identify issues and coordinate appropriate corrective actions.
• Maintain readiness of vessels, crews, and onboard equipment for scheduled missions and operational tasking.
• Lead onboard safety briefings, emergency response activities, and drills to maintain a safe operating environment.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive logs, voyage records, maintenance documentation, and mission reports.
• Ensure compliance with applicable U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), International Maritime Organization (IMO), Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), and relevant classification society requirements, as applicable to the vessel and operation.

2. External Coordination and Maritime Compliance

• Coordinate with port control, port authorities, the U.S. Coast Guard, pilot associations, and other maritime stakeholders to secure required access, approvals, and operational support.
• Manage vessel movements, berthing assignments, fueling, provisioning, and dockside logistics in accordance with mission schedules.
• Maintain effective communication with regulatory authorities and external service providers to support compliant and efficient operations.
• Serve as the primary maritime point of contact for field operations involving port infrastructure, vessel support services, and external maritime stakeholders.
• Support vessel inspections, regulatory reviews, and operational readiness assessments.
• Ensure required vessel documentation, certifications, and operational records remain current and readily available.

3. Safety, Navigation, and Operational Readiness

• Apply sound maritime judgment and maintain situational awareness in changing weather, traffic, and navigational conditions.
• Interpret nautical charts, weather forecasts, navigational data, and other relevant information to support voyage planning and mission execution.
• Apply the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and applicable navigation rules.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement appropriate mitigation measures before and during vessel operations.
• Ensure emergency procedures, communications protocols, and safety equipment are understood, available, and operational.
• Support the identification and resolution of operational deficiencies and contribute to continuous improvement in vessel procedures and mission execution.

Required Qualifications

• Valid U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Master license appropriate to the vessel, route, and assigned duties.
• Required STCW credentials, including Basic Training, Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW), Medical Person in Charge (Medical PIC), and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license, as applicable to the position.
• Current Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Valid USCG/STCW medical certificate and valid passport.
• Demonstrated experience serving in a senior deck officer or command role aboard crewed vessels in dynamic maritime environments.
• Strong knowledge of marine navigation, ship handling, voyage planning, bridge resource management, and shipboard emergency procedures.
• Working knowledge of USCG requirements, applicable SOLAS provisions, classification society requirements, and international maritime regulations.