Uncrewed Surface Vehicle Training Specialist

Job Title:

Uncrewed Surface Vehicle Training Specialist

About Ocean Power Technologies

Ocean Power Technologies, Inc. (OPT) delivers cutting-edge maritime solutions that enhance safety, sustainability, and efficiency in defense, offshore energy, research, and commercial applications. Our PowerBuoy® platforms provide clean, reliable power and real-time data communications for remote maritime and subsea operations. We also design, deploy, and support WAM-V® autonomous surface vessels (ASVs), leading marine robotics innovation worldwide.

Our headquarters is in Monroe Township, New Jersey, with an office in Richmond, California. Learn more at OceanPowerTechnologies.com.

The Role

We are seeking an Uncrewed Surface Vehicle Training Specialist to support and deliver OPT's Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) Trusted UMS Operator training program. This role is ideal for a technically skilled mariner or uncrewed systems operator with a background in teaching, mentoring, and setting professional standards for safe and effective operations.

This is a hands-on, primarily on-site role that includes classroom instruction, on-the-water training, course development, and periodic domestic and international travel to support field operations. Training Specialists serve as instructors and evaluators during certification courses and support field deployments to ensure training reflects real-world operational practices.

This role includes serving as the licensed captain of a crewed support vessel during on-water training and certification activities. Training Specialists work directly with OPT's Field Service Representatives (FSRs), Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV) Specialists, and engineering teams to maintain alignment between training, operations, and product capabilities.

Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Field Services Manager and Training Program leadership, you will support OPT's training and operational mission. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Training & Instruction
• Deliver classroom and on-the-water instruction for the AUVSI Trusted UMS Operator certification program, located in Richmond, CA.
• Serve as instructor, evaluator, and assessor in accordance with AUVSI protocols and OPT training standards
• Conduct hands-on instruction for WAM-V® ASV operations, including launch and recovery, vessel handling, emergency procedures, and mission execution
• Operate and command a crewed support vesselduring training evolutions
• Continuous improvement of course materials, lesson plans, assessments, and structure
• Work closely with engineering, operations, and technical sales teams to align training with product capabilities and limitations
• Assist with internal training for OPT personnel as platforms, procedures, or configurations evolve

Field Operations Support
• Participate in domestic and international field operations alongside FSR and ASV Specialist teams
• Support crewed and uncrewed vessel operations, maintenance, and troubleshooting
• Assist with deployment, recovery, and mission execution for WAM-V® ASVs and as needed, PowerBuoy® platforms
• Support logistics planning and execution for field operations, including coordination of vessel and equipment movement, staging, transport, launch, and recovery activities
• Apply operational experience to improve training realism, safety, and relevance

Safety & Professional Standards
• Promote and actively uphold a strong safety culture during training and field operations
• Lead by example in the application of maritime best practices and Operational Risk Management (ORM)

Required Qualifications
• Active U.S. Coast Guard credential (OUPV / 6-Pack or higher), required to serve as the licensed Captain of a crewed support vessel during training operations
• Minimum 2+ years of experience operating small vessels in near-coastal, harbor, or inland navigable waters; demonstrated knowledge of vessel handling, docking, launch and recovery, and on-water safety practices
• Experience instructing, mentoring, and evaluating others in technical or operational environments
• Familiarity with marine mechanical and/or low-voltage electrical systems
• Familiarity with communications systems used for navigation, control, telemetry, and data transfer in maritime and/or uncrewed systems operations.
• Proficiency with hand and power tools
• Ability to safely perform the essential physical functions of the role, including lifting up to 50 lbs, climbing ladders, standing for extended periods, and working in marine and industrial environments, with or without reasonable accommodation
• Ability to work independently while knowing when to seek input or assistance
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally for field operations
• Strong communication skills and professional demeanor in customer-facing settings
• Valid U.S. passport
• Valid U.S. driver's license
• Current CPR and Basic First Aid certification
• Ability to attain U.S. security clearance, if required
• Ability to attain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) if required

Desired Qualifications
• Master (Near Coastal) USCG credential
• Experience supporting offshore, nearshore, or complex maritime operations
• Background in autonomous, remotely operated, or robotic systems
• Familiarity with COLREGS, NAVRULES, and Operational Risk Management (ORM)
• Degree in marine/mechanical/electrical engineering, unmanned systems, or related field
• Military or professional maritime background

Equal Opportunity Statement

Ocean Power Technologies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, genetic information, service in the military, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.

Salary and Benefits

Salary range is$90,000 - $100,000per year and includes the following:
• Bonus potential
• Restricted Stock Awards

Benefits include:
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• 401(k)

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