Uncrewed Surface Vehicle Training Specialist

Company Description

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 

Role Description

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 and 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 vessel during 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 and 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)

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