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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Experience interpreting nautical charts, weather forecasts, navigational data, and maritime traffic information.
• Proficiency with voyage-planning software, GIS tools, and marine navigation systems.
• Ability to maintain accurate operational logs, maintenance records, inspection documentation, and compliance records.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and decision-making skills, particularly in time-sensitive or high-pressure environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to coordinate effectively across operational, technical, and leadership teams.
• Ability to stand a 12-hour navigational watch.
• Ability to successfully complete required background screening and USCG/DOT drug testing.
• Eligibility to obtain a security clearance is preferred for assignments involving restricted or government-access facilities.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive experience holding a USCG Master license and commanding or operating vessels in complex maritime environments.
• Familiarity with the handling and maneuvering characteristics of jet-drive-propelled vessels.
• Experience operating, testing, or supporting autonomous or unmanned maritime systems.
• Experience supporting research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) activities.
• Previous experience supporting the Department of Defense (DoD), U.S. government agencies, or government-contracted maritime programs.
• Experience coordinating vessel operations with engineering, software, and systems-integration teams.
  
  

Role Requirements And Competencies

• Demonstrated success in a shipboard leadership or vessel command role.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple operational priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with crew members, technical personnel, external stakeholders, and senior leadership.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving, operational risk management, and continuous improvement.
• Strong leadership skills, including the ability to establish expectations, develop personnel, and maintain accountability.
• Flexibility to support evolving mission requirements, operational schedules, and field assignments.
• Ability to travel up to 50% as operational needs require.
• Availability to work a projected 28-days-on / 28-days-off rotation.
  
  

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

The Mission Operations Master must be able to perform the essential functions of the position in a dynamic marine environment.

• Meet applicable fitness-for-duty requirements, including the ability to swim and tread water.
• Frequently lift, push, pull, and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Work outdoors in marine conditions, including direct sunlight, wind, rain, cold, and saltwater spray.
• Operate vessels and navigation systems during daylight, low-light, and nighttime conditions.
• Perform physically demanding tasks involving stooping, bending, reaching, squatting, kneeling, crouching, twisting, and crawling.
• Climb ladders and access elevated structures while maintaining balance and following required safety procedures.
• Stand and walk for extended periods on vessel decks and uneven surfaces.
• Work in hot and humid conditions while following established heat-stress prevention and hydration procedures.
• Maintain sufficient hearing to detect alarms, communications, and verbal safety instructions.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, safety footwear, and hard hats, as appropriate to the task.
  
  

About Blue Ops

Blue Ops, a Red Cat company, supports the advancement of autonomous maritime capabilities through skilled personnel, operational expertise, and the integration of emerging technologies. Our mission operations team helps bridge traditional maritime expertise and next-generation autonomous vessel systems to deliver safe, reliable, and effective maritime capabilities.

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 ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules.

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