What are the responsibilities and job description for the Automation & Controls Engineer position at Maritime Technology Startup (Stealth)?
About Oceanus
Oceanus Maritime Technologies is building the operating platform for the modern maritime world.
Global trade runs on ships, and we’re redefining what’s possible at sea by leveraging modern technology.
We’re a small, hands-on team based in El Segundo building full-stack systems that perform in real operating conditions across vessels, ports, and fleets. We focus on practical, deployable technology that brings safety oversight, automation, and coordination to complex maritime environments.
Our founding team previously built and operated SpaceX’s Autonomous Spaceport Droneships, which are among the most advanced autonomous maritime systems ever deployed. Today, we work with leading U.S. operators to bring that same rigor and systems thinking to the next generation of maritime infrastructure.
About The Role
We are developing next-generation shipboard automation systems that connect modern software to critical maritime infrastructure. The Senior Automation & Controls Engineer will design, program, integrate, and deploy industrial control systems onto operational vessels.
This position requires strong PLC programming experience, deep knowledge of industrial communication protocols, and the ability to execute hands-on in mission-critical environments. You will work across electrical hardware, control logic, and system architecture to enable scalable fleet deployment.
Key Responsibilities
We are open to a wide range of experience levels. The expected salary range for this role is $120,000 - $210,000. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, and scope of the role. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
Maritime operations are at the edge of a revolution — new connectivity and compute are finally unlocking remote monitoring, autonomy, and digitization.
Regulatory, economic, and geopolitical pressure is accelerating technology adoption, and U.S.-aligned infrastructure is more valuable than ever.
Oceanus is not just another vendor — we are building on hard-won operational experience, including work on autonomous maritime systems supporting missions like SpaceX droneships, and have deep operator engagement with strong product-market alignment.
You will help form the technical core of a team transforming an industry that quite literally moves the world.
Compensation Range: $130K - $220K
Oceanus Maritime Technologies is building the operating platform for the modern maritime world.
Global trade runs on ships, and we’re redefining what’s possible at sea by leveraging modern technology.
We’re a small, hands-on team based in El Segundo building full-stack systems that perform in real operating conditions across vessels, ports, and fleets. We focus on practical, deployable technology that brings safety oversight, automation, and coordination to complex maritime environments.
Our founding team previously built and operated SpaceX’s Autonomous Spaceport Droneships, which are among the most advanced autonomous maritime systems ever deployed. Today, we work with leading U.S. operators to bring that same rigor and systems thinking to the next generation of maritime infrastructure.
About The Role
We are developing next-generation shipboard automation systems that connect modern software to critical maritime infrastructure. The Senior Automation & Controls Engineer will design, program, integrate, and deploy industrial control systems onto operational vessels.
This position requires strong PLC programming experience, deep knowledge of industrial communication protocols, and the ability to execute hands-on in mission-critical environments. You will work across electrical hardware, control logic, and system architecture to enable scalable fleet deployment.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and implement industrial automation architecture for vessel deployment
- Develop, test, and maintain PLC code for shipboard equipment and control systems
- Interface with diesel engines, propulsion systems, and third-party PLC networks
- Implement and validate industrial communication protocols (CAN, Modbus, PROFINET, EtherCAT etc.)
- Develop tools to extract, process, and command critical vessel system data
- Create fault-tolerant control strategies for mission-critical systems
- Perform hardware integration, system bring-up, and electrical troubleshooting
- Support on-vessel commissioning and deployment activities
- Collaborate cross-functionally with software, electrical, and mechanical engineering teams
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls Engineering, or related field
- 5 years of experience developing and commissioning PLC-based automation systems
- Experience integrating heterogeneous OEM systems in industrial environments
- Proficiency with industrial communication protocols (Modbus, CAN, Ethernet/IP, OPC-UA)
- Ability to read and develop electrical schematics and control panel designs
- Experience debugging hardware and control systems in field environments
- Shipboard or maritime automation experience
- Experience with diesel engine control systems (CAT preferred)
- Strong experience with Beckhoff PLC platforms (or demonstrated expertise selecting alternative architectures)
- Experience working in high-performance hardware development environments such as SpaceX
- Experience deploying systems in harsh or offshore environments
- On-site with the team at our office in El Segundo, CA
- Occasional travel to test sites or operator locations as needed
We are open to a wide range of experience levels. The expected salary range for this role is $120,000 - $210,000. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, and scope of the role. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Comprehensive Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Generous Equity participation
- Flex Paid time off and company holidays
- 401(k) traditional and roth options
- Additional benefits that support your health, growth, and well-being
Maritime operations are at the edge of a revolution — new connectivity and compute are finally unlocking remote monitoring, autonomy, and digitization.
Regulatory, economic, and geopolitical pressure is accelerating technology adoption, and U.S.-aligned infrastructure is more valuable than ever.
Oceanus is not just another vendor — we are building on hard-won operational experience, including work on autonomous maritime systems supporting missions like SpaceX droneships, and have deep operator engagement with strong product-market alignment.
You will help form the technical core of a team transforming an industry that quite literally moves the world.
Compensation Range: $130K - $220K
Salary : $130,000 - $220,000