Hybrid Mission Software Engineer – Large Vessels

at HavocAI

• Job title: Mission Software Engineer – Large Vessels
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Mid level, Senior
• Salary: $150,000 - $185,000 per year
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Tech skills: Distributed Systems, Linux, Python, Rust
• Location requirements: Hybrid, San Diego, United States

About the role

• Mission Software Engineer integrating and deploying autonomy software on large maritime platforms at HavocAI. Help shape the future of maritime autonomy while collaborating closely with customers and operators.

Responsibilities

• Own software solutions deployed to large vessel customers
• Deliver high-reliability systems aligned to mission objectives
• Integrate and deploy autonomy software onto large maritime platforms
• Collaborate with platform engineering to scale capabilities fleet-wide
• Adapt autonomy systems to vessel-specific constraints and interfaces
• Develop and maintain interfaces using maritime protocols (NMEA, CAN, MQTT, UMAA)
• Ensure standards-compliant data exchange across vessel subsystems and external command networks
• Partner with autonomy, hardware, and mission engineering teams
• Plan, build, and test complex shipboard integrations
• Support field deployments and operational testing
• Design and implement monitoring, logging, and debugging frameworks
• Develop performance metrics to ensure reliable autonomy operation at sea
• Diagnose and resolve issues in live vessel deployments
• Coordinate resolution across internal engineering and customer teams
• Translate real-world vessel operational needs into software features
• Balance user experience with technical realities of shipboard environments
• Support shipboard and at-sea deployments as mission requirements dictate

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field
• 3+ years of experience developing software in C++, Python, or Rust within Linux environments
• Hands-on experience with ROS2 in real-world robotics or autonomy systems
• Working knowledge of maritime communication protocols (NMEA, CAN)
• Familiarity with UMAA (Unmanned Maritime Autonomy Architecture)
• Working knowledge of COLREGS International Navigation Rules
• Experience working with or aboard large maritime vessels
• Ability to navigate complex codebases and distributed systems
• Passion for mission-critical, real-world software
• U.S. Citizenship and eligibility for U.S. security clearance

Benefits

• 100% Employer paid Health, Dental and Vision Insurance for you and your families
• Life Insurance (Employer Paid)
• Ability to participate in the companies 401k program (Matching)
• Unlimited PTO policy with an enforced 2 week minimum
• Equity Package
• Work / Home Office Stipend
• Global Entry
• 16 Week Paid Parental Leave
• Monthly Health and Wellness Stipend