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Test Site Manager - Autonomous Surface Vessels
Saronic Technologies
People & HR, Operations
Portsmouth, uk
Posted on May 13, 2025
Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionising autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms -for government and non-government customers. This role is likely to be based in the South East of the UK, but exact location will be advised.
Role Overview
We are seeking a Test Site Manager for the day-to-day management of our physical test facility for our autonomous vessels. You will have overall responsibility for the operational aspects of the facility, including but not limited to work quality, output, basic budgeting, progress, and overall success of the Mission Operations team on the ground and on the water.
This role is essential to ensuring our maritime testing sites operate smoothly, safely, and securely while supporting ongoing expansion and improvement efforts. You will be a core member of the Mission Operations team and will have first-line responsibility for ensuring that the facility achieves its testing and operational requirements.
You will be a key part of a rapidly growing team. In the wake of our success in the United States, this is an opportunity to build an organisation from first principles to leave a lasting impact in the UK and the wider region.
Responsibilities
- Facility Operations: Manage the daily operations of our facilities, including office, lab, and maritime testing spaces
- Maritime Operations Support: Assist with facility logistics related to dockside testing, field deployments, vessel launch/retrieval, and storage.
- Project Management: Develop scopes of work, manage timelines and vendors, track milestones, and ensure renovations are completed on time and within budget
- Compliance & Safety: Monitor compliance with all applicable environmental safety standards
- Security & Access Control: Maintain access systems and secure workspaces in accordance with customer and internal security protocols
- Vendor & Contractor Oversight: Select, contract, and supervise vendors and service providers for both operations and renovation work
- Budget Management: Build and manage operating and capital expense budgets for facilities and project work
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with engineering, security, and operations teams to ensure workspace supports mission success
- Planning: Work between internal and external stakeholders such as government customers, facilitating communication, managing expectations, and ensuring mission or program requirements are met. You will support the team through development of comprehensive mission plans, considering factors such as route optimization, environmental conditions, and risk mitigation to achieve desired outcomes.
- ASV Operations and Monitoring: Supervise the Mission Operations team running ASV operations during missions, monitoring vessel performance, sensor data, and mission progress in real time.
- Data Analysis and Reporting: Supervise the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data acquired during ASV missions to derive actionable insights. Generate comprehensive mission reports detailing key findings, observations, and recommendations.
- Training and Support: Conduct training sessions for customer personnel on ASV operation, mission planning, and maintenance procedures. Provide ongoing support and assistance to end-users, addressing inquiries and resolving operational challenges effectively
How you support the mission:
Requirements
- Demonstrated success in project coordination and leadership in current role.
- Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with team members, stakeholders, and senior management.
- Demonstrated problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to addressing challenges.
- Strong leadership qualities, including the ability to motivate and inspire team members.
- Some travel may be required depending on business needs.
- Able to certify as “fit for work” by demonstrating ability to swim and tread water, lift up to 35 kgs, and spend extended time periods on the water.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, maritime studies, or equivalent experience in a related field is preferred
- Experience in maritime operations, particularly with autonomous or unmanned systems is a plus
- Proficiency in mission planning software, GIS tools, and maritime navigation systems
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make quick decisions under pressure
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams
- Prior experience working in specialised environments or other similar government agencies is a plus
Physical Demands
- Ability to certify as “fit for work” by demonstrating ability to swim and tread water
- Frequently and repetitively, lift, push and carry up to 75 lbs.
- Will be exposed to marine environments, including sun, wind, rain, cold, and saltwater spray, often for extended periods
- Must be able to operate in daylight, low-light, and night conditions using marine navigation systems and visual cues
- Ability to perform physically demanding work for extended periods of time, up to 12 hours/day
- The ability to carry 20 lbs. up and down stairs
Benefits
- Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success
- Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses
- Medical Insurance: Comprehensive private health insurance
- Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays
- Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents