Mission Software Engineer - Large Vessels - San Diego

Department: Autonomy

Location: San Diego

Compensation: $150K – $185K • Offers Equity • Offers Bonus

Employment Type: FullTime

About Us:

Collaborative autonomy is how self-tasking teams of machines will solve hard human problems, and HavocAI is an unquestioned leader in collaborative autonomy. We set the standard for autonomous surface vessels for a wide range of defense and commercial maritime missions. Success requires us to grow quickly, and we’re looking for teammates who are passionate about solving hard problems, about pushing the envelope, and about preventing conflict and saving lives. Ambition is welcome to apply within.

About the Role:

As a Mission Software Engineer, you will bring autonomy to life on large-scale maritime platforms — integrating, deploying, and owning mission-critical software directly alongside customers and operators.

This is not a purely lab-based role. You will work at the intersection of autonomy systems, maritime standards, vessel hardware, and real-world operations. From shipboard deployments to autonomy stack integration, you will ensure Havoc’s systems operate reliably in demanding, complex maritime environments.

If you thrive in dynamic environments, understand the realities of shipboard systems, and want your code tested and proven at sea, this role offers immediate and meaningful impact.

Key Responsibilities and Requirements:

End-to-End Mission Ownership

• Own software solutions deployed to large vessel customers

• Deliver high-reliability systems aligned to mission objectives

Autonomy Integration

• 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

Maritime Communications & Standards

• Develop and maintain interfaces using maritime protocols (NMEA, CAN, MQTT, UMAA)

• Ensure standards-compliant data exchange across vessel subsystems and external command networks

Cross-Functional Engineering

• Partner with autonomy, hardware, and mission engineering teams

• Plan, build, and test complex shipboard integrations

• Support field deployments and operational testing

Monitoring & Reliability

• Design and implement monitoring, logging, and debugging frameworks

• Develop performance metrics to ensure reliable autonomy operation at sea

Troubleshooting & Field Support

• Diagnose and resolve issues in live vessel deployments

• Coordinate resolution across internal engineering and customer teams

Operator & Customer Collaboration

• Translate real-world vessel operational needs into software features

• Balance user experience with technical realities of shipboard environments

Deployment Readiness

• Support shipboard and at-sea deployments as mission requirements dictate

Qualifications:

• 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience integrating autonomy software with vessel navigation, propulsion, or sensor systems

• Familiarity with NMEA 2000, J1939, or related frameworks

• Experience with multi-agent maritime autonomous systems

• Knowledge of distributed shipboard communication architectures

• Familiarity with military maritime systems and operational tactics

• Korean or Taiwanese language fluency

Experience in safety-critical or real-time embedded systems

Why This Role Matters

Your software will operate in dynamic maritime environments where reliability, safety, and precision are paramount. You will help define how large autonomous maritime systems integrate into real-world fleets — shaping the future of maritime autonomy.

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

Our Values:

• Innovation: We are driven to break new ground. Every day presents an opportunity to challenge the status quo, think boldly, and deliver advanced solutions that transform the future of defense technology.

• Integrity: We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards, ensuring transparency, accountability, and trust in all our actions and partnerships.

• Mission-Driven: We are focused on achieving impactful outcomes that align with our core mission—protecting lives through innovation.

• Forward-Leaning: We continuously seek out new opportunities and remain at the forefront of technological advancements. We embrace change and anticipate the challenges of tomorrow with confidence and creativity.

• Ownership of All Tasks: At HavocAI, no problem is too complex or too trivial. We believe that greatness comes from tackling the hardest challenges, but also in handling the smallest, sometimes thankless, tasks with the same level of commitment and care.

• Servant Leadership: We lead by serving others, whether it’s supporting our employees, partners, or the broader community. Empowering those around us is key to achieving long-term success and making a lasting impact.

HavocAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.