Ocean Aero is an award-winning US company that has created the world's first and only environmentally powered Autonomous Underwater and Surface Vehicle (AUSV). Ocean Aero's autonomous marine robot, the Triton, operates exclusively on wind and solar energy and performs long endurance missions on the ocean surface with the ability to dive below the waves for underwater operations. The Triton uses a complex array of custom-built sensors, marinized electronics and software systems to operate, sense and communicate in the environment.
Role Description:
The Director, Field Application Engineering will be responsible for overseeing execution of test procedures in new and existing vehicles and pre-mission tasks (vehicle mission programming, vehicle checkout). The Director, Field Application Engineering will be responsible for strategic planning, technical support, customer engagement, team coordination, serve as technical liaison between engineering team and customers, and overseeing a team of Field Application Engineers (FAEs).
In addition, focus on fleet utilization, scheduling, mission and launch procedures, and optimization of processes for mission success. The Director, Field Application Engineering will combine technical expertise with strategic business skills to drive product adoption and support customer success. Ocean Aero has a collaborative culture with plenty of opportunities for growth and ownership. As an early member of the team, you will take ownership of the product and your actions will directly contribute to the success of the company. This role will report to the Chief Operating Officer.
Role Responsibilities:
Lead, mentor, and manage a team of FAEs, ensuring continual safety, professional development, providing guidance on technical issues, and career development
Scheduling, coordinating workload for the team, and prioritizing FAE team activities to align with company objectives and customer needs
Develop and refine customer support and field operations
Provide hands-on technical support and troubleshooting to resolve customer issues promptly
Ensure team members follow to all safety protocols and maintain current training
Build and maintain strong relationships with customers by providing exceptional technical support
Understand customer requirements and provide tailored solutions that meet their needs
Provide technical support during the sales process, including leading product demonstrations, presentations, and answering technical questions
Assist the sales team in developing proposals and quotations by providing technical input and ensuring feasibility
Oversee the implementation and integration of products at customer sites
Devise innovative techniques for testing and characterizing leading edge technology
Ensure that customer feedback is communicated to the Chief Technology Officer for continuous improvement
Work closely with the engineering team to stay updated on the latest product features and enhancements
Approve and verify employee time worked to ensure accuracy and compliance with company policies and procedures
Communicate customer feedback, technical issues, and periodic project assessments to the relevant internal teams
Ensure compliance with export control laws and regulations in all administrative and operational processes
Maintain detailed records of customer interactions, technical issues, and solutions provided
Represent the company at industry events and conferences, when requested
Generate regular reports on team activities, customer satisfaction, and technical issues for senior management
Conduct performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback to FAE team members
Evaluate all project data for accuracy and work in setting project targets and priorities
Prepare regular reports on team performance and customer feedback
Facilitate communication between the field team and other departments
Maintain documentation for technical support and field activities
Assist in setting strategic goals for the FAE team
Manage the budget for field operations and related activities
Coordinate training programs and support professional growth of team members
Develop training materials and sessions for both internal teams and customers
Cultivate and implement technical strategies to support product sales and customer success
Act as the primary technical contact for key customers, understanding their needs, and providing tailored solutions.
Conduct product demonstrations, training sessions, and technical presentations
Provide feedback to internal teams on customer requirements and potential product enhancements
Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues for customers
Develop and maintain technical documentation and resources
Coordinate and prioritize FAE team activities to align with company objectives and customer needs
Provide hands-on technical support and troubleshooting to resolve customer issues promptly
Develop and deliver training materials and sessions for both internal teams and customers
Role Requirements:
Bachelor of Engineering in Computer, Mechanical, Electrical, or related field
Minimum of 7 to 10 years of experience in technical support, field application engineering role, or a related technical role with at least 3 years in a leadership position
Willingness to travel as required to for customer and support sales efforts
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
Exceptional interpersonal skills and presentation skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences
Proficient in Windows and Excel
Strong business acumen with experience in business development, sales support, or product management
Superb cross-department communication skills (written and verbal)
Adeptness to think independently about creative solutions to design problems
Deep technical understanding of surface or underwater drones and relevant technologies
Experience operating small boats, reading nautical charts and water navigation
Acquainted with schematics and their interpretation
Experience with debugging electrical systems
Proficiency with Power Systems, Batteries, BMS, Cable Plants, Connectors, RF Cables, Communications Cables, GPS, Sensors, RF Communications, Antennas
Comfortable with the use of multimeters, O-scopes, and related test equipment
Familiar with Configuration Management, Documentation Controls, and CRBs
Experience with embedded and system level troubleshooting: PuTTY, WinSCP, Linux, and CLI
Ability to read data sheets and interpret them
High level of attention to detail and safety awareness
Travel: 50% customer-site travel, including long-duration (30-45 days at a time) international travel
Ability to perform duties in hazardous duty locations as defined appropriate by Ocean Aero Leadership
US Government position. US Citizenship required.
Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance and US Passport
Possess a valid Transportation Worker Identity Credential (TWIC) or successfully pass the requirements to obtain one
Ability to pass drug screen, background check, and motor vehicle screening
Role Preferences:
Master of Engineering in Mechanical, Electrical, or related field