Mission Operations Specialist
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:
Mission Operations Specialists lead the planning, deployment, and execution of HavocAI’s Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV) platforms and HavocControl software in support of customer missions. This role sits at the intersection of operations, customer success, and product development—owning real-world execution while feeding mission insights back into the HavocAI stack.
You will work closely with engineering, logistics, technical operations, and go-to-market teams to deploy systems to the field, train and certify end users, monitor live operations, and ensure our products perform in demanding environments. Mission Operations Specialists stay deeply engaged with customers, maintain a constant pulse on how users interact with HavocAI systems, and help evolve operational tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). When something isn’t right, you drive resolution—fast.
Key Responsibilities and Requirements:
Deploy and Operate HavocAI Systems
Plan with cross-functional teams (test operations, business development, engineering) to execute customer deployments and field training.
Lead and execute ASV and HavocControl deployments in operational and test environments.
Train, certify, and support end users on HavocAI systems.
Monitor and execute live operations; assist test operations and engineering teams in troubleshooting and issue resolution.
Ensure high performance, reliability, and mission readiness of HavocAI platforms in the field.
Customer Engagement & Mission Success
Serve as a trusted operational partner to customers, from hands-on operators to senior leadership.
Maintain continuous engagement to understand how customers use the HavocAI stack and where friction exists.
Brief outcomes and insights from operator-level to flag-level and executive audiences.
Clearly articulate mission impact, operational value, and ROI to support renewals and expansion.
Product Feedback & Continuous Improvement
Capture frontline user feedback and translate it into clear product requirements, CONOPS updates, TTPs, and engineering tickets.
Partner closely with Product, Engineering, and GTM teams to drive timely fixes and improvements.
Help shape product direction by bringing real-world mission context into internal decision-making.
Cross-Functional Execution
Coordinate across GTM, Product, Engineering, Test Operations, and other internal teams to deliver outcomes on time and on budget.
Act as a connective tissue across the organization to ensure alignment and execution during complex deployments.
Qualifications:
2–5+ years of experience in one or more of the following:
Maritime operations
Unmanned systems
Mission-critical fielding
Project management
Customer success or operations (or equivalent experience)
Military experience is a plus.
Strong instructor presence with confident, professional customer-facing communication.
Clear, concise writing skills for SOPs, TTPs, after-action reports, and internal documentation.
Ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs in field environments.
Soft Skills:
Bias to action; calm under pressure in dynamic operational environments.
Systems thinker who can connect user pain points to product and process improvements.
Ownership mindset—you step in when things break, slip, or fail.
Team-first, low-ego attitude; willing to contribute wherever needed to ensure mission success.
High standards for execution, trust, and shared accountability.
Requirements:
U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain a security clearance.
Willingness to travel CONUS and OCONUS 50–75%, including multi-week trips and irregular hours as mission demands require.
Valid passport.
Physically able to lift, move, and operate mission gear in field conditions.
Nice to Have:
Prior experience in defense technology or unmanned maritime systems.
Familiarity with maritime vessels and field data collection/telemetry.
Experience in customer success or operations at a defense tech startup.
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.