Applied Intuition (EpiSci) is seeking a Maritime Test Director to serve as the ultimate authority on system readiness for real-world deployment. In this role, you will build and lead the function that bridges R&D and mission-proven capability, owning the holistic assessment of autonomous systems to ensure they are performant, reliable, and safe.
What You'll Do
- Design, implement, and own the comprehensive Test and Evaluation (T&E) strategy for the entire fleet of autonomous surface vehicles, from concept to full-scale operational deployment.
- Develop and own the complete Verification and Validation (V&V) workflow for the product line, establishing processes, metrics, tools, and infrastructure.
- Synthesize operational risk management frameworks and communicate potential risk to the senior Program Manager ahead of at-sea sorties.
- Define and own Operational Design Domain (ODD)-level Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for autonomy, focusing on quantifiable metrics for safety, capability, and reliability.
- Lead the strategic balance between simulation, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL), closed-course, and open-ocean testing to maximize learning velocity while ensuring safety.
- Author and maintain master test plans, strategic planning documents, and provide input for Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) documentation for government programs.
What We're Looking For
- Bachelor's Degree in a relevant engineering discipline, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in systems engineering, integration, and/or test and evaluation of complex electro-mechanical or software-intensive systems.
- At least 5 years of experience in a formal leadership capacity.
- Demonstrated, hands-on experience leading the test and evaluation of autonomous or unmanned systems in a relevant domain (air, ground, or sea).
- Experience with using agile program management tooling such as Atlassian Jira.
- Exemplary critical writing and analysis skills, able to draft comprehensive after action reports.
- Willingness and ability to travel up to 40% of the time, including significant periods offshore on vessels in potentially harsh conditions.
- U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret or Top Secret security clearance.
Nice to Have
- Direct, hands-on experience with the development, integration, and/or operational testing of Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) or Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs).
- Proven experience leading on-deck maritime operations, including vessel handling, launch and recovery, and working with pier-side and port service partners.
- Architectural understanding of a full autonomy software stack, including perception, prediction, planning, and control systems.
- Technical proficiency with modern robotics development and testing tools, such as C++, Python, Robot Operating System (ROS/ROS2), and high-fidelity simulation environments.
- Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies and tools (e.g., SysML, UML) for requirements management and test case development.
- Demonstrated experience interfacing directly with government customers, particularly the U.S. Navy, and familiarity with DoD acquisition processes, contracting, and reporting requirements.
- Prior military experience in a relevant operational or technical field (e.g., Navy EOD, Naval Special Warfare, billets related to robotic and autonomous systems).
Technical Stack
- C++
- Python
- Robot Operating System (ROS/ROS2)
- High-fidelity simulation environments
- Atlassian Jira
- SysML/UML (MBSE)
Team & Environment
This role is part of EpiSci, an Applied Intuition company, and reports to a Senior Program Manager.
Benefits & Compensation
- Equity
- Comprehensive health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance
- 401k retirement benefits with employer match
- Learning and wellness stipends
- Paid time off
- Salary: $150,000 to $180,000 USD annually
Work Mode
This is an onsite position located in San Diego, California, United States.
Applied Intuition is an equal opportunity employer and federal contractor, prohibiting discrimination and requiring affirmative action based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability.
