Head of Engineering - USV

Head of Engineering – Unmanned Surface Vessels (USV)Owen Daniels is partnered with a fast-growing, privately funded maritime technology innovator building autonomous and unmanned surface vessels for defense and commercial customers.This is a rare, senior opportunity: acting as Design Authority for an unmanned surface vessel platform, building the engineering team, and shaping the technical direction of an advanced autonomous maritime system.Job SummaryOwn technical direction across all engineering for the US operating unit - design, development, testing, and delivery of unmanned surface vessel platforms.Act as Design Authority for USV programs and platform variants.Build, lead, and develop a multidisciplinary engineering organization spanning mechanical, electrical, software, and autonomy disciplines.Foster a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.Represent the business as senior technical lead with customers, partners, suppliers, and government stakeholders on unmanned maritime programs.Deliver customer-driven capability enhancements for autonomous vessel systems.Oversee systems engineering - requirements, verification, validation, and technical reviews.Ensure robust configuration management and engineering change control.Develop engineering strategy and technology roadmaps for next-generation unmanned platforms.Ensure compliance with applicable US defense regulations and standards.Required and Desirable ExperienceBachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Naval Architecture, Systems Engineering, or related (Master's preferred).10+ years of engineering experience across defense, maritime, aerospace, autonomous systems, or robotics.Prior experience in a technical leadership role with on unmanned maritime vesselsProven track record building and leading multidisciplinary engineering teams.Experience delivering complex defense or regulated engineering programs.Must have the legal right to work in the US and be able to complete applicable background checks.Key Details401(k) retirement plan.PTO plus public holidays.Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.Short and long-term disability insurance and EAP.Strong commitment to professional development.