Senior Defense Operations Specialist

Senior Defense Operations SpecialistThe Sr. Defense Operations Specialist supports the planning, coordination, oversight, and evaluation of autonomous maritime operations and related defense programs. This role operates at the intersection of engineering, operations, and government customer engagement to ensure Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) systems are effectively tested, deployed, and sustained in support of mission requirements. Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesSupport execution of product and mission-supporting programs, including research and development, testing, and operational demonstrations. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to define program goals, objectives, and deliverables. Monitor project and mission progress; identify operational risks, technical issues, or schedule impacts. Implement corrective actions and process improvements where required. Promote collaboration, communication, and knowledge sharing across operational and engineering teams. Provide operational guidance and technical support to team members as needed. Mission Planning & CoordinationCoordinate with government customers and mission partners to facilitate communication and manage operational expectations. Develop detailed mission plans to support testing, demonstrations, and operational deployments. Incorporate environmental factors, route planning, risk mitigation, and contingency procedures into mission design. Support development of operational documentation including Concept of Operations (CONOPS), test plans, and mission briefs. Participate in pre-mission planning, execution oversight, and post-mission debriefs. Exercise independent judgment when evaluating mission requirements, operational risks, environmental conditions, mission constraints and provide recommendations regarding mission execution and operational priorities. Unmanned Surface Vessel OperationsOversee and coordinate the operation of Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) during testing, training, and customer operations. Lead and guide operators and mission personnel during vessel operations and testing activities. Operate vessel command and control interfaces and monitoring systems as needed to support mission execution and operational oversight. Monitor live telemetry including navigation status, propulsion systems, payload sensors, and communications links. Maintain maritime situational awareness throughout mission execution. Adjust operational parameters in response to environmental or mission changes. Real-Time Monitoring & Incident ResponseMonitor vehicle status, system behavior, and operating environment during active missions. Respond to alerts, anomalies, or unexpected vessel behavior in real time. Execute contingency procedures to ensure mission continuity and platform safety. Document and communicate operational issues to engineering and leadership personnel. Testing Execution & Technical FeedbackExecute operational test plans in accordance with approved procedures. Record operational observations, system performance, and test results. Log events, discrepancies, and technical issues for validation and debugging purposes. Provide structured feedback to engineering teams to support system refinement and capability development. Contribute to improvements in testing procedures, operator workflows, and control interfaces. Data Analysis & ReportingCollect and analyze mission data from USV operations and test events. Interpret performance metrics, sensor outputs, and operational outcomes. Produce mission reports documenting findings, lessons learned, and recommendations. Support engineering assessments and capability evaluations. Training and Operational SupportConduct operator and end-user training for government and partner personnel. Provide instruction on vessel operations, mission planning, and system capabilities. Support fielding events, exercises, and operational demonstrations. Provide reach-back support to deployed or remote users as required. Compliance, Safety, & Risk ManagementEnsure USV operations comply with applicable maritime regulations, government policies, and operational standards. Implement safety procedures and risk mitigation measures. Support operational risk assessments and mission safety planning. Promote safe operating practices across all mission activities. Cross-Functional IntegrationCoordinate closely with: Demo/ RDT&E Specialists Engineering & Autonomy Teams Payload & Sensor Integrators Logistics & Field Support Personnel Promote collaboration and knowledge sharing across program and operational teams. Supervisory ResponsibilitiesProvide operational leadership and coordination for mission execution teams, including operators, technicians, and mission support personnel. Coordinate day-to-day operational activities, help assign responsibilities, and support the team in achieving mission objectives safely and efficiently. Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in engineering, maritime operations, defense systems, robotics, or a related technical field; equivalent experience may be considered. Minimum of 8+ years of experience in defense operations, maritime systems, autonomous systems, unmanned vehicles, or a related operational environment. Demonstrated experience supporting operational planning, mission execution, and testing of complex systems. Experience working with government customers, defense programs, or mission-focused operational environments. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to assess operational risks and technical challenges. Ability to interpret technical documentation, system specifications, and operational procedures. Proficiency with mission planning tools, command-and-control systems, telemetry monitoring, or related operational software platforms. Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams. Additional Desired QualificationsExperience with Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs), Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), autonomous vehicles, or maritime robotics. Familiarity with maritime operations, navigation, and environmental considerations affecting vessel operations. Experience supporting defense research, test and evaluation (RDT&E) programs. Prior military, maritime, or defense industry operational experience. Physical Requirements and Working ConditionsAbility to work in both office and operational environments including shipyards, test ranges, and outdoor maritime settings. Ability to stand, walk, and move around operational environments for extended periods of time. May occasionally be required to lift or move equipment weighing up to 35 pounds. Ability to travel to testing sites, demonstration events, and operational deployments as required. Must be able to work in varying environmental conditions including heat, humidity, wind, and marine environments. Ability to operate computer systems, mission control interfaces, and standard office equipment for extended periods. Occasional evening, weekend, or extended hours may be required to support mission operations, testing events, or customer demonstrations. Background CheckThis position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law. EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization DisclosureRed Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization. E-VerifyThe company participates to ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules. Compensation: Salary plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.