Senior Survey Operator

About Bedrock

Bedrock is operationalizing the largest Earth-exploration mission in human history. We’re doing that by developing robotics & software to explore, map, and classify the entirety of Earth's ocean floor. The oceans are a critical component of climate stabilization. Our hope is to provide critical subsea data and infrastructure to further understand and predict the fundamental forces that support harmonious human existence on this planet. 

The Role:

We are seeking a passionate ocean explorer to advance primarily our commercial survey initiatives and support R&D efforts when required. In this role, you will support and run field operations through logistics coordination, equipment maintenance, and deployment to domestic and international sites to conduct autonomous marine surveys. You will collaborate closely with engineering teams to establish feedback loops that drive technology development and play a pivotal role in enhancing survey operations. You will also collaborate with survey leadership, as simultaneous survey operations may require flexibility in assignments. This position offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of innovation, contributing to cutting-edge advancements in a dynamic and collaborative environment.

What You'll Do:

• Managing offshore operations of marine autonomous systems, including equipment load out, demobilization, mission planning, and all deck operations.

• Helping develop a training program for new operators

• Providing regular survey updates to the team and clients.

• Staying current on standards and survey procedures.

• Maintaining detailed records of daily offshore activities.

• Troubleshooting emergent AUV issues with engineering teams for quick resolutions.

• Ensuring proper care and maintenance of marine survey equipment.

• Promoting continuous improvement of safety and quality management processes.

About You:

Experience & Expertise

• 5+ years hands-on experience operating marine technologies, preferably with Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) or similar subsea systems

• Commercial at-sea experience beyond private vessel operations, with an understanding of industry best practices and safety protocols, or offshore, international or military related deployment for survey or uncrewed systems

• Familiarity with R&D systems, including prototype operations and iterative development processes that can hold varying levels of uncertainty

• Strong troubleshooting skills for marine survey equipment, including fine-tuning systems to optimize data quality and operational performance

• Experience working with maritime contractors and vendors, managing logistics, procurement, and technical coordination

• Can read and understand system level drawings for electro-mechanical systems

• Knowledge of mobilizing third-party marine survey vessels, from planning and logistics to full-scale execution

• You enjoy being out on the water and in the field leading, supporting, or coordinating operations offshore 

Operational & Problem-Solving Skills

• Creative and outcome driven problem solving skills in dynamic unpredictable scenarios

• Safety conscious and detailed oriented

• Ability to build and implement processes from the ground up, refining workflows for efficiency and scalability

• Capable of problem-solving in imperfect scenarios, using creativity and adaptability to overcome operational challenges

• Strong decision-making skills, particularly in time-sensitive environments, with an understanding of trade-offs and risk management

• Analytical mindset, ensuring that assumptions are thoroughly vetted and questions are asked to prevent operational gaps

• Ability to work in diverse and different teams, managing and ensuring positive and productive dynamics among variety of customer backgrounds

• The desire to get the job done right, solution oriented, and to take ownership of our bar in data quality and operations

Work Environment & Travel

• Must be willing to travel frequently for offshore survey and subsea operations, both domestically and internationally, as required

• Comfortable working in dynamic offshore environments, including vessel-based and remote operations, with extended field deployments

• Travel commitments may range from 50% to 75%, with variability depending on project needs and operational tempo

• Offshore shifts may consolidate into coordinated 24-hour operations, requiring flexibility to adapt to weather windows and mission optimizations

• Extended offshore deployments may last for several weeks at a time, requiring strong adaptability and endurance in remote working conditions

Physical Requirements:

This is a physically active role that will require the following:

• Prolonged periods of standing on a vessel and sitting at a desk and working on a computer

• Working in outdoor weather conditions on a vessel

• The ability to lift up to 50 pounds at times

• The ability to pass the United States Coast Guard physical examination CG-719K, which provides certification that someone is of sound health, has no physical limitations that would hinder or prevent performance or duties and are free from any medical conditions that pose a risk of sudden incapacitation while working offshore

Bonus Points:

• Certified Hydrographer

• BOSIET/GWO Offshore Safety Training

• Working knowledge of unmanned underwater systems and related systems such as marine remote sensing instrumentation and software such as GPS positioning systems, IMUs, USBLs, multibeam bathymetry, Side Scan Sonars, Subbottom Profilers, Magnetometers, CTD/SV profilers, etc.  Working knowledge of software packages such as QINSy, HYPACK, MagLog, Montaj, SonarWiz, SonarPro, etc.

• Knowledge of AutoCAD, GIS and Global Mapper.

• Near shore / offshore Coast Guard captain’s license.

• Strong metal work and mechanical fabrication skills, can demonstrate creativity with few resources

• Experience with electrical work such as; harnessing and cable building, debugging, soldering, crimping, splicing, potting, routing, field repairs

• Experience with shore and ship power, generators, transformers, power electrical systems

Explore the last true frontier left on Earth with us

We’re seeking ultra-determined people who aren’t afraid to pioneer new solutions and challenge conventional assumptions. Most of all, we're looking for high-quality, good human beings with low egos. 

Bedrock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Bedrock determines employment on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other protected status covered by either the law or common sense.

If you need any reasonable accommodations in the process, please let us know how we can support you.