USV SYSTEMS INTEGRATION ENGINEER

We are seeking an experienced USV Systems Integration Engineer to join our Abu Dhabi shipyard. This is a dual-role position spanning both active vessel Operations and New Build projects. The successful candidate will be the senior technical authority on all integrated vessel systems — from embedded navigation and radar software through to network architecture, autopilot tuning, and OEM supplier management.

This is not a conventional IT or maritime electronics role. The position requires hands-on experience with the configuration, diagnostics, and integration of maritime-grade systems at a level that cannot be acquired through certifications alone.

Position Details

Job Title

USV Systems Integration Engineer

Location

Abu Dhabi Shipyard, UAE

Division

Operations + New Build (dual-division)

Reporting to

Chief Technical Officer / Operations Director

Contract Type

Full-time, permanent

On-call expectation

24/7 primary escalation point for operational incidents

Core Responsibilities — Operations

System Operations Leadership

• Manage, mentor, and technically develop a team of System Operators on a daily basis
• Develop and deliver structured operator training programmes; cultivate System Operator Instructors from within the team
• Serve as the final technical authority for all operational decisions; own outcomes end-to-end
• Act as the 24/7 primary escalation point for live vessel incidents; guide operators through structured fault-finding protocols

OEM & Supplier Interface

• Act as primary OEM liaison between vessel operations and external system suppliers, including radar, autopilot, and navigation vendors
• Translate operational faults into structured technical cases for supplier escalation
• Coordinate autopilot firmware updates directly with the autopilot supplier; own all technical execution and verification steps
• Analyse operational log data to identify recurring fault patterns; drive structural resolution with OEMs

Systems Maintenance & Software

• Maintain and update onboard systems: ARPA radar (Linux-based), camera systems, Maretron, and NMEA2000 devices
• Execute radar updates including modification of Python-based scripts and deployment of .rpi firmware files on the ARPA Linux environment
• Develop internal tooling and automation scripts to reduce operator workload and improve mission efficiency

Documentation & Client Communication

• Author and maintain all operational manuals, IT protocols, and checklists independently
• Own external client communication during technical incidents; shield operators from client pressure to maintain operational focus
• Review and approve all outgoing technical communication for accuracy and professional quality

Core Responsibilities — New Build

• Lead system integration activities for new vessel builds from design through FAT/SAT acceptance
• Design, document, and oversee implementation of vessel network architectures (LAN/WAN topology, VLAN segmentation, redundancy)
• Coordinate all system suppliers and installers simultaneously; chair multi-vendor technical alignment meetings
• Lead design and development of the Remote Control System (RCS) architecture; ensure reliable inter-subsystem integration
• Collaborate with autopilot suppliers on functional specification and delivery verification
• Write Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) and Site Acceptance Test (SAT) documentation; lead test execution
• Configure specialised systems and devices where no dedicated specialist is available

Required Technical Competencies

Candidates must have verifiable, hands-on experience across all of the following domains. Theoretical knowledge alone will not be sufficient.

Navigation & Autopilot Systems

• Practical configuration and troubleshooting of marine autopilot systems (firmware update processes, parameter tuning, fault diagnosis)
• NMEA2000 bus architecture: device addressing, PGN interpretation, network diagnostics
• Integration of AIS transponders, GPS/GNSS receivers, and heading sensors into navigation system architectures

ARPA Radar

• Operational knowledge of ARPA radar systems: target tracking, clutter filtering, MARPA configuration
• Linux-based radar system administration: log review, script deployment, update management
• Understanding of radar sensor placement, interference, and integration with vessel control systems

Network Architecture

• Design and implementation of vessel network topologies: IP addressing schemes, VLAN design, firewall rules, switch configuration
• Experience with remotely operated systems requiring low-latency, high-availability network links
• Familiarity with maritime communication links (4G/LTE, VSAT, radio data links) and their integration into vessel architectures

Linux & Scripting

• Proficiency in Linux system administration: file system management, service configuration, log analysis, user/permission management
• Practical scripting ability in Python: writing, reading, and modifying operational scripts; not limited to running pre-built tools

Systems Integration & Testing

• Demonstrated experience leading FAT/SAT for complex integrated systems
• Ability to manage multiple OEM suppliers simultaneously and align them on a shared integration schedule
• Root-cause analysis methodology for multi-system faults in live environments

Required Profile

• Minimum 5 years in a technical systems integration role within maritime, offshore, or defence sectors
• Track record of independent decision-making under operational pressure, without reliance on escalation chains
• Demonstrated ability to author technical documentation (manuals, protocols, test plans) to professional standard
• Strong English communication skills: written and spoken, including technical correspondence with international suppliers
• Self-driven problem solver: identifies gaps and builds solutions without being directed

What This Role Is NOT

We receive a high volume of applications from candidates whose background does not match the role. Please read the following carefully before applying:

• This is NOT an IT helpdesk, network support, or general electronics technician role
• This is NOT a role where you will receive step-by-step instructions for every task
• Holding a maritime certification (e.g. OOW, ETO) does not qualify you for this position without the technical integration experience described above
• General knowledge of NMEA, networking, or Linux is not sufficient — we require depth across all domains simultaneously
• Candidates who cannot demonstrate prior ownership of technical outcomes (not just participation) will not progress

How to Apply

Applications must include their Curriculum Vitae with specific, verifiable technical projects and systems worked on. Suitable candidates will then be sent a Candidate Screening Questionnaire in order to progress onto the next round.

Please send your CV and cover letter by email with subject line USV SYSTEMS INTEGRATION ENGINEER to: contact@so-global.com

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person