USV Maritime Operations Vessel Maintainer
Operations
About the role
Kraken is seeking a USV Maritime Operations Vessel Maintainer to take ownership of the maintenance, servicing and operational readiness of our growing fleet of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and supporting manned vessels.
This is a hands-on role at the heart of our Maritime Operations team, ensuring our vessels, equipment and supporting assets are maintained to the highest standards and ready to support trials, demonstrations, customer activities and operational deployments. Working closely with operations, engineering and external suppliers, you will play a key role in ensuring fleet availability and reliability across a range of innovative maritime platforms.
What you'll be doing
- Acting as the focal point for vessel maintenance across Kraken's fleet of unmanned and manned vessels.
- Maintaining accurate maintenance records, servicing logs, inspection reports and equipment registers.
- Planning and carrying out routine servicing, preventative maintenance and scheduled vessel checks.
- Supporting vessel readiness by ensuring vessels, engines, trailers, tools and associated equipment remain safe, compliant and serviceable.
- Identifying, reporting and coordinating the repair of defects, faults and maintenance issues.
- Managing stock levels and supporting the procurement of spares, consumables, tools and support equipment.
- Liaising with OEMs, suppliers and subcontractors to arrange servicing, repairs and technical support.
- Supporting vessel mobilisation, demobilisation and pre-deployment activities.
- Ensuring all maintenance activities are carried out safely and in accordance with company procedures and health and safety requirements.
What we're looking for
- Strong background in vessel maintenance, marine engineering, marine servicing or a related maritime maintenance role.
- Experience in a vessel maintainer, marine technician, boatyard, fleet maintenance or operational support position.
- Good understanding of vessel servicing, inspections, preventative maintenance and defect management.
- Ability to interpret OEM maintenance schedules, technical manuals and operating procedures.
- Practical experience maintaining small commercial vessels, workboats, marine engines, trailers and associated systems.
- Experience managing stock control, procurement planning and maintenance consumables.
- Strong attention to detail and record-keeping capabilities.
- Good IT skills, with experience using maintenance management, procurement or asset tracking systems.
- Ability to work independently, prioritise workloads and identify maintenance requirements proactively.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with colleagues, suppliers and external service providers.
- Forklift, towing, lifting, crane, trailer handling or similar practical workshop and yard-based qualifications.
Desirable experience
- Experience working with USVs, autonomous vessels, remotely operated platforms or other unmanned maritime systems.
- Relevant maritime qualifications such as RYA Powerboat, STCW, marine engineering qualifications or equivalent practical marine training.
- Experience maintaining Volvo Penta, Yanmar or similar marine diesel engines.
- Experience supporting vessel trials, demonstrations, acceptance testing and operational deployments.
- Knowledge of small commercial vessel operations, maintenance standards and maritime regulations.
How you'll work
At Kraken, we value people who take ownership, approach challenges with a practical mindset and work collaboratively to achieve operational excellence. You'll be someone who takes pride in keeping equipment and assets in peak condition, maintains high standards of accuracy and safety, and can effectively balance planned maintenance activities with evolving operational priorities.
You'll be proactive, organised and solutions-focused, with the confidence to identify potential issues before they impact delivery. Above all, you'll be committed to supporting a safe, reliable and professional maritime operation.
Why join us?
Kraken is a leader in advanced maritime technology, developing and operating innovative autonomous systems that are transforming the future of maritime operations.
Joining our Maritime Operations team offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge vessel technology in a varied and rewarding environment. You'll play a critical role in supporting real-world operations, contribute directly to the success of pioneering maritime projects and work alongside talented professionals who are passionate about innovation and excellence.
As a growing business, we offer meaningful responsibility, opportunities for professional development and the chance to make a genuine impact within a forward-thinking organisation.
What we provide
- 25 days holiday per year, plus paid bank holiday
- After two years’ consecutive service, one additional day’s annual leave up to a maximum of five additional days annual leave
- Holiday buy/sell, up to five days per calendar year
- Flexi working, core hours 10:00 to 15:00, subject to departmental requirements
- Private Medical Insurance with optional family cover
- Pension scheme with a 5% employer contribution, there is no cap on the employee contribution level
- Life assurance 3x salary
- Group Income Protection 3x salary, subject to eligibility
- Health Care Cash Plan
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Electric Car Scheme
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing mental health and wellbeing support
- Professional membership reimbursement
Important to know
Due to the nature of our work many of our roles require a UK nationality and the ability to obtain a security clearance. Applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment must meet the requirement of right to work in the UK and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information and will be subject to Government security checks.
Kraken Works Limited is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination and offers equal opportunities to all. Applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage and civil partnerships.