Back to jobs
New

Software UUV Test Engineer

Bristol

About Vatn Systems:

Vatn Systems is an innovative startup at the forefront of designing and manufacturing autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Our mission is to revolutionize underwater security, exploration, research, and operations through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled engineering. Our AUVs are defining the next generation of underwater autonomy.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Software UUV Test and Evaluation Engineer to join our dynamic team. As a Software UUV Test and Evaluation Engineer, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the quality, reliability, and performance of our AUVs. You will maintain, restore and troubleshoot vehicle software while assisting with on water operations and execution and be the main Software lead for on water testing while collaborating closely with all engineering and developments to drive towards continuous improvement. An ideal candidate has a strong software background and will be able to contribute directly towards software updates and enhancements as a result of testing with on water experience.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Support and help maintain vehicle software builds across our fleet of UUVs alongside the on water test team, while assisting with hands-on troubleshooting.
  • Serve as a software Subject Matter Expert (SME) for on water troubleshooting including configuration management.
  • Contribute towards Post Mission Analysis and documentation. 
  • Assist with on water operations including launch and recovery as needed.
  • Support the sophisticated integration of cutting-edge subsystems including advanced sensors, precision navigation, innovative propulsion systems, secure communications, autonomous software platforms, and robust power management systems
  • Collaborate closely with our world-class team of engineers and specialists throughout the complete product development lifecycle
  • Support the development and execution of comprehensive test protocols spanning development phases, system integration checkpoints, and stringent acceptance criteria
  • Contribute to rigorous test and evaluation programs aligned with government standards and industry best practices
  • Assist in establishing operational metrics that define performance excellence and system reliability
  • Support complex test operations for our flagship platforms, assisting with pre-mission diagnostics, launch/recovery procedures, and post-mission analysis
  • Support data analysis efforts to extract actionable insights that help drive continuous improvement
  • Maintain configuration control and documentation standards as part of the broader development team
  • Work with external customers and integrators to support the integration of their payloads and requirements into our AUV platforms
  • Contribute to critical design reviews and verification planning to help ensure adherence to project objectives
  • Support Vatn Systems at industry events, exercises, and collaborative testing initiatives

 

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Systems, Mechanical, Electrical, Ocean, or related field)
  • Proven experience in systems engineering, integration, and comprehensive testing
  • Demonstrated proficiency in developing Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), detailed Test Plans, precise Test Procedures, and thorough Test Reports
  • Strong foundation in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and control systems theory
  • Hands-on experience with field testing in operationally demanding environments
  • Expertise in electronics troubleshooting with proficiency in standard test equipment
  • Advanced skills with Linux operating systems and command line interfaces
  • Experience with software debugging methodologies and tools
  • Exceptional organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail
  • Strong communication abilities that work well with diverse technical and non-technical team members
  • Commitment to fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and innovative culture
  • Team-oriented mindset with high ownership and proactive approach to supporting team objectives
  • Flexibility to travel up to 20% (potentially more during critical test campaigns)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with maritime system operations and testing in sea environments
  • Knowledge of subsea sensor integration, underwater navigation systems, and acoustic communication technologies
  • Familiarity with Atlassian tools such as Confluence and Jira
  • Familiarity with subsea operational procedures and marine equipment
  • Previous experience supporting test and evaluation programs
  • Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools (Python, MATLAB, R, SQL)
  • Experience with autonomous system development and testing
  • Background in maritime offshore operations and marine engineering

 

Why Join Vatn? 

  • Work with cutting-edge autonomous underwater technology
  • Collaborative startup atmosphere that encourages innovation and problem-solving
  • Open communication and positive work environment
  • Significant growth opportunities as our company expands
  • Competitive compensation and benefits package

 

Vatn is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially having you join our team in shaping the future of autonomous underwater exploration.

Apply for this job

*

indicates a required field

Resume/CV*

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf

Cover Letter

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf

Education

Select...
Select...
Select...
Select...
Select...

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.

As set forth in Vatn Systems’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

Select...
Select...
Race & Ethnicity Definitions

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection. As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measure the effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categories is as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.

Select...

Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability

Form CC-305
Page 1 of 1
OMB Control Number 1250-0005
Expires 04/30/2026

Why are you being asked to complete this form?

We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years.

Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp.

How do you know if you have a disability?

A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your “major life activities.” If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability. Disabilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally)
  • Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS
  • Blind or low vision
  • Cancer (past or present)
  • Cardiovascular or heart disease
  • Celiac disease
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Deaf or serious difficulty hearing
  • Diabetes
  • Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders
  • Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
  • Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome
  • Intellectual or developmental disability
  • Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD
  • Missing limbs or partially missing limbs
  • Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports
  • Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Neurodivergence, for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities
  • Partial or complete paralysis (any cause)
  • Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema
  • Short stature (dwarfism)
  • Traumatic brain injury
Select...

PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.