Head of Reliability at Blue Water Autonomy

Lexington, Massachusetts, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

21 Jan, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

23 Oct, 25

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Reliability Engineering, Quality Assurance, Testing Strategy, FMEA, Fault Tree Analysis, Reliability Modeling, Accelerated Testing, Predictive Maintenance, Root Cause Analysis, Supplier Quality Programs, Documentation, Continuous Improvement, Collaboration, Autonomous Systems, Data-Driven Decision Making, Communication

Industry

Shipbuilding

Description

Role Summary We’re seeking a Head of Reliability to lead quality, reliability, and testing for our autonomous naval vessels. This is a critical leadership role at the intersection of hardware, software, and systems engineering. You’ll collaborate closely with the Head of Engineering and Head of Software to ensure our ships operate reliably in the harshest ocean environments for months at a time. This role is based in our Lexington, MA headquarters, or at our R&D facility located on the South Coast of Massachusetts.. You’ll build reliability and quality systems from the ground up - establishing world-class standards while working within startup constraints. What You’ll Do Define and implement reliability, quality, and testing strategy for autonomous maritime systems Build and lead a lean, high-performing reliability organization from the ground up Establish quality gates, test protocols, and reliability metrics that balance rigor with speed Develop reliability models and failure mode analysis for complex hardware/software systems operating in extreme ocean environments Design accelerated life testing and environmental testing programs that validate performance under real-world conditions Working with Engineering, create predictive maintenance strategies for systems that must operate autonomously for extended periods Build comprehensive test strategies spanning unit, integration, system, and sea trials Lead root cause analysis and corrective action processes to improve system performance Develop supplier quality programs and incoming inspection protocols Establish documentation, traceability, and continuous improvement processes Collaborate with engineering, software, and operations teams to embed reliability into design, manufacturing, and testing Interface with customers and regulatory bodies on reliability and quality requirements Who You Are Bring extensive experience in reliability, quality, or test engineering roles with increasing leadership responsibility Have a proven track record building reliability programs for complex hardware/software systems Have at least five years of experience with analysis and test of both hardware and software systems Bring deep experience with FMEA, fault tree analysis, reliability modeling, and accelerated testing Are comfortable working in resource-constrained environments and making pragmatic tradeoffs Have background in defense, maritime, aerospace, automotive, or robotics industries Understand autonomous and safety-critical systems operating in harsh environments Make sound engineering judgments with incomplete information and adapt quickly Are data-driven but know when to rely on test results, analysis, or experience Communicate clearly and effectively across technical and non-technical teams Are hands-on when needed and thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment Nice to Haves Hold an advanced degree in mechanical, electrical, or systems engineering Have experience with maritime systems, naval architecture, or marine engineering Are familiar with MIL-STD reliability and quality standards Have worked with AI/ML system validation and testing Have led reliability programs in early-stage startups or innovation labs Security clearance What We Offer Incredibly high-caliber teammates - you’ll work directly with our co-founders and technical leads A mission-driven environment designing technology that protects American lives and democracy Significant ownership and influence over how reliability and quality are built at scale Competitive compensation, equity, PTO, and comprehensive medical and dental coverage A fast-paced, creative culture that values clarity, teamwork, and decisive execution Equal opportunity employer. All hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S.; we are unable to sponsor or transfer visas

Responsibilities

The Head of Reliability will define and implement the reliability, quality, and testing strategy for autonomous maritime systems while building a high-performing reliability organization. This role involves establishing quality gates, test protocols, and reliability metrics to ensure system performance in extreme ocean environments.