Our openings span more than one career level. The provided salary depends on many factors, such as work experience and transferable skills, business needs and impact, and market demands.

About Us:

Collaborative autonomy is how self-tasking teams of machines will solve hard human problems, and HavocAI is an unquestioned leader in collaborative autonomy. We set the standard for autonomous surface vessels for a wide range of defense and commercial maritime missions. Success requires us to grow quickly, and we’re looking for teammates who are passionate about solving hard problems, about pushing the envelope, and about preventing conflict and saving lives. Ambition is welcome to apply within.

About the Role:

We are seeking an Embedded Software Engineer focused on Maritime Vessel Integration to lead the integration of our autonomy stack with complex onboard systems found in large crewed and uncrewed vessels. This role will focus on enabling robust communication between autonomy software and vessel systems such as propulsion, steering, navigation, and power distribution using marine communication protocols like CAN (J1939 and NMEA2000), and related interfaces. You’ll help ensure our systems can adapt to a wide variety of vessel architectures in collaboration with both internal engineering teams and external maritime partners.

Key Responsibilities and Requirements:

• Design and implement embedded middleware and software drivers to interface with propulsion, navigation, and onboard systems via CANbus, J1939, and NMEA2000.

• Work with autonomy and systems engineering teams to define software interfaces and behaviors required for large vessel integrations.

• Integrate HavocAI's autonomy software stack with third-party maritime hardware and legacy vessel control systems.

• Conduct in-field system validation and support partner vessel bring-up and testing.

• Develop and maintain documentation for integration workflows, APIs, and system configurations.

• Collaborate with external shipyards, vessel operators, and partner engineers to ensure successful integration and operation.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.

• Strong experience with embedded software development in C/C++ for ARM or x86 platforms.

• Proficiency with CANbus and related marine protocols (J1939, NMEA2000); experience using associated tools for debugging and analysis.

• Familiarity with Linux-based development environments, shell scripting, and system-level debugging.

• Ability to interpret electrical schematics and work hands-on with hardware systems.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and a practical approach to real-world system constraints.

• Must be a U.S. Citizen and eligible to obtain a Secret Clearance.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with RTOS platforms such as ChibiOS or FreeRTOS.

• Familiarity with PX4, ROS2, or similar middleware for autonomous vehicles.

• Experience integrating with marine navigation equipment, engine controllers, or distributed vessel control systems.

• Background in large vessel refit, MCS (machinery control system) integration, or similar maritime applications.

• Prior fieldwork on shipboard systems or with mixed-vendor marine electronics.

Location:

• Must be based in the Honolulu, HI area or willing to relocate.

• Onsite presence is required for hardware integration and field testing.

Benefits:

• 100% Employer paid Health, Dental and Vision Insurance for you and your families

• Ability to participate in the companies 401k program

• Unlimited PTO policy with an enforced 2 week minimum

• Equity Package

• Work / Home Office Stipend

• Global Entry Re-Imbursement

• 16 Week Paid Parental Leave

• Monthly Health and Wellness Stipend

Our Values:

• Innovation: We are driven to break new ground. Every day presents an opportunity to challenge the status quo, think boldly, and deliver advanced solutions that transform the future of defense technology.

• Integrity: We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards, ensuring transparency, accountability, and trust in all our actions and partnerships.

• Mission-Driven: We are focused on achieving impactful outcomes that align with our core mission—protecting lives through innovation.

• Forward-Leaning: We continuously seek out new opportunities and remain at the forefront of technological advancements. We embrace change and anticipate the challenges of tomorrow with confidence and creativity.

• Ownership of All Tasks: At HavocAI, no problem is too complex or too trivial. We believe that greatness comes from tackling the hardest challenges, but also in handling the smallest, sometimes thankless, tasks with the same level of commitment and care.

• Servant Leadership: We lead by serving others, whether it’s supporting our employees, partners, or the broader community. Empowering those around us is key to achieving long-term success and making a lasting impact.

HavocAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

Compensation Range: $120K - $180K