Surge Marine is at the forefront of developing autonomous maritime and underwater platforms. We are seeking a Director of Field Operations who will take our innovations to sea, ensuring they are trusted by navies worldwide.

The Mission

As the Director of Field Operations, you will connect our engineering capabilities with real-world naval deployment. Your responsibilities will include leading the international delivery, training, and operational support of our unmanned maritime systems, requiring extended deployments to train naval personnel, support acceptance trials, and facilitate fleet integration.

This position demands significant time in the field—up to 60%—at customer facilities and naval bases across Europe and beyond. You will operate independently, building trust with naval officers and providing valuable operational feedback to our engineering teams.

Your Impact

• Customer Training & Deployment: Lead international training programs at customer sites; deploy abroad to instruct naval personnel in the operation, maintenance, and tactical use of our systems.
• Curricula & Instruction: Develop and deliver tailored training curricula, including classroom instruction, simulation exercises, harbour acceptance testing, and at-sea operational training.
• On-Site Representation: Serve as the primary company representative during acceptance trials and fleet integration activities, embodying Surge Marine in the field.
• Operational Feedback Loop: Collect structured feedback from end users and relay it directly to engineering, being the key source of product intelligence.
• Documentation: Assist in creating CONOPS, SOPs, and training manuals to ensure safe and confident operation of our systems by navies.
• Operations Management: Coordinate logistics, deployment scheduling, and field support in collaboration with programme management and engineering, ensuring commitments are met.

Who You Are

You are a former naval officer with at least 10 years of service in an EU Member State navy, including operational sea duty and command experience. You understand naval operations and the process of adopting new capabilities. You can effectively communicate with both tactical commanders and engineering teams, thriving under pressure and adapting to new environments.

The Essentials

• Naval Background: Commissioned naval officer with a minimum of 10 years of service, including operational sea duty and command experience.
• EU Citizenship: Mandatory.
• Deployment Availability: Full availability for international deployments (up to 60% travel) is essential.
• Operational Experience: Direct experience with naval combat systems, underwater warfare, mine warfare, or unmanned systems.
• Training & Instruction: Proven ability to design and deliver training for military personnel on complex systems.
• Languages: Professional fluency in English is required; Dutch is preferred. Additional EU languages are advantageous.
• Nationality: EU citizenship required; Dutch nationality preferred. Eligibility for national security vetting or NATO SECRET clearance is strongly preferred.

Nice to Have

• Submarine or MCM background
• Naval instructor or doctrine experience
• Familiarity with OT&E / IOC processes
• Experience in defence industry field services
• Knowledge of export control and STANAG / ATP standards

The Surge Offer

We provide an opportunity to make a significant operational impact in European defence technology, including:

• Competitive Salary: Negotiable based on experience and qualifications.
• Equity / Options: Opportunity to own a share of the company.
• Deployment Package: All travel, per diem, and deployment allowances fully covered.
• Flexible Working: Hybrid work model when at base.
• Growth Path: Clear progression towards senior operations leadership roles.
• Adventure: Unique opportunities to work in locations and environments rarely seen in the defence industry.

Ready to deploy? Send your CV and a brief note detailing your naval service background, your most demanding deployment, and your readiness to transition into the defence technology industry. Please reference 'Director of Field Operations – Surge Marine' in the subject line.

Contact: career@surgemarine.eu

Surge Marine B.V. is an equal opportunity employer, welcoming applications from all qualified individuals regardless of background.