Diesel Technician, Instructor

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms.

Job Summary

Saronic is seeking a Diesel Technician Instructor to design, develop, and deliver advanced technical training programs focused on diesel propulsion systems supporting our autonomous surface vessels (ASVs). This role blends curriculum development, hands-on maintenance training, and field-based technical support to ensure mission readiness across internal teams, contracted customers, and DoD partners.

You will be responsible for both creating and executing hands-on training initiatives that encompass diesel engine maintenance, diagnostics, repair, and system troubleshooting. This role also contributes to team readiness, supports development of professional certification pathways, drives technical standards, and ensures personnel are prepared to maintain and sustain Saronic-operated vessels in operational environments.

Responsibilities:

Training Delivery & Instruction

Lead instructor-led training for internal personnel and external customers on diesel engine systems, maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting workflows

Facilitate hands-on labs, practical maintenance exercises, and field-based training events

Serve as the primary interface for trainee learning, ensuring comprehension, engagement, and technical proficiency

Evaluate trainee performance, administer assessments, and provide actionable feedback and remediation

Lead certification events and qualification checkouts for diesel maintenance personnel

Curriculum & Content Development

Translate real-world maintenance workflows and technical procedures into structured, scalable training programs

Develop and maintain training materials, including lesson plans, SOPs, technical guides, and practical exercises

Continuously refine curriculum based on field experience, trainee performance, and system updates

Partner with Engineering, Product, and Mission Operations teams to ensure training reflects current configurations and approved maintenance practices

Customer Training & Enablement

Own customer onboarding and training delivery for diesel maintenance programs

Translate complex mechanical and electrical concepts into clear, operator-focused instruction

Act as a trusted technical advisor to customers during training and early operational deployment

Gather feedback from trainees and customers to inform improvements to training and maintenance processes

Field Operations & Training Support

Support on-site and on-water training events, demonstrations, and mission scenarios

Diagnose and troubleshoot diesel engine issues in operational environments while incorporating lessons into training

Ensure training environments reflect real-world maintenance conditions and operational constraints

Assist with validation of maintenance procedures and system performance in field settings

Systems Maintenance & Technical Expertise

Perform and instruct routine maintenance tasks including oil changes, filter replacements, and fluid checks

Diagnose and repair diesel engine malfunctions, mechanical issues, and electrical faults

Inspect, test, overhaul, and rebuild diesel engine systems including fuel systems, turbochargers, and exhaust systems

Utilize diagnostic tools, technical manuals, and schematics to support troubleshooting and instruction

Maintain accurate records of maintenance procedures, service history, and system performance

Team Collaboration

Collaborate with Mission Training, Engineering, Mission Operations, and Product teams to align training with system updates

Support knowledge transfer from development teams into training programs

Foster a collaborative, learning-focused environment across instructors and trainees

Provide mentorship and technical guidance to other instructors and maintenance personnel

Role Requirements:

Demonstrated success in technical instruction, field maintenance, or hands-on mechanical leadership roles

Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to support multiple training events

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences

Demonstrated problem-solving ability in dynamic operational environments

Ability to travel up to 50% in support of training and field operations

Qualifications:

4–8+ years of experience as a diesel technician, preferably in marine or heavy equipment environments

Marine Diesel and/or Volvo VODIA experience strongly preferred

Proven experience diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining diesel engines and related systems

Strong mechanical aptitude with ability to read and interpret technical manuals, diagrams, and schematics

Experience with diagnostic tools such as scan tools, multimeters, and oscilloscopes

Experience in maritime, defense, or regulated environments preferred

Prior experience delivering training or mentoring others (formal or informal) preferred

Vocational training or certification in diesel mechanics or related field preferred

Physical Demands:

Ability to perform physically demanding work for extended periods of time, up to 12 hours/day

Frequently and repetitively, lift, push and carry up to 50 lbs.

Ability to work outside for extended periods of time in marine environments

Frequently and repetitively bend, lift, and reach to install components of varying size and weight

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, including over varied and uneven terrain

Stoop, lay, bend, reach, squat, kneel, crouch, twist and crawl for extended periods

Climb and maintain balance on ladders, platforms, or other elevated structures

Exposure to hazardous materials with required adherence to safety and disposal procedures

Wear Personal Protective Equipment, including safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and safety footwear

Benefits:

Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services

Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents

Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care

Saronic pays 100% of the premium under the basic plan for employees and 80% for dependents

Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays

Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents

Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses

Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company match

Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success

Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage

Pet Insurance: Discounted pet insurance options including 24/7 Telehealth helpline

Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office

Saronic CCPA Notice for Candidates and California Employees

If this role is based in the United States, it requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a “U.S. Person”: (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) .

Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.