The Defense Sector at Leidos, supporting the Overlord Surface Vessel (O/MUSV) Program, is seeking a Mate with a USCG 500Tons Oceans or greater license with STCW certificates to support a dynamic high growth organization. The O/MUSV program is based in Port Hueneme, CA, and is responsible for delivering cutting edge autonomous vessel technology to the US Navy. The program operates and maintains prototype autonomous vessels for test and evaluation of the vessels as well as developing operations, maintenance, logistics and training procedures for the autonomous Fleet of the future.
The Mate will stand watch aboard O/MUSV vessels and will be responsible for navigation, security, cargo loading, vessel maintenance, safety programs, and SMS compliance under the supervision of the Master. The Mate will travel and work onboard the USV at sea and in port, operating and maintaining the USV and support vessels.
Duties include standing up to 12 hour watches, supervising the loading and securing of cargo, maintaining vessel records, supporting logistics requirements, and conducting routine maintenance items. Will work rotating shifts of approximately 28 days, while on rotation crew should expect to work more than 40-hours per week.
Primary Responsibilities
Report to USV Master and Deputy Port Captain for pier side and afloat USV operations.
Participate in seamanship duties as required including small craft operation.
Assist in preparation, preservation, and cleanliness of assigned vessel, and any associated equipment.
Coordinate and assist in pre/post mission craft readiness functions.
May assist in vessel security and visitor control function.
Participate in Leidos and Government safety programs.
This position will require close cooperation and working relationships with active-duty military and other Government personnel.
Basic Qualifications
USCG Merchant Mariner credentials: 500tons or greater Mate Oceans with corresponding STCW certificate
USCG Medical Certificate
Position requires the ability to perform in an arduous duty environment.
High school diploma or equivalent
Ability to lift 40lbs
Individuals must possess the ability and demeanor to share common spaces over lengthy deployment periods and work closely with others in a small working area and in a shipboard environment
Must be able to communicate effectively
Must be a US Citizen
Must be able to gain access to US Navy bases
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working aboard US Government vessels
Towing Endorsement and experience working aboard tow vessels
STCW Proficiency in Fast Rescue Craft
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.
August 17, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.
Leidos is a Fortune 500® innovation company rapidly addressing the world’s most vexing challenges in national security and health. The company's global workforce of 48,000 collaborates to create smarter technology solutions for customers in heavily regulated industries. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $15.4 billion for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2023.
Leidos was cited for the meaningful work employees perform that is challenging, impactful, and aligned with our customers’ missions as reasons professionals want to work and stay at our company. Leidos has also been named to lists including Forbes’ Best Employers for Diversity, Forbes’ America’s Best Employers for Women, Military Times Best for Vets Employers, and Ethisphere Institute’s World's Most Ethical Companies®.
Employees enjoy career enrichment opportunities available through mobility and development and experience rewarding relationships with supportive supervisors and talented colleagues and customers. Employees appreciate our flexible work environment, allowing for and encouraging a true work-life balance. Our professionals are also excited about our Employee Resource Groups, like the Collaborative Outreach with Remote and Embedded Employees (CORE), which strives to create an environment where every employee, regardless of location, feels fully engaged as a valued employee of Leidos.
Your most important work is ahead, visit careers.leidos.com for our latest opportunities.
