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Lynker

Government contracting for environmental science services

Uncrewed Vessel Operator

Full-TimeUpdated on 10/2/2026Deadline 2/26/27
$45k - $90k/yr+ Spot bonuses + Performance bonuses + Employee referral bonuses
Mid
Associate's
Leesburg, VA, USA
In PersonTravel of 50% or more is required, including extended assignments at sea or at regional remote operations centers.

About the job

Requirements
  • An Associate degree or higher in Marine Technology, Marine Science, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, or Electrical Engineering is required.
  • Support operations at sea aboard NOAA vessels or at a regional remote operations center for up to 30 consecutive days at a time.
  • Ability to lift objects weighing more than 45 pounds, climb ladders, and work in confined spaces.
  • Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively in an interagency atmosphere.
  • Willingness to travel 50% or more annually.
Responsibilities
  • Stand pilot watches and maintain public and vessel safety during semi-autonomous operations at sea.
  • Complete 8- to 12-hour night or day watches from a regional Remote Operating Center or a host vessel at sea.
  • Ensure navigation safety and vehicle situational awareness during operations.
  • Monitor vessel status feedback, telemetry stability and configuration, and basic data acquisition controls.
  • Troubleshoot technical and software issues and relay information to the watch supervisor.
  • Maintain proper records during watches and diagnostic scenarios.
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience operating Uncrewed Surface Vehicles, Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles, or Underwater Gliders.
  • Experience in boat handling and seamanship; a licensed boater or captain is desirable.
  • Experience implementing the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea into Uncrewed Systems navigation safety.
  • Experience operating satellite, cellular, and radio-frequency telemetry systems.
  • Experience with maritime situational awareness using Automatic Identification Systems, Forward-Looking Infrared, Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems, Light Detection and Ranging, and radar.
  • Experience acquiring data using multibeam sonars, side-scan sonars, and acoustic systems.
  • Experience with marine positioning systems using Global Navigation Satellite Systems, inertial navigation systems/inertial measurement units, or ultra-short baseline systems.
  • A strong background in marine science, information technology, or mechanical engineering.

About the company

Lynker delivers professional, scientific, and technical services to the U.S. government, with NOAA as its primary client. It supports weather and climate science, marine and ocean science, systems integration, and environmental policy, using forecast models, data assimilation, and scientific computing, as well as operating maritime observing networks. The firm stands out through deep domain expertise, an employee-owned team, and long-term federal contracts including NOAA task orders and OASIS+ awards. Its goal is to help NOAA and other agencies improve weather, oceans, and environmental monitoring to enhance public safety and economic resilience.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Leesburg, Virginia

Founded

2007

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Lynker won NOAA's Office of Coast Survey geospatial support contract in 2025.
  • NOAA recognized nine Lynker employees with National Ocean Service awards in 2026.
  • HigherGov forecasted Lynker as incumbent on a NOAA renewal worth up to $5 million.

What critics are saying

  • NOAA concentration leaves Lynker exposed if ProTech recompetes shift after 2026-09-30.
  • FLOAT's 2026 bid protest dismissal shows Lynker still fights for contract access.
  • Headcount fell to 356 in Q1 2026, signaling margin pressure or lost work.

What makes Lynker unique

  • Lynker's NOAA ProTech footprint spans Weather, Ocean, Fisheries, and Satellite contracts in 2026.
  • Joe Linza kept strategy and M&A control while Scott Rayder became CEO on 2026-04-13.
  • Lynker Space sells tailored space-weather dashboards for utilities, aviation, and satellite operators.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Company Equity

Flexible Work Hours

Employee Assistance Program

Short- and Long-term Disability Insurance

Life and Accident Insurance

Tuition Assistance

Spot Bonuses

Employee Referral Program