ROLE OVERVIEWFathom operates small uncrewed surface vessels from a range of manufacturers, in different hull sizes and configurations, running on gas, diesel, electric, and hybrid propulsion, plus wave and solar variants. Each type fails differently, and there's no single existing playbook that covers all of it well. Autonomy systems and communications links add further variation on top of that. As our Reliability Engineer, you'll determine what belongs in a Fleet Maintainer's hands to fix and what needs to go back to a depot or the manufacturer, vessel type by vessel type. Your Level of Repair Analysis becomes the actual basis for what gets trained, and the FRACAS process you build keeps that determination current as new vessel types and propulsion systems get added to the fleet. The training curriculum, procedures, and readiness reporting all follow from this analysis.
LOCATION: Based in San Diego, CA, with travel to the Ventura/Oxnard area approximately twice a month
WORK TYPE: Full-Time
CLEARANCE: Eligible for or able to obtain a DoD Secret security clearance
PROGRAM CONDITIONSThis role is tied to a pending government contract award. We're moving through interviews now, ahead of that award, so we're ready to move fast the moment it's confirmed, which may mean an offer contingent on award before the contract is finalized. We'll be direct with you at every stage about where things stand so you can make an informed decision, including if that means holding off on giving notice at a current job until award is certain.
You'll join a small, close-knit technical team working in rapid, iterative cycles directly with real end users, not a large program layered with process overhead. This is a long-term effort, not a short-term engagement, with genuine room to grow into technical leadership or program management as the work matures. This role is based in San Diego, CA, with travel to the Ventura/Oxnard area approximately twice a month.
RESPONSIBILITIES- Lead Level of Repair Analysis (LORA) across sUSV subsystems, including propulsion, communications, and autonomy hardware and software.
- Build and operate a Failure Reporting, Analysis, and Corrective Action System (FRACAS): capture failures, drive root-cause analysis, and track corrective action through to closure.
- Conduct Failure Mode, Effects, and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) as the technical basis for repair-level determinations.
- Develop sparing and inventory models for shore-based sustainment, with no onboard storeroom and no ship's force to manage stock.
- Coordinate with the technical team to keep maintenance procedures, training content, and readiness reporting consistent with analysis findings.
- Engage directly with Government stakeholders on technical reviews and program milestones.
RequirementsDesired Qualifications:- Real, hands-on experience conducting LORA and FMECA/FMEA in a working program.
- Solid grounding in Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) principles and failure reporting/corrective action processes.
- Degree in systems, industrial, reliability, or naval/marine engineering, or equivalent experience.
- Comfort working independently and translating technical findings into requirements other teams can use directly.
Preferred Backgrounds:- Naval or maritime ILS (Integrated Logistics Support) experience: naval shipbuilding, combat systems sustainment, or Navy PMS/maintenance doctrine familiarity is directly relevant and a strong plus.
- Experience analyzing failure modes on systems with a real software or autonomy component; naval ILS backgrounds skew toward traditional mechanical and electrical systems, so this specifically is worth highlighting if you have it.
- Certified Professional Logistician (CPL) credential through SOLE.
- Experience with reliability or failure analysis across differing communications links (e.g., RF, satellite, mesh network) is a plus.
- Prior DoD or Navy sustainment program experience; familiarity with MIL-STD-1388 or successor ILS standards.
- Working familiarity with the Navy's 3-M/PMS system under OPNAVINST 4790.4, including SKED scheduling and Maintenance Requirement Cards (MRCs); familiarity with governing guidance for boats and craft maintained outside formal 3-M; and familiarity with COSAL provisioning conventions.
BenefitsCompensation: $165,000-$208,000, commensurate with experience.
Start Date: Contingent upon contract award, in the near term. We are running our hiring process now so we can bring the right person on quickly once award is confirmed.
