Superintendent of Heavy Lift Operations

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.

The Superintendent of Heavy Lift Operations owns the planning, coordination, and execution of all critical lifting and load-handling activities across the shipyard. This includes crane operations, heavy transport, block and module lifts, vessel launch and recovery systems (e.g., drydock/shiplift operations, where applicable), and mooring activities.

This role is accountable for the highest-risk, lowest-tolerance operations in the yard, where safety, precision, and schedule certainty are paramount. The Superintendent ensures heavy lift activities are executed safely, predictably, and in alignment with production sequencing, structural readiness, and facility constraints.

Key Responsibilities::
• Heavy Lift & Crane Operations
• Own execution of all heavy lift activities, including:
• Block and grand-block lifts
• Machinery and module lifts
• Crane picks supporting hull erection and outfitting
• Lead crane utilization planning across all shipyard work centers
• Ensure cranes are operated within rated capacities, load charts, and environmental limits
• Coordinate crane availability to support production flow and critical path activities

• Critical Lift Planning & Execution
• Own development, review, and approval of critical lift plans
• Ensure lift plans address:
• Load weights, centers of gravity, and rigging configurations
• Crane selection, radius, and capacity checks
• Ground bearing pressures and foundation limits
• Environmental conditions (wind, tide, weather)
• Lead pre-lift coordination meetings and execution readiness reviews

• Shiplift / Launch & Recovery Operations 
• Own planning and execution of drydock operations, including vessel transfer, docking, and undocking activities
• Coordinate with engineering, operations, and waterfront teams to ensure vessel readiness
• Ensure shiplift operations are sequenced safely with production, test, and delivery milestones
• Maintain operational discipline and readiness of shiplift equipment and procedures

• Mooring & Waterfront Support
• Own planning and execution of mooring operations for vessels, blocks, and floating equipment
• Ensure mooring arrangements meet load, tide, current, and weather conditions
• Coordinate with waterfront operations during launches, trials, and deliveries
• Support safe movement and positioning of vessels alongside piers, quays, or shiplift systems
• Production Integration & Schedule Support
• Act as a production enabler by aligning heavy lift activities with hull, outfitting, and paint sequencing
• Identify lift-related constraints early and escalate mitigation options
• Support rapid re-planning in response to schedule changes or emergent issues
• Minimize production disruption caused by lift delays or access conflicts

• Safety, Compliance & Risk Control
• Own safety execution for all heavy lift and crane activities
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, standards, and site procedures
• Partner with EHS to manage high-risk operations, including simultaneous operations (SIMOPS)
• Lead incident reviews, near-miss investigations, and continuous improvement efforts

• Leadership & Deckplate Presence
• Lead managers, general foremen, crane operators, riggers, signal persons, and heavy lift supervisors
• Maintain strong deckplate presence during lift planning and execution
• Develop standardized lift planning practices and supervisory capability
• Reinforce a culture of discipline, preparation, and zero-tolerance for unsafe lifting practices

Required Qualifications::
• 10+ years experience in shipyard, heavy industrial, or marine construction environments
• Direct leadership experience overseeing crane operations and critical lifts
• Proven expertise in:
• Critical lift planning and execution
• Rigging design, load control, and center-of-gravity management
• Crane load charts, capacities, and operational limits
• Experience coordinating heavy lift activities in congested, multi-trade production environments
• Direct experience with transfer systems such as SPMTs.
• Strong understanding of production sequencing and its impact on lift planning
• Demonstrated ability to manage high-risk operations without compromising schedule
• Ability to lead large, multi-shift crews of operators, riggers, and supervisors

Preferred Qualifications::
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or Industrial Technology
• Formal training or certification in:
• Crane operations or crane supervision
• Rigging and signaling
• Critical lift planning
• Experience operating or supervising:
• Goliath cranes
• Gantry cranes
• Heavy mobile cranes
• Direct experience with shiplift systems, floating docks, or other vessel launch and recovery operations
• Experience managing mooring operations in active shipyard or waterfront environments
• Familiarity with applicable lifting and crane standards (e.g., OSHA, ASME, site-specific requirements)
• Experience supporting serial production or high-throughput shipyards
• Prior involvement in greenfield yard startup or major facility ramp-ups

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

This role 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.