Mission Operations & AI Enablement Lead

Mission Operations & AI Enablement Lead

Position Summary: OceanX is seeking a Mission Operations & AI Enablement Lead who will oversee global expedition planning and execution while driving the adoption of AI-enabled systems, workflow automation, and operational technologies across the Missions function.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee mission planning and execution across all phases, including pre-expedition planning, mission execution, post-expedition assessment, and continuous operational improvement.
• Manage operational planning related to international permitting, customs, immigration, documentation, logistics, and regulatory compliance to support successful expedition execution across global jurisdictions.
• Cook up with internal teams, research institutions, external partners, vendors, logistics providers, and government agencies to ensure successful mission execution while balancing scientific priorities and operational requirements.
• Partner with Marine Operations to support vessel scheduling, mission scenario planning, routing, fuel considerations, port availability, seasonal planning, weather analysis, and overall operational readiness.
• Implement AI-enabled workflows, automations, and operational systems that streamline mission planning, coordination, execution, and reporting.
• Build and maintain integrations across mission management platforms (including Smartsheet, Jira, Notion, Monday.com, Marine Facilities Planner, and related systems) to automate workflows, improve data accuracy, and reduce manual processes.
• Develop practical AI agents, templates, reporting tools, and workflow automations that improve team efficiency and reduce repetitive manual work.
• Identify opportunities to simplify processes, strengthen operational visibility, and improve information flow through AI-enabled solutions and systems integration.
• Maintain the integrity, governance, and accessibility of mission data, ensuring timely reporting and visibility for leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Create automated reporting and dashboards that communicate mission status, approvals, financials, milestones, action items, operational risks, and key performance indicators.
• Conduct post-expedition operational reviews and leverage data analytics to identify trends, improve planning processes, and drive continuous improvement.
• Research and evaluate international maritime regulations, permitting requirements, and operational constraints to support long-term mission planning and mitigate execution risks.
• Drive the continued evolution of OceanX's mission operations capabilities, operational standards, systems, and best practices to support future expedition planning and organizational growth.
• Foster collaboration across OceanX's Science, Marine Operations, Education, Media, Partnerships, Data, and Business Operations teams to ensure mission priorities are effectively aligned and executed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or higher, preferably in marine sciences or a business/project management or related field.
• 5+ years of project management, operations management, or systems implementation experience in dynamic, global organizations.
• Strong project management capabilities with a proven track record managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives across international contexts.
• Demonstrated experience building and implementing AI solutions: specifically experience with AI agents, GPT-based language models, or automation tools for business process optimization, data analytics, and workflow management.
• Hands-on experience with API integration and systems connectivity, including practical knowledge of connecting enterprise platforms (Jira, Smartsheet, Notion, Monday.com, or similar) to create automated workflows.
• Experience in maritime operations, vessel logistics, oceanographic research, or scientific expedition planning highly desirable.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including early mornings or late evenings, to support cross-time zone collaboration.
• Adaptable to varying workloads, balancing periods of focused execution with lighter operational phases.

Illustrative Benefits

• Access to a World Class Exploration Vessel
• 100% company paid medical premiums
• 17 company paid holidays
• Friday summer hours
• Monthly community happy hours
• Hybrid work environment
• 2 One-Month Periods of Remote First Work
• Free catered food services for in-office Thursdays
• Generous PTO offering
• Casual dress code
• 150% 401(k) match up to $7,500 and 100% match above $7,500 ($15k match limit)
• Gym reimbursement, back up childcare services, insurance, financial, and legal services, and much more!

Compensation

Compensation for the role includes a competitive salary in the range from $120,000 -$140,000 (inclusive of a merit-based bonus, dependent on years of experience, level of education obtained, as well as applicable skillset) and an excellent benefits package, including paid time off ranging from 15 to 25 days based on years of service, paid sick and safe leave, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, paid parental time off, birth mother recovery pay, sick family member pay, parental ramp back up program, gym reimbursement and generous employer match for 401k.

Please note that we do not provide immigration sponsorship for this position.

At OceanX, we believe our biggest asset is our people. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, hiring and developing individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences to add to our collaborative culture. OceanX treats all candidates and employees with respect and does not discriminate in our recruiting, hiring, and promoting processes and general treatment during employment, including on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital status, veteran status, or disability.