KEY TAKEAWAYS: New 15,000 sq. ft. New Orleans office supports autonomous shipbuilding Franklin shipyard expansion boosts production of Marauder autonomous vessels Company plans to hire over 350 skilled workers in Louisiana Partnerships with universities and Louisiana Economic Development stren gthen talent pipeline   Saronic announced March 18 that it is opening a nearly 15,000-square-foot office in downtown New Orleans to serve as a central hub for engineering and technical operations supporting its growing autonomous shipbuilding activities in Louisiana. The Austin-based company will establish a new office at Place St. Charles, creating up to 75 jobs in New Orleans’ Central Business District. The office will house hardware engineers, naval architects, marine engineers, and system testing specialists who will support the design and development of Marauder, Saronic’s 180-foot autonomous vessel. The ships are produced at scale at the company’s Franklin, Louisiana shipyard, which is undergoing a significant expansion to increase production capacity and advance the state’s role in next-generation maritime manufacturing. The office aims to strengthen connectivity between engineering and production teams, enabling faster design, testing, and deployment of autonomous surface vessels for both defense and commercial clients. Saronic expects to hire more than 350 skilled workers across its Louisiana operations this year. To build a pipeline of qualified talent, the company is partnering with universities and technical schools, offering internships and early-career opportunities in engineering, naval architecture, and marine disciplines. Saronic is also collaborating with Louisiana Economic Development to integrate workforce training programs across the region. “Louisiana has been at the center of American shipbuilding for generations, and New Orleans gives us direct access to the people and technical skills that make that possible,” said Dino Mavrookas, co-founder and CEO of Saronic. “This facility builds on our growing investment in the state and strengthens the connection between our teams and Gulf Coast operations, allowing us to move faster as we field and deploy autonomous surface vessels and ships for both defense and commercial partners.” Deputy Mayor Jenny Mains called the expansion a “strong win for New Orleans,” noting that Saronic’s investment highlights the city’s role as a hub for maritime innovation and technical talent. Saronic offers full-time employees equity participation and a comprehensive benefits package, including health coverage, 401(k) matching, paid time off, parental leave, and supplemental wellness and family support programs. The company is actively hiring for positions at both the New Orleans office and the Franklin shipyard. Interested applicants can explore opportunities at https://jobs.lever.co/saronic. Founded to advance autonomous maritime technology, Saronic’s investments in Louisiana reflect a broader push to strengthen the Gulf Coast’s shipbuilding and engineering workforce while delivering next-generation vessels for a range of commercial and defense applications. ...read more read less