Nauticus Robotics Announces Leadership Changes, Manufacturing Expansion, and Growth Strategy

Autonomous subsea robotics company expands software capabilities, production, and commercial focus

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Nauticus Robotics, Inc., a pioneer in autonomous subsea robotics and AI-driven offshore solutions, announced a series of strategic leadership appointments and commercialization initiatives. This includes the appointment of Dr. Kjerstin "Kj" Easton as Vice President of Software, Chuck Claunch as Chief Software Architect & Principal Software Engineer, and Jason Close as Vice President of Growth & Go-To-Market. The company also highlighted plans to expand Aquanaut vehicle manufacturing capacity backed by an investment from Master Investment Group.

Why it matters

These changes position Nauticus to accelerate the deployment of its autonomous subsea robotics technology across the energy and defense sectors. Strengthening its software leadership, production capacity, and commercial focus will enable Nauticus to scale its Aquanaut vehicle and Nauticus ToolKITT autonomy platform to meet growing demand for advanced offshore robotics solutions.

The details

Nauticus has appointed Dr. Kjerstin "Kj" Easton as Vice President of Software, bringing over a decade of software development leadership from Silicon Valley companies like X, The Moonshot Factory, Google, and Apple. Chuck Claunch has been named Chief Software Architect & Principal Software Engineer to strengthen Nauticus' networked robotics capabilities. Jason Close has transitioned to the new role of Vice President of Growth & Go-To-Market to lead global product sales, marketing, and revenue growth initiatives. The company also announced that Vice President of Sales Steve Walsh will continue leading offshore service sales operations.

  • Nauticus Robotics announced these leadership changes and initiatives on February 19, 2026.

The players

Nauticus Robotics, Inc.

A pioneer in autonomous subsea robotics and AI-driven offshore solutions.

Dr. Kjerstin "Kj" Easton

The new Vice President of Software at Nauticus, bringing over a decade of software development leadership from Silicon Valley companies.

Chuck Claunch

The new Chief Software Architect & Principal Software Engineer at Nauticus, with deep experience across multiple robotic platforms and autonomy architectures.

Jason Close

The new Vice President of Growth & Go-To-Market at Nauticus, tasked with leading global product sales, marketing, and revenue growth initiatives.

Steve Walsh

The Vice President of Sales at Nauticus, continuing to lead offshore service sales operations.

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What they’re saying

“Bringing Dr. Easton to Nauticus is a transformative milestone. We are entering a period of acceleration in both software deployment and product commercialization. Her leadership will help us move faster, integrate smarter, and execute at scale.”

— John Gibson, President and CEO, Nauticus Robotics

“Nauticus has built a compelling autonomy platform capable of transforming subsea operations. I look forward to leading the continued development and rapid scaling of Nauticus ToolKITT to accelerate revenue growth, expand the adoption of subsea autonomy, and broaden Nauticus' impact across global markets.”

— Dr. Kjerstin "Kj" Easton, Vice President of Software, Nauticus Robotics

“Nauticus is entering its commercialization phase. Jason's leadership ensures our market presence, product messaging, and sales execution match the scale of our technology ambition.”

— John Gibson, President and CEO, Nauticus Robotics

“We have a differentiated autonomy platform and vehicle portfolio. My focus is translating that capability into accelerated product adoption, stronger strategic partnerships, and measurable revenue growth.”

— Jason Close, Vice President of Growth & Go-To-Market, Nauticus Robotics

What’s next

With the leadership changes and manufacturing expansion in place, Nauticus is now positioned to accelerate the deployment of its autonomous subsea robotics technology across the energy and defense sectors.

The takeaway

Nauticus Robotics is making strategic investments in its leadership, software capabilities, and production capacity to scale its autonomous subsea robotics solutions and meet growing demand from the energy and defense industries for advanced offshore technology.