EXPERIENCE MEETS INNOVATION.
At Poseidon’s Forge, our leadership team brings together over 100 years of combined expertise in AUV design, engineering, and software development. With backgrounds spanning maritime technology, AI-driven innovation, and advanced hydrodynamics, we are dedicated to forging the future of adaptable, high-performance autonomous underwater vehicles.
DARYL SLOCUM
Founder & CEO
With 33+ years in AUV and maritime technology, Daryl has been at the forefront of AUV innovation and commercialization. As a former VP/GM at L3Harris AUV Systems (formerly OceanServer), he led the development of multiple autonomous underwater vehicle platforms spanning various sizes, endurance capabilities, and mission profiles. His expertise includes business strategy, product development, and technical leadership. A global expert in data collection and AUV/UUV applications, he holds multiple patents in AUV design, power systems, and acoustic sensing.
JASON AIELLO
Chief Electrical Engineer & Co-Founder
Maritime engineering expert with 15+ years specializing in autonomous underwater vehicles. A patent holder, Jason has designed 80+ circuit card assemblies (CCAs) for SWaP-constrained systems, with expertise in power management, battery management systems (BMS), high-speed designs, and the integration of advanced sensors. Proven field experience with hundreds of hours operating AUVs, ensuring solutions that excel in real-world maritime environments.
JEFFERY DeARRUDA
Chief Software Engineer & Co-Founder
With 18+ years in AUV engineering, Jeff has led software architecture for major U.S. Navy programs, pioneering adaptive autonomy behaviors, high-fidelity environmental awareness models, and precision navigation algorithms achieving centimeter-level positioning accuracy. His expertise in autonomous systems architecture real-time control systems, and hardware-software integration drives next-gen underwater robotics.
COREY TOUPIN
Senior Mechanical Engineer
With 7+ years in underwater robotics, Corey blends design innovation with hands-on problem-solving. As an experienced lead mechanical engineer for a next-gen small diameter AUV, he brings expertise in mechanical design, structural analysis, and precision manufacturing. His machining and prototyping skills drive innovations, including a patented tool-less vehicle joining mechanism.
PETER GIRARD
Senior Software Engineer
Peter is a software engineering specialist for AUVs with 7 years of experience. He has led development of AUV homing and self-docking software, mission planning optimization algorithms, multi-vehicle swarming capabilities, variable ballast systems, and physics-based simulation. His expertise spans sensor integration, sophisticated autonomy algorithms, intuitive user interfaces, and cloud-based infrastructure.
EDWARD PURTELL
Senior Electrical Engineer
With 9+ years in the AUV space, Edward specializes in electrical design and integration from concept to deployment. He develops high-speed network and power management CCAs and brings field experience with customers to shape practical, reliable solutions. His focus on end-to-end design ensures seamless, efficient integration across every platform.
JIM KIRK
Business Development Principal
With 20+ years in marine robotics, Jim Kirk is a proven leader in the commercialization of AUVs. Formerly Sales & Marketing Manager at OceanServer Technology (now L3Harris AUV Systems), he helped establish and scale the Iver AUV as the world’s first commercially viable AUV platform. His expertise includes global sales, channel and OEM partnerships, and market expansion across commercial, defense, research, and environmental sectors. Kirk brings deep experience in building new markets and driving adoption of advanced unmanned undersea technologies.
ANNE-LISE LINDQUIST-SLOCUM
Treasurer and Operations Coordinator
With 18+ years as an Ocean/Coastal Engineer, Anne-Lise brings maritime expertise and business acumen to Poseidon’s Forge. A former personal chef and entrepreneur, she now serves as Treasurer and Operations Coordinator, providing oversight of financial operations and administration to ensure the company’s efficiency and stability.