THE COMPANY
Saildrone is a maritime defense company and the global leader in autonomous unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). With more ocean miles and real-world operational experience than any USV manufacturer or operator, Saildrone maintains active, combat-deployed systems supporting national security and force projection around the world, 24/7/365.
Saildrone’s manufacturing and R&D headquarters are located in Alameda, CA, with business development and sales operations in Washington, DC, and deployment hubs in Europe and the Middle East. By combining proven autonomous operations, edge computing, advanced sensing, renewable power, and the most advanced and robust unmanned surface technology on the planet, Saildrone is shaping how the Navy of the future operates. Join a fast-moving, mission-driven team at the forefront of maritime security and autonomous innovation.
THE POSITION
Saildrone is seeking a Director, Fleet Service, to join our Fleet Operations Team. Reporting to the VP, Fleet Operations, you will be responsible for the global deployment, assembly, maintenance, and maximum operational uptime of the Saildrone autonomous vehicle fleet. In your role you will direct, scale, and mentor a robust global field service team consisting of Field Service Managers, Lead Technicians, and Engineers. We are looking for a leader who has a proven track record of independently driving execution in a fast-paced and multi-disciplinary environment.
THE TEAM
The Fleet Service team provides on site support for assembly and service workflows for the Saildrone vehicle fleet to ensure all assets are fully mission-capable and optimized for maximum operational uptime. The team partners with Engineering, Production, and Operations to bridge design and deployment, accelerate product iteration, and deliver resilient systems that support national security, maritime intelligence, and science exploration missions.
THE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead, scale, and manage a high performing team of global field service personnel to achieve 24/7 mission success, prioritizing timely incident response across multiple fleets.
- Serve as the primary leadership liaison between field operations and internal stakeholders including Engineering, Logistics, Quality, Safety, and Program Management departments.
- Oversee resource allocation and labor scheduling, strategically distributing personnel and contractors across international deployment hubs to ensure mission readiness.
- Design scalable pathways that accelerate early-stage technician development through strategic leadership roles.
- Establish feedback loops to capture field data that influences future-state vehicle design for manufacturability.
- Optimize enterprise asset and project platforms including Fleetio, NetSuite, Harvest, Jira, and Confluence.
- Enforce corporate compliance with safety standard operating procedures, job hazard analyses, and maritime regulations.
- Establish a culture of accountability, ownership, and engineering excellence, building and scaling a world-class team capable of operating defense-grade autonomous systems at scale.
- Meet commitments to build a high-performing team by recruiting and mentoring talent for growth, fostering a culture of rapid iteration, technical reliability, and operational readiness.
- Perform all responsibilities in accordance with company values, safety expectations, quality standards, and ethical guidelines.
THE QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, Robotics, Aerospace) or a related technical discipline.
- 10+ years of operational experience executing and leading complex technical services in shipyards, heavy industrial settings, offshore energy, aerospace, or global maritime environments.
- 5+ years of experience in engineering leadership or lead roles, with a proven track record of managing teams supporting complex hardware, mechanical, or autonomous systems.
- Ability to clearly communicate complex technical specifics into clear narratives for cross functional partners and executive leadership.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Physical Strength & Agility: Ability to lift/move up to 30 lbs. and maintain physical activity (bending, kneeling, standing) throughout a full shift.
- Manual Precision: High manual dexterity and visual acuity for the safe operation of power tools and precision assembly and repairs.
- Environmental Adaptability: Comfortable working in challenging settings, including confined spaces, heights, and working outdoors in variable weather conditions including high heat, cold, and wind.
- Safety & PPE: Ability to work around industrial materials and sites while strictly adhering to PPE requirements, including respirators and eye/ear protection as needed.
- Travel: Must be willing and able to travel domestically and internationally up to15% of the time, which includes renting and operating motor vehicles.
To view Saildrone's candidate privacy policy, please visit: https://www.saildrone.com/privacy-policy.
BENEFITS
At Saildrone, we’re building operational capability that matters—and that requires people who can do their best work over the long term. We invest in our team’s well-being, financial security, and professional growth so you can focus on delivering real-world impact with confidence and stability. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support you and your family while you contribute to a mission with lasting significance.
- Generous Time Off: Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual plus a robust annual holiday schedule and paid sick leave ensure you can rest, reset, and sustain performance over time.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Premium, multi-tier Medical, Dental, and Vision plans with significant company contributions for employees and dependents—providing security and peace of mind.
- Shared Ownership in the Mission: Equity grants are a core part of our compensation, allowing you to participate in the long-term value you help create through meaningful, operational work.
- Retirement Savings: Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with flexible pre-tax and Roth payroll contribution options supports long-term financial planning.
- Investment in Your Growth: We support your continuous learning through an annual professional development reimbursement program, empowering you to sharpen your skills and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving field.
- Relocation Support: For eligible roles, we offer relocation assistance to help bring the world’s best talent to our mission-critical locations.
Saildrone is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
