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California, United States
Onsite
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.
Saildrone is seeking a Manager, Mechanical Engineering to join our Hardware Engineering organization while serving as a hands-on Platform Lead. Reporting directly to the VP of Hardware, you will lead the mechanical design team and serve as the primary technical authority for new platform developments from early architecture through full-scale production. We are looking for an ambitious technical leader who combines deep marine engineering expertise with operational discipline to build high-performing teams, drive platform trade studies, and deliver robust autonomous surface vehicles for national security, defense, and civil ocean data missions.
The Hardware Engineering team is responsible for the design, integration, testing, and scaling of Saildrone’s autonomous ocean platforms and electro-mechanical systems. We focus on delivering robust, manufacturable hardware and composite structures that operate reliably in harsh maritime environments, enabling persistent maritime domain awareness across global defense and research operations.
The base salary range for this position is shown below. Actual compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and qualifications. This range reflects the base salary for candidates in states requiring pay transparency disclosure.
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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.
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.