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 Senior Manager of Logistics to join our Operations team. Reporting directly to the VP of Fleet Operations, you will play a critical role in ensuring the reliable, compliant, and cost-effective movement of Saildrone vehicles and mission-critical equipment across the globe, enabling on-time deployment in complex and remote environments. As the senior authority on logistics execution, we are looking for a technical expert and operational leader who creates clarity from ambiguity and has a proven track record of independently driving carrier strategy and execution in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.

THE TEAM

The Fleet Operations team is responsible for the planning, movement, and delivery of the systems that power Saildrone’s. We are focused on building resilient, scalable logistics and trade operations to deliver robust solutions for global maritime domain awareness, operating in a national security and defense environment. This role is central to enabling successful deployments by ensuring materials and vehicles arrive where they are needed—on time and without compromise.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform end-to-end global logistics operations across air, ocean (FCL/LCL, breakbulk), and ground transportation to achieve on-time, in-full delivery, including the specialized movement of oversized cargo requiring crating, rigging, and specialized handling.

• Be accountable for international freight forwarding and customs clearance, including full ownership of documentation integrity, HTS classification, and strict adherence to ITAR/EAR regulations across multiple international jurisdictions.

• Work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Field Operations to align shipping plans with build schedules and provide strategic guidance on packaging, compliance, and routing for new product introductions.

• Carry out day-to-day logistics planning and execution by optimizing carrier selection and mode decisions (expedited vs. standard) based on cost, urgency, and mission requirements.

• Monitor for shipment delays, customs hold-ups, and geopolitical risks; take immediate action to mitigate disruptions and develop contingency plans for high-priority shipments.

• Adhere to and improve internal SOPs, while owning relationships with global freight forwarders, NVOCCs, and brokers to negotiate rates, contracts, and service-level agreements (SLAs).

• Provide timely updates on shipment status and risks to the Leadership and external stakeholders—including government customers and port authorities—to support coordinated execution across global deployments.

• Establish a culture of accountability and operational excellence by recruiting and mentoring high-performing talent and partners, ensuring the team can scale to support complex, expeditionary logistics at a global level.

THE QUALIFICATIONS

• 7+ years of experience in global logistics, freight forwarding, or international transportation, with a background in maritime, defense, aerospace, or time-sensitive startup environments.

• Demonstrated proficiency in multi-modal transportation and deep expertise in managing complex customs clearance entries and high-scrutiny international trade compliance.

• Proven ability to manage and hold accountable global freight forwarders, customs brokers, and specialized carrier networks (Project Cargo, NVOCCs).

• Strong working knowledge of regulatory requirements, including ITAR, EAR, HTS, and Dangerous Goods (IATA, IMDG).

• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex logistics issues and make high-stakes decisions under time pressure and operational ambiguity.

• Ability to clearly communicate technical shipping status, risk mitigation plans, and commercial negotiations to the Operations Leaders, cross-functional partners, and customers.

• Working knowledge of logistics systems, TMS platforms, and reporting frameworks required to operate in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment.

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.

Salary Range**$132,500—$172,200 USD**
To view Saildrone's candidate privacy policy, please visit: https://www.saildrone.com/privacy.

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.