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 Vehicle Assembly & Service Technician to join our Vehicle Assembly and Service team. Reporting to the Vehicle Operations Manager, you will play a critical role in building, servicing, and deploying Saildrone’s autonomous surface vehicles across the world’s most unforgiving environments—from the Arctic to the tropics.

We are looking for a hands-on technical leader who sets high standards, thrives in demanding field environments, and translates heavy industrial and marine experience into mission success.

THE TEAM

The Vehicle Assembly and Service team is responsible for assembling, servicing, and deploying Saildrone’s autonomous surface vehicles worldwide. We bridge the gap between production and the open ocean, delivering mission-ready systems that support national security and maritime domain awareness.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Technical Execution: Lead vehicle assembly and service activities, ensuring fleet readiness through fundamentally sound mechanical and electrical repairs.

• Heavy Logistics & Rigging: Manage the shipping preparation, loading, and relocation of vehicles, including the expert use of rigging, forklifts, and crane operations.

• Marine Operations: Execute in-field deployments including mooring, basic boat handling, and operating 30+ ft twin-engine powerboats with vehicles in tow.

• Documentation & Standardization: Develop and create technical repair content, work instructions, and safety procedures to support global standardization.

• Design for Serviceability: Partner with Engineering and Production to provide feedback on vehicle design, ensuring field-realities are turned into product improvements.

• Field Training: Lead and coach teams of contractors, clients, and third-parties in the field, holding them accountable to high standards of quality and repeatability.

• Global Deployment: Travel domestically and internationally 80% to troubleshoot and repair systems in shipyards, ports, and remote field sites, including renting and operating motor vehicles as required to access work sites.

• Safety & Accountability: Maintain accurate records and inventories while enforcing strict adherence to safety and industrial work standards.

THE QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years of experience in technical service or assembly within shipyards, offshore oil & gas, heavy mining, or aerospace.

• Marine Proficiency: Personal or professional experience on the water; must be comfortable with rigging, mooring, and boat handling in open sea conditions.

• Heavy Equipment: Proven experience with crane operation, forklifts, and lifting machines; ability to manage heavy equipment logistics under pressure.

• System Diagnostics: Demonstrated ability to isolate and repair issues on complex electro-mechanical systems using diagrams and specialized hand tools.

• Leadership & Customer Service: Professionalism in client-facing environments with the ability to "simplify the complex" for training end-users.

• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift 50 lbs, work at heights, and maintain high performance during extended hours in "unforgiving" weather conditions.

• Security Clearance: U.S. Person status and eligibility for a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance is required.

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**$75,000—$100,000 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.