About the job
THE COMPANY
Saildrone is a pioneering maritime defense company and the global leader in autonomous unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). With unparalleled ocean miles and extensive operational experience, Saildrone operates combat-deployed systems that support national security and force projection worldwide, 24/7/365.
Our manufacturing and R&D headquarters are located in Alameda, CA, complemented by business development and sales operations in Washington, DC, and deployment hubs across Europe and the Middle East. By leveraging proven autonomous operations, edge computing, advanced sensing technologies, and sustainable power solutions, Saildrone is redefining the future operations of naval forces. Become part of a dynamic, mission-driven team at the forefront of maritime security and autonomous innovation.
THE POSITION
We are looking for a Staff Embedded Software Engineer to join our Firmware team. Reporting directly to the Director of Firmware Engineering, you will lead the definition, design, and validation of firmware and embedded systems that power our fleet of advanced USVs. This role demands a seasoned technical leader focused on real-time operating systems, low-level drivers, and power-efficient edge computing, while integrating a diverse array of sensors, actuators, and communication devices essential for autonomous navigation at sea.
THE TEAM
The Firmware team is tasked with the architecture, development, and maintenance of the embedded software and real-time control systems that drive Saildrone’s Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs). We create resilient, high-performance devices that are vital to our fleet's mission, ensuring reliable operations in some of the world's most challenging environments.
THE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Embedded Architecture: Spearhead the design, implementation, and validation of embedded software systems to meet rigorous performance and safety requirements for long-duration missions.
- Technical Ownership: Own the strategic direction for device architecture, hardware abstraction layers, and embedded computing subsystems, ensuring a strong foundation for all autonomous platforms.
- Firmware Delivery: Lead the end-to-end development of mission-critical firmware targeting RTOS-based or bare-metal applications, balancing real-time constraints with system-level reliability.
