About the job
ABOUT SAILDRONE
Saildrone is a pioneering maritime defense company and the global leader in autonomous unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). With unmatched operational experience and more oceanic miles traversed than any other USV manufacturer, Saildrone operates combat-deployed systems that bolster national security and force projection around the globe, 24/7.
Our manufacturing and R&D headquarters are based in Alameda, California, complemented by business development and sales operations in Washington, DC, along with deployment hubs across Europe and the Middle East. By leveraging cutting-edge autonomous technology, advanced sensing, renewable energy solutions, and robust unmanned surface vehicle technology, Saildrone is redefining naval operations for the future. Join our dynamic, mission-oriented team leading the charge in maritime security and autonomous innovation.
POSITION OVERVIEW
We are on the lookout for a dedicated Technical Operations Engineer to join our Fleet Operations team. Reporting directly to the Technical Operations Manager, you will be instrumental in guaranteeing the reliability, performance, and readiness of Saildrone’s autonomous surface vehicles throughout their entire lifecycle, from production to global deployment in diverse environments, including extreme conditions such as hurricanes and Arctic climates. We seek a systems-oriented engineer who flourishes in ambiguous situations, adeptly identifies problems and their root causes, and translates real-world vehicle performance into tangible engineering and operational enhancements.
TEAM DYNAMICS
The Technical Operations team is committed to ensuring the consistent performance of Saildrone’s autonomous systems in the most demanding maritime environments. We collaborate closely with Engineering, Production, and Operations to connect design to deployment, accelerate product iterations, and deliver resilient systems that advance national security and maritime intelligence objectives.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Advanced Diagnostics: Tackle complex hardware, software, and networking challenges using Linux command-line tools, telemetry, and shell scripting to secure mission success.
- System Ownership: Take responsibility for the technical outcomes of assigned vehicles, focusing on reliability, performance (SLIs/SLOs), and operational readiness.
- Root Cause Analysis: Lead in-depth root cause analyses for field failures; prioritize causes based on likelihood using imperfect data sets and initiate corrective measures across design, processes, and tooling.
- Embedded Collaboration: Integrate with engineering design teams to provide insights on system architecture and functionality.
