Technical Operations Engineer

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 Technical Operations Engineer to join our Fleet Operations Team. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Technical Operations Engineer, you will play a critical role in ensuring the reliability, performance, and readiness of Saildrone’s autonomous surface vehicles across their full lifecycle; from research and development, production, through global deployments, in all operating environments. We are looking for a systems-minded engineer who thrives in ambiguity, moves quickly from problem to root cause, and translates real-world vehicle performance into actionable engineering and operational improvements. THE TEAM The Technical Operations team provides first line remote technical support to ensure Saildrone’s autonomous systems perform reliably in the world’s most demanding maritime environments. We partner with Engineering, Production, and Operations to bridge design and deployment, accelerate product iteration, and deliver resilient systems that support national security, maritime intelligence, and science exploration missions. THE RESPONSIBILITIES Advanced Diagnostics: Resolve complex hardware, software, and networking issues using Linux command-line tools, telemetry, and shell scripting to ensure mission success. System Ownership: Own technical outcomes for assigned vehicles, including reliability, performance (SLIs/SLOs), and operational readiness. Root Cause Analysis: Lead deep-dive RCA for field failures; order causes by likelihood using imperfect datasets and drive corrective actions across design, process, and tooling. Embedded Collaboration: Embed with Engineering design teams to provide feedback on system architecture and help evaluate solutions via system integration testing. Global Deployment: Deploy globally (up to 30% travel) to lead vehicle preparation, troubleshooting, and mission execution, including the oversight of third-party contractors. Incident Response: Participate in on-call rotations to provide real-time troubleshooting for high-priority autonomous fleet incidents. Documentation & Training: Develop clear work instructions, process standards, and technical training to bridge the gap from prototype to scalable operation. Operational Maintenance: Maintain appropriate records and inventories while following and improving strict safety and work standards. THE QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree in engineering preferred; Electrical, Mechanical, Systems, Robotics, Software, Aerospace or a related technical discipline. 2+ years of experience supporting complex embedded systems, robotics, or autonomous hardware in production or field environments. Ability to independently interpret electrical diagrams/schematics and mechanical drawings to execute repairs and modifications. Hands-on experience with serial and network protocols (CAN, RS-485, RS-232, SPI, I2C, and TCP/IP). Comfortable with Linux OS and the ability to write/understand shell scripts for diagnostic tasks; experience with APIs is a plus. Ability to clearly communicate complex technical failures into clear narratives for cross-functional partners and executive leadership. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Physical Strength & Agility: Ability to lift/move up to 30 lbs. and maintain physical activity (bending, kneeling, standing) throughout a full shift. Manual Precision: High manual dexterity and visual acuity for the safe operation of power tools and precision assembly and repairs. Environmental Adaptability: Comfortable working in challenging settings, including confined spaces, heights, and working outdoors in variable weather conditions including high heat, cold, and wind. Safety & PPE: Ability to work around industrial materials while strictly adhering to PPE requirements, including respirators and eye/ear protection as needed. Travel: Must be willing and able to travel domestically and internationally up to 30% of the time, which includes renting and operating motor vehicles. Schedule: Must be able to participate in the 24/7 on call rotation schedule. 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 $132,000 — $155,000 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.