Staff Mechanical Engineer - Platform Lead/ Naval Architect

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, an established European entity supporting regional business development, sales, and operations, and a deployment hub in 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 Staff Mechanical Engineer to join our Mechanical Design team. Reporting directly to the VP Hardware Engineering, you will play a critical role in leading the design, integration, and regulatory compliance of complex electro-mechanical systems for our uncrewed surface vehicles. We are looking for an ambitious technical leader who combines deep marine engineering expertise with proactive problem-solving to guide projects from early architecture to full-scale production. 

THE TEAM

The Hardware Engineering team is responsible for designing, testing, and scaling our autonomous ocean platforms. We are focused on engineering mission-critical hardware and composite structures for high-impact ocean data collection, operating across defense, national security, and civil maritime environments.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ownership of the Vehicle System, interfaces to other Systems, and overall performance against the Program and Product requirements for a new start platform
• Responsibility for naval architecture within the Hardware Engineering organization, owning vehicle static (CG-CB) and dynamic (RAO’s) calculations and analysis, with oversight by regulatory agencies such as ABS and DNV
• Responsibility for vehicle developmental budget and cost performance, ensuring all subsystems are compliant and targeting cost reduction according to system cost plan
• Technical leadership at the vehicle system level, including overall responsibility for technical performance, implementation and adherence to design principals and tenets, sustainment of issue resolution activities, etc.
• Represent the vehicle system in leadership meetings, customer interfacing meetings, and wherever else appropriate
• Lead meetings across the vehicle team at the necessary cadences such as daily standup, sprint planning, retro, monthlies, all-hands etc.
• Interface directly with VP Hardware Engineering and other system leads on technical challenges and issue resolution
• Interface directly with peers across Production, Payloads, Mission Systems, Field Operations, Product Management, and Sustainment teams to align execution streams to product level schedule.
• Drive platform level trade studies across critical systems and subsystems to inform generational architectural updates and changes to the platform.
• Interpret and apply guidelines and requirements from Third Party Authorities (e.g., ABS, DNV GL, Bureau Veritas) to ensure full compliance with marine regulations.
• Partner closely with Shipyards and their Manufacturing Engineering and contract manufacturers to ensure smooth handoffs, design-for-manufacturability, and scalable production.
• Execute hands-on proof-of-concept prototyping and assembly utilizing basic fabrication skills to validate design concepts.
• Maintain drafting standards across the Hardware Engineering team while providing direct mentorship to junior engineers.
• Establish a culture of accountability, ownership, collaboration, and engineering excellence across the hardware group.
• BOM & Configuration Management: Be accountable for the total vehicle Bill of Materials across all sensor configurations, ensuring accuracy in part numbering, revision control, and assembly detailing.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Work closely with Electrical, Firmware, and NPI teams to align on PCBA enclosures, thermal cooling paths, and sensor mounting to ensure cohesive vehicle platforms.
• Design Validation: Monitor for mechanical risks through tolerance analysis, vibration testing, and thermal cycling, taking action to mitigate failures during long-duration ocean deployments.
• Prototyping & Manufacturability: Adhere to Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Serviceability standards, supporting pilot production builds to validate design requirements before full-scale production.
• Sustaining Engineering: Provide timely updates on field failures and technical blockers, leading root cause analysis and continuous improvement efforts for deployed systems.
• Organizational Scaling: Meet commitments to build a high-performing team by recruiting and mentoring talent, fostering a culture of technical polish, rapid iteration, and operational accountability.

THE QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, or a related discipline (or equivalent field experience).
• 7+ years of industry experience with a strong emphasis on the Marine Industry, composite structures, and complex mechanisms.
• Extensive professional experience working as a project lead or manager driving execution across diverse engineering disciplines.
• Experience with projects, programs, or products transitioning from prototype design, prototype testing, new product introduction, and transition into production.
• Practical experience interpreting marine regulatory frameworks and third-party guidelines (ABS, DNV GL, Bureau Veritas).
• Proven track record of managing multiple successful product launches and working directly with fabrication shops and contract manufacturers.
• Hands-on fabrication and assembly skills for prototype build out and testing.
• Proactive problem-solving skills with experience acting as a technical lead and mentoring junior engineering talent.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Physical Strength & Agility: Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, push, pull, and lift up to 50 lbs during assembly and staging operations.
• Manual Precision: High manual dexterity to operate peripheral computer devices, hand tools, and mechanical testing equipment.
• Environmental Adaptability: Ability to perform work across office, hangar, and waterfront dock operational settings.

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

$183,000—$225,000 USD

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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.