NPI Manufacturing 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, 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 NPI Manufacturing Engineer to bridge the gap between design engineering and full-scale manufacturing. In this role, you will be the operational backbone of our New Product Introduction (NPI) team, transforming early concepts into buildable, scalable electromechanical products. You will provide critical Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback to design teams, translate Engineering BOMs (EBOMs) into Manufacturing BOMs (MBOMs), build clear work instructions and test procedures, and lead pilot builds. The primary metric for your success is executing flawless, clean handoffs to the production team.

THE TEAM

The NPI Team operates at the tip of the spear in hardware execution. Working at the intersection of R&D and production, we collaborate daily across Hardware, Firmware, Software, Quality, and Production teams to mature new hardware and platforms into scalable, buildable products. In our fast-paced environment, we ensure every system is built safely, reliably, and efficiently to perform in high-stakes marine science and maritime defense missions.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

• DFM Collaboration: Partner directly with design engineers (Hardware, EE, Firmware) early in the development cycle to provide constructive Design for Manufacturability and Assembly (DFM/DFA) feedback.
• BOM Translation & Architecture: Lead the translation of Engineering BOMs (EBOMs) into structured, buildable Manufacturing BOMs (MBOMs) within our PLM and ERP systems.
• Process & Work Instructions: Develop, document, and validate detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, visual build guides, and acceptance test procedures (ATPs) for new electromechanical subassemblies.
• Pilot Build Execution: Lead and coordinate NPI pilot builds, working alongside technicians, design engineers, and production teams to resolve real-time build issues, capture redlines, and refine assembly steps.
• Tooling & Manufacturing Aids: Design, procure, and validate custom assembly jigs, fixtures, line tooling, and manufacturing aids to improve build safety, repeatability, and yield.
• Production Line Integration: Partner with the Production Manufacturing Engineering team to design line layouts, establish workstation ergonomics, and define scalable manufacturing processes.
• Production Handoff: Own the formal handoff gate to production manufacturing, ensuring all BOMs, documentation, tooling, and test processes are fully validated and stable.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 4+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in low-to-medium volume, high-complexity electromechanical manufacturing (aerospace, defense, robotics, or autonomous systems).
• Demonstrated experience with DFM/DFA principles, EBOM-to-MBOM translations, and process routing setups within PLM/ERP environments.
• Hands-on proficiency creating visual work instructions, assembly routings, and functional test procedures.
• Proven ability to design basic assembly tooling, jigs, and fixtures using CAD tools (SolidWorks, NX, or similar).
• Strong cross-functional leadership skills; ability to orchestrate pilot builds across software, firmware, hardware, and technician teams.
• Solid understanding of mechanical assembly, torque specs, waterproofing/sealing techniques, and basic electrical/harnessing integration.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with quality and traceability frameworks such as AS9100 or ISO 9001.
• Familiarity with Siemens Teamcenter PLM, NetSuite ERP, or Jira project tracking.
• Hands-on experience with wire harness routing, potting, or IP-rated maritime enclosure assemblies.

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

$114,000—$135,000 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.