Internal Application: Buyer

About Us

Saildrone builds autonomous systems that dominate the world’s oceans

With more than 2 million nautical miles sailed and 50,000 days at sea, Saildrone has earned the trust of governments worldwide. Our unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) deliver continuous, real-time intelligence in the toughest oceans on Earth—giving our partners faster awareness, stronger security, and a decisive edge at sea.

Our USVs are long-range, extreme-endurance platforms powered by advanced sensors and proprietary AI - they have been designed to operate where no crewed vessel can. They collect critical insights above and below the surface to support border security, law enforcement, naval operations, and undersea infrastructure protection.

Headquartered in Alameda, CA, with offices in Washington, DC, and global deployment hubs, Saildrone operates missions worldwide. Join a fast-moving, mission-driven team at the intersection of AI, autonomy, and defense technology—where data turns into intelligence, and intelligence drives action.

The Role

The ideal candidate is very passionate about supply chain and has a magnetic drive to learn. They have great communication skills working with suppliers and leaders across multiple levels throughout an organization. This individual has a proven track record of delivering materials on time factoring in quality and cost.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Procurement partner and liaison to the business supporting all cross-functional stakeholders,, Production & NPI Procurement projects, and vendor onboarding / management.
• Demonstrate an ability to build effective, strategic relationships with the business, suppliers, and cross-functional teams.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Prioritize and lead multiple projects at the same time, working effectively with people at all skill & organizational levels, internally and externally
• Monitor supplier onboarding and supplier risk management processes and identify gaps and areas for improvement
• Identify alternate sourcing if needed based on quality, price, and delivery. Contact potential suppliers and negotiate to obtain quotes on the most favorable terms.
• Monitor and manage new OTS part demands coming through our Foundry platform, MRPSpeed and JIRA
• Negotiate contracts and pricing with suppliers to ensure cost-effective purchasing
• Perform follow-up work on purchase orders to ensure vendor compliance with terms of purchase, especially delivery dates and quantity/quality; evaluate vendor performance based on quality, prices, service, and delivery as well as feedback from the business.
• Expedite delivery confirmation dates that don’t meet our MRP and production needs/MRP driven delivery date “Push Out” or “Pull In”
• Manage and resolve Vendor Returns (RMA, Cost Recovery, Replacements)
• Manage AP Inquiries (Invoice issues, etc..)
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent work experience, with a minimum of 2 years as a Buyer, with a strong understanding of PO lifecycle.
• Positive attitude with a willingness to learn new skill sets
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple task assignments.
• Excellent relationship management skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with suppliers, and internal business customers.
• Experience managing suppliers and carrying out low value negotiations
• Able to persuade and influence suppliers to achieve best outcome
• Ability to find opportunities to optimize cost, improve service and other efficiency opportunities.
• Ability to summarize complex business issues and evaluate opportunities for improved functionality, cost savings, and SLAs.
• Ability to lead RFQ processes and lead supplier negotiations through completion
• Proven ability to drive positive change and build strong stakeholder relationships
• Self-starter who can build sourcing/procurement credibility within groups not accustomed to working with procurement
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Process and customer service driven with a self-starter mentality.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Experience with MRPSpeed, Netsuite, Team Center, Jira is a plus

Physical Requirements

Work is performed on a computer and requires ability to operate a keyboard and other peripheral devices.

Location: This position is in Alameda, CA. Our waterfront office offers beautiful views of San Francisco Bay in always-sunny Alameda.

All employees are required to provide proof of authorization to work in the U.S. within their first 3 days of work. Please note that the Company does not sponsor employees for work visas or permanent resident cards to work in the U.S. If you need sponsorship for a work visa or green card, you will not be qualified for employment with Saildrone.

Benefits:

• Paid time off, including vacation, bereavement, jury duty, sick time and parental leave
• Comprehensive and competitive medical, dental and vision plans, and HSA with employer matching.
• Company sponsored life insurance
• Stock Options
• Annual stipend for continued learning and development
• Quarterly company BBQs at our Alameda HQ (bring your friends and family!)
• Free Bay Area Public Transportation via AlamedaTMA with the BayPass Clipper Card

Catch up on the latest news about us:

The British Engineer Behind the US Navy’s High-tech Ocean Drones – The Times of London

Denmark to Field Unmanned Vessels for Monitoring Busy Shipping Routes – Defense News

Counter-drug Sea Drones Utilized by Navy as Trump Ramps Up Military Resources at the Border

Saildrone, Palantir Partner to Use AI to Streamline USV Manufacturing, Operations – Breaking Defense

An Underwater Mountain was Newly Discovered off California Coast – San Francisco Chronicle

USVs Could Deter IUU Fishing – USNI Proceedings

TIME 100 Most Influential Companies 2024: Saildrone

Saildrone Featured Videos Playlist

Individual compensation packages are based on geographic location, scope of the role, relevant experience, and the ability to deal with complexity and problem solve within our organization, among other factors.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Any unsolicited resumes/candidate profiles submitted through our website or to personal email accounts of employees of Saildrone are considered property of Saildrone and are not subject to payment of agency fees.