Director of Supply Chain

About Us

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 Position

Saildrone is seeking a Director of Supply Chain to join our Operations team. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, you will play a critical role in ensuring uninterrupted production, rapid scaling, and cost-effective delivery of Saildrone’s autonomous systems. This role owns end-to-end supply chain strategy and execution—from demand planning and sourcing to inventory, logistics, and supplier performance—directly impacting fleet readiness and mission success.

We are looking for a senior operations leader who creates clarity from ambiguity, drives execution in fast-moving environments, and builds scalable systems that perform under real-world constraints.

The Team

The Supply Chain team is responsible for enabling Saildrone’s manufacturing, field operations, and product development through reliable material flow and strategic supplier partnerships. We focus on delivering resilient, scalable supply chain solutions that support global operations in a national security and defense environment. This role works closely with Engineering, Production, Quality, Finance, Sales, and Field Operations to align priorities and ensure seamless execution.

The Responsibilities

• Lead demand planning and material forecasting to support current and future production, field service, and R&D needs.
• Own end-to-end supply chain operations, including procurement, inventory management, warehousing, logistics, and material control, meeting cost, quality, and delivery targets.
• Be accountable for inventory accuracy, material availability, supplier performance, and budget adherence.
• Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Production, Quality, and Finance to manage engineering changes, new product introductions, and make/buy decisions.
• Establish and track supply chain KPIs; identify risks, constraints, and cost-reduction opportunities, and drive corrective actions.
• Lead supplier selection, qualification, contract negotiation (NDAs, SOWs, MPAs), and ongoing performance management in collaboration with Quality.
• Oversee warehouse operations, ensuring safe, efficient receiving, storage, and line-side delivery.
• Utilize MRP and analytics tools to improve forecasting, planning accuracy, and decision-making; contribute to the development of advanced planning and AI-enabled tools.
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing supply chain organization, fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Provide clear, timely communication on supply chain status, risks, and priorities to executive leadership and cross-functional partners.

The Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Operations, or a related field.
• 7+ years of supply chain experience supporting complex manufacturing environments; startup or high-growth experience strongly preferred.
• 5+ years of senior-level people leadership experience, building teams and scalable processes.
• Demonstrated expertise in demand planning, procurement, inventory management, and supplier negotiations.
• Proficiency with MRP/ERP systems such as NetSuite or SAP; experience with advanced analytics or Palantir Foundry is a plus.
• Proven ability to manage complex, cross-functional programs from concept through execution.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills in ambiguous, fast-paced environments.
• Clear, confident communicator with the ability to influence across technical and non-technical teams.
• Ability to work on-site in Alameda, CA, with 10–15% travel as required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer.
• Ability to lift up to 15 lbs as needed.

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

Individual compensation packages are based on geographic location, scope of the role, and relevant experience, among other factors.

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.

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