Lead Surveyor

About Us

At Saildrone, we sustainably explore, map, and monitor the oceans to understand, protect, and preserve our world. We provide real-time access to critical data from any ocean on earth, 24/7/365, and use proprietary software applications to transform that data into actionable insights and intelligence. Our fleet of uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs), powered by renewable wind and solar power, have a minimal carbon footprint and operate without the need for a crewed support vessel.

Saildrone works with governments, civil agencies, foundations, universities, and private companies around the globe to drive better information about our oceans and seas—from sailing into the eye of a category 4 hurricane to obtain new data about how storms intensify, collecting new CO2 data in hard-to-reach areas, and counting fish biomass to inform sustainable fishery management, to mapping the ocean floor and reducing illegal fishing and drug trafficking. As a result of our work, we have been included on TIME's List of the 100 Most Influential Companies in 2024, Fast Company’s list of the "World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2022," and earned the Ocean Awards’ Innovation Award, presented by the Blue Marine Foundation. Saildrone's hurricane mission was included as one of The New York Times' "Top 21 Things that happened (for the first time) in 2021" and Popular Science's "100 Greatest Innovations of 2021," and entered into the Guinness Book of World Records for recording the "highest windspeed recorded by a USV."

We are based in Alameda, CA, with offices in Washington DC and St. Petersburg, FL, and operate our missions worldwide. Saildrone is backed by top-tier investors in the frontier tech and sustainability sectors, including Social Capital, Capricorn, Lux Capital, BOND Capital, and Emerson Collective.

This is an exciting opportunity with a fast-growing team at the cutting-edge intersection of big data services and autonomous hardware. You will be an integral part of a high-performing multi-disciplinary team that delivers high impact for humanity and future generations.

The Role

Saildrone is seeking an experienced, certified hydrographer responsible for the management of all tasks for the assigned survey(s). Supervises all team members in the performance of their duties including data QA/QC, equipment setup/calibration, data acquisition, data processing, equipment maintenance, and production of final deliverables/report. The Lead Surveyor is the final certifying signature that the survey has been completed according to the specifications set out in the contract. As a Lead Surveyor, your primary responsibility is to provide direct oversight of bathymetric surveys from inception to completion, ensuring mission success. This includes survey line planning, mission preparation, mission execution, training of survey watch-standers, documentation of survey specifications and standard operating procedures and successful completion of surveys. Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Working with Bathymetry Operations Manager, Bathymetry Technical Program Manager, and Bathymetry Data Manager to ensure mission success
• Working within a dynamic technology development company to further bathymetric capabilities and refrain survey practices with uncrewed Saildrone systems
• Coordinating and directing contracted survey watch-standers in their roles and responsibilities.
• Communicating with customers and applicable Saildrone personnel regarding the status of the survey
• Troubleshooting and resolving acquisition related issues to ensure schedules are maintained.
• Serving as a member of a rotating On-Call team to support 24/7 survey operational success
• Providing daily survey updates in the Saildrone Mission Log for the team and customers
• Serving as a member of a collaborative team for development and testing of new vehicles, sensors and procedures
• Ensure compliance with company standards, industry standards, and local regulations, while encouraging continuous improvement of the company’s processes and procedures
• Keeping up to date on latest IHO and national data standards and survey procedures

Required Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Hydrography, Oceanography, Geomatics, Remote Sensing or related discipline
• 5 or more years experience leading hydrographic/bathymetric survey teams as lead surveyor, party chief, or project manager
• Familiarity with Kongsberg multibeam systems and Seafloor Information System
• Candidate is detail-oriented with a disciplined approach to communications, processes, and projects.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Category A Hydrographer Certification
• NSPS-THSOA Certified Hydrographer
• Experience using uncrewed surface vehicles or other autonomous systems for survey operations

Physical requirements

• Work is performed on a computer and requires the ability to operate a keyboard and other peripheral devices.
• Working hours may vary from project to project, including occasional weekend and overnight work

Location: This role is hybrid in St. Petersburg, FL.

Benefits:

• Medical, dental and vision plans for you and your dependents.
• Short and relaxing ferry ride from the Ferry Building for SF residents
• Enhanced Parental Leave Programs
• Competitive benefits including excellent medical, life insurance, 401k plan
  
  

Catch up on the latest news about us:

The Tiny Craft Mapping Superstorms at Sea – The New York Times
TIME 100 Most Influential Companies 2024: Saildrone
An Underwater Mountain was Newly Discovered off California Coast – San Francisco Chronicle
Hacking the Anthropocene with Survivalist Robots [VIDEO] – Freethink
An Unprecedented View Inside a Hurricane – EOS
Saildrone’s First Aluminum Surveyor Autonomous Vessel Splashes Down for Navy Testing – TechCrunch
USVs Could Deter IUU Fishing – USNI Proceedings
Saildrone Vehicles Track Whales around Offshore Wind Power – Workboat
Mullen, Former Joint Chiefs Chairman, to Lead Board for Unmanned Tech Firm Saildrone – Breaking Defense
The Navy Is Using Robot Ships to Deter Human Smuggling out of Haiti – Defense One
Saildrone's Quiet Voyage: Autonomous Vehicle Aids Great Lakes Fish Stock Study – Up North Live
Saildrone Featured Videos Playlist

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

At Saildrone, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that welcomes people from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We believe that a diverse and inclusive team leads to innovation and better problem-solving. We encourage applications from candidates of all genders, ethnicities, races, sexual orientations, disabilities, and backgrounds.

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.

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.

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.

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