Production Assembly Technician

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, Saildrone has been included on Fast Company’s annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies, earned an Ocean Awards’ Innovation Award, won Best Tech For Good from the Timmy Awards, and was recognized by Andreessen Horowitz’s American Dynamism 50 list of the Top 50 Companies Kickstarting American Renewal. Our first-annual Atlantic hurricane mission with NOAA was included as one of The New York Times’ 21 Things That Happened for the First Time in 2021 and Popular Science's 100 Greatest Innovations of 2021.

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 delivering high impact for humanity and future generations.

The Role:

As a Production Assembly Technician at our company, you will play a vital role in assembling and rebuilding subsystems for our ocean-going vehicles. These subsystems include cameras, actuators, and battery systems. Your responsibilities will encompass a range of tasks, including soldering, harness assembly, mechanical assembly, and testing. Whether you're working on a one-off prototype or a production batch, your attention to detail and commitment to quality will be essential. You'll need to interpret engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, and work instructions accurately while maintaining a well-organized workspace. Collaboration and problem-solving will be key as you work alongside our Production Team to build innovative and high-quality products.

Key Responsibilities:

• Interpret schematic diagrams, product manuals, and work instructions to gather necessary information for assembly.

• Set up and arrange production workstations according to specifications.

• Assemble parts and components to meet quality specifications.

• Contribute to fitting, building, or reconstructing various parts within required timelines.

• Conduct regular tests and inspections to ensure product compliance with specifications.

• Actively contribute ideas for process improvement to enhance quality and production efficiency.

• Maintain a safe, clean, and healthy work environment in adherence to company policies.

• Update and maintain records of test results and inspection procedures.

• Occasionally participate in training new team members.

• Monitor and maintain equipment to ensure proper functioning.

Required Skills and Experience

• Excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity for precision tasks.

• Ability to handle small parts and delicate electrical components.

• Capability to lift objects up to 50lbs.

• Strong visual attention to detail and ability to detect defects.

• Stamina to stand and work for long hours performing repetitive tasks.

• Willingness to work an eight-hour shift with occasional overtime.

Desired Skills and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent; additional certifications in relevant fields preferred.

• 2 to 4+ years of experience in assembling electro-mechanical systems, harnessing, and testing.

• Demonstrated commitment to high-quality work.

• Good communication skills for effective collaboration.

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

• Experience working on-site at a production facility.

• Familiarity with inventory systems and work process systems like Jira.

Location: This position is in Alameda, CA. Our waterfront office offers beautiful views of San Francisco Bay in always sunny Alameda. Even our walls have good karma, our offices mix software development with a hardware production line in the former airplane hangar used to film 'The Matrix'.

Physical Requirements: Must be able to stand, walk, use hands to grasp, push and pull, bend, lift up to 50 lbs, and reach with your hands and arms.

Benefits:

• Short and relaxing ferry ride from the Ferry Building for SF residents

A reasonable estimate of the current range is $ 69,000 to $ 87,000 annually. This is a full-time position (with the possibility of starting on a temporary basis, transitioning to a permanent role based on performance and company needs).

Catch up on the latest news about us:

The Tiny Craft Mapping Superstorms at Sea – The New York Times
Alameda's Saildrones collect hurricane data - KTVU Fox 2
Record Setting: Saildrone Explorer SD 1045 Entered into Guinness Book
Saildrone Takes the Wraps Off its Voyager Autonomous Research Vehicle – TechCrunch
An Underwater Mountain was Newly Discovered off California Coast – San Francisco Chronicle
The Quest for CO2: You Can’t Capture What You Can’t Find – Inside Unmanned Systems
Hacking the Anthropocene with Survivalist Robots [VIDEO] – Freethink
Here’s What Hurricane Fiona’s Surf Looked Like, from Atop a 50-foot Wave – The Washington Post
An Unprecedented View Inside a Hurricane – EOS
They Sailed Into a Hurricane, Now These Unmanned Saildrones are Seeking Data on Our Carbon Uptake – CNN
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.