Production Technician - Temp to Hire

About Us

Saildrone is an oceanographic survey and maritime defense company creating a paradigm shift in how navies, civil governments, and commercial organizations obtain the real-time, accurate data required to monitor and protect our oceans. Saildrone’s fleet of uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) carry purpose-built payloads supporting border protection, critical infrastructure security, hydrographic survey, offshore energy, and metocean monitoring. Powered by renewable wind and solar energy, Saildrone USVs provide long-duration operations measured in months, not days. Proprietary software applications and machine learning technology transform collected data into actionable insights and intelligence.

We are based in Alameda, CA, with offices in Washington DC and St. Petersburg, FL, and operate missions worldwide. We are 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 part of a high-performing, multidisciplinary team that delivers high impact for humanity and future generations.

The Role

This is a 3-month temporary assignment with the option to convert to a full-time position based on performance and business needs. 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.

Responsibilities

• Work on new products with limited formal work instructions.
• Build critically, ultimately being able to recognize when to stop and ask questions by drawing on previous experience.
• Contribute to fitting, building, or reconstructing various parts within required timelines.
• Maintain high-quality work at all times, prioritizing attention to detail above all else.
• Interpret and follow engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, and work instructions.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and healthy work environment in adherence to company policies.
• Update and maintain records of test results and inspection procedures.
• Actively contribute ideas for process improvement to enhance quality and production efficiency.
• Monitor and maintain equipment to ensure proper functioning.
• Foresee production problems ahead of time, such as calling out low inventory items, suggesting new tools/jigs, and flagging issues seen during assembly.
  
  

Desired Skills and Experience

• 2-4 years of work experience in a production assembly environment.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Assembling electro-mechanical assemblies.
• Testing sub-assemblies.
• PCBA work: hand soldering/repair.
• Harness assembly.
• Metal fabrication (e.g., mill/lathe).
• Works comfortably and with good speed and quality in electro-mechanical assemblies.
• Ideally, completion of formal certification in electronics or engineering, such as an industry apprenticeship, AA degree, or Bachelor’s degree.
• Strong communication skills.
• Working onsite in our Alameda HQ, 5 days per week.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods of up to 8 hours per shift.
• Capable of lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks with attention to detail.
• Comfortable working in various environmental conditions, including noise and moderate temperature changes.
• Ability to follow safety protocols and wear necessary personal protective equipment (PPE).
  
  

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

Catch up on the latest news about us:

TIME 100 Most Influential Companies 2024: Saildrone

The Tiny Craft Mapping Superstorms at Sea – The New York Times
An Underwater Mountain was Newly Discovered off California Coast – San Francisco Chronicle

The Navy Is Using Robot Ships to Deter Human Smuggling out of Haiti – Defense One

How US Navy Experiments Could Get Drones Beyond Spying and Into Battle – Defense News

USVs Could Deter IUU Fishing – USNI Proceedings

Mullen, Former Joint Chiefs Chairman, to Lead Board for Unmanned Tech Firm Saildrone – Breaking Defense

Saildrone’s First Aluminum Surveyor Autonomous Vessel Splashes Down for Navy Testing – TechCrunch

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.

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.

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.

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