Senior Manufacturing Engineering

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 Role

Saildrone is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to help us increase production volumes of our Unmanned Surface Vehicles. They will be responsible for the production system and work stations used in a high-mix, low-volume production environment.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for lean manufacturing processes used to produce Saildrone’s USVs:
  • Setup workstations and production flows based on lean manufacturing best practices (5S, Visual Mgt, Plan-for-Every-Part, Kitting, etc.)
  • Integrate HW & SW changes into processes by updating work instructions & mBOMs
  • Develop quality control inspections & tests to ensure that high quality products are shipped to customers.
  • Define and validate “standard process times” for operations. to balance work across workstations and technicians based on capacity targets
• Foster positive relationships with the technicians ensuring that any process changes are introduced smoothly and in collaboration with the team.
• Complete projects to improve the operation including adding automation, insourcing, & cutting-edge tooling.
• Enable vertical integration by identifying opportunities for strategic in-sourcing, reducing costs & increasing speed of iteration.
• Participate in prototype and first article builds for NPI, provide DFM & DFA feedback
• Respond promptly to continuous improvement opportunities, work instruction improvements
• Directly troubleshoot and provide technical support for assembly line issues to unblock production and ensure tactical goals are met.
• Ensure “virtual factory” processes are executed properly (WOs, inventory moves, kitting. etc.) and lead continuous improvement of those processes.

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or similar)
• 5+ years experience in an engineering role, with emphasis on supporting production activities, with evidence of increasing scope of work
• New Production Introduction experience, have executed new product launch through capacity acceleration
• Excellent communication (written & verbal) and cross-functional interpersonal skills
• Will need to occasionally lift up to 15+ lbs, spend some extended periods of time standing

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.

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