Senior People Operations Coordinator

About Us

Saildrone is a defense company delivering maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance products to military, homeland security, and commercial customers. Saildrone unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) are extreme-endurance platforms equipped with advanced sensors and proprietary AI to provide persistent insights above and below the sea surface. Insights that support border security, law enforcement, undersea infrastructure protection, hydrography, and naval power applications. With more than 2,000,000 nautical miles sailed and 50,000 days at sea, Saildrone USVs are trusted by governments across the planet and set the standard for cost-efficient maritime intelligence in the world's harshest environments.

We are based in Alameda, CA, with offices in Washington DC and St. Petersburg, FL, and operate missions worldwide. This is an exciting opportunity with a fast-growing team at the cutting-edge intersection of big data services, autonomy, and AI. You will be part of a high-performing, multidisciplinary team delivering data, intelligence, and firepower for strategic superiority.

The Role

We are seeking a People Operation Coordinator with a strong focus in project management to support and elevate our Human Resources function. This role will play a key part in coordinating HR initiatives across the organization, improving processes, and ensuring timely and accurate execution of HR programs. Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, people-focused, and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a point of contact for day-to-day HR operations, ensuring smooth coordination of processes across the employee lifecycle (onboarding, off boarding, data management, benefits).
• Generate reports and dashboards to support workforce analytics and leadership decision-making.
• Assist with benefits administration, open enrollment, and employee inquiries.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with IT, Legal, Finance, and other departments to support operations and drive projects to completion.
• Create project documentation including timelines, checklists, SOPs, and communication plans.
• Track KPIs for People team initiatives and make recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Support change management and training efforts related to People Ops system or policy rollouts.

Required skills and experience

• 5+ years of experience in operations administration, HR coordination, or related roles.
• Strong project coordination and time management skills.
• Experience using HRIS platforms (e.g.Paylocity, BambooHR - ADP Workforce Now highly desired).
• Experience using project management platforms (such as Smartsheets, MS projects, Asana).
• Knowledge of employment compliance, policy and best practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Critical thinking and top notch administrative skills
• Intermediate to advanced Excel and Google Sheets skills (technical test will occur during screening).
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, or related field, or equivalent business experience.

Physical Requirements

Work is performed on a computer and requires the ability to operate a keyboard and other peripheral devices.

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

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
• Plenty of snacks in our 3 office locations
• Dog-friendly work environment

Catch up on the latest news about us:

The British Engineer Behind the US Navy’s High-tech Ocean Drones – The Times of London

Denmark to Field Unmanned Vessels for Monitoring Busy Shipping Routes – Defense News

Counter-drug Sea Drones Utilized by Navy as Trump Ramps Up Military Resources at the Border

Saildrone, Palantir Partner to Use AI to Streamline USV Manufacturing, Operations – Breaking Defense

An Underwater Mountain was Newly Discovered off California Coast – San Francisco Chronicle

USVs Could Deter IUU Fishing – USNI Proceedings

TIME 100 Most Influential Companies 2024: Saildrone

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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