Staff Software Engineer, Security

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 Position

Saildrone is seeking a Software Engineer to join our Product Security team. Our engineers change hats often - some days you’re writing new security systems, others you’re helping product teams make design decisions, or assessing a vendor product, or hunting for weaknesses in our defenses. We’re looking for a technical expert who proactively identifies risks, fearlessly advocates for improvements across the product,, and responds decisively to emerging threats. You thrive in complex, distributed environments and take ownership of security end-to-end.

The Team

The Product Security team protects Saildrone’s fleet, systems, and customer data across our global maritime operations. Our vehicles operate far from home, for months at a time, everywhere from crowded inland waterways to hurricanes to contested waters. We face challenges you won’t find anywhere else on the planet, and we want your help!

The Responsibilities

• Designing, building, and operating automated security systems for our drones and shore-side infrastructure
• Reviewing designs and code from other engineering teams, with an eye toward security defects
• Responding to security incidents as part of a rotating on-call schedule
• Assisting with audit efforts for compliance standards such as NIST 800-171 or ISO 27001
• Testing the company’s security posture through manual and automated means, including tabletop exercises, penetration tests, and offensive scanners
• Collaborating with teams across the company to achieve security goals

The Qualifications

• Eight or more years of progressive, applicable experience
• Bachelor’s degree in a computer-related engineering field such as computer science or computer engineering, or equivalent experience
• Proficiency with at least two languages from the set {Python, C/C++, TypeScript, Go} and one other language
• Familiarity with infrastructure automation frameworks such as Ansible, Terraform, or Puppet
• Proficiency with Kubernetes and container technologies
• Previous security experience of some sort: security development, infrastructure security, security operations, etc.

Preferred Skills

• Advanced degree in a computer-related engineering field such as computer science or computer engineering
• Familiarity with one or more of the following:
  • Cloud providers and their services, especially Amazon Web Services
  • PKI standards and applied cryptography
  • IoT or robotics technologies, including firmware, CAN architectures, or real-time operating systems
• Experience with FedRAMP, CMMC, or other government cybersecurity standards

Physical requirements:

• Regular use of a computer while sitting or standing at a desk for extended periods of time.
• Travel up to 10%.
• This position is subject to provisions of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and/or the Export Administration Regulations, which may require individuals who are U.S. citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, asylees, or refugees, or who have the ability to qualify for an export license.
  
  
  

Location: This position is Hybrid in Alameda, CA (onsite 3 days per week). 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.

#LI-Hybrid