Manager, Mechanical Engineering

About this role

THE COMPANY

Saildrone is a maritime defense company and the global leader in autonomous unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). With more ocean miles and real-world operational experience than any USV manufacturer or operator, Saildrone maintains active, combat-deployed systems supporting national security and force projection around the world, 24/7/365.

Saildrone’s manufacturing and R&D headquarters are located in Alameda, CA, with business development and sales operations in Washington, DC, and deployment hubs in Europe and the Middle East. By combining proven autonomous operations, edge computing, advanced sensing, renewable power, and the most advanced and robust unmanned surface technology on the planet, Saildrone is shaping how the Navy of the future operates. Join a fast-moving, mission-driven team at the forefront of maritime security and autonomous innovation.

THE POSITION

Saildrone is seeking a Manager, Mechanical Engineering to join our Hardware Engineering organization while serving as a hands-on Platform Lead. Reporting directly to the VP of Hardware, you will lead the mechanical design team and serve as the primary technical authority for new platform developments from early architecture through full-scale production. We are looking for an ambitious technical leader who combines deep marine engineering expertise with operational discipline to build high-performing teams, drive platform trade studies, and deliver robust autonomous surface vehicles for national security, defense, and civil ocean data missions.

THE TEAM

The Hardware Engineering team is responsible for the design, integration, testing, and scaling of Saildrone’s autonomous ocean platforms and electro-mechanical systems. We focus on delivering robust, manufacturable hardware and composite structures that operate reliably in harsh maritime environments, enabling persistent maritime domain awareness across global defense and research operations.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Platform Leadership & System Ownership: Serve as the Platform Lead driving total vehicle architecture, system interfaces, developmental budgets, and performance against program requirements from initial prototype through production handoff.

• Cross-Functional Execution & Cadence: Lead vehicle-level execution streams and team cadences (standups, sprint planning, trade studies) while aligning priorities with Production, Payloads, Mission Systems, Field Operations, and Sustainment teams.

• Mechanical Design & Regulatory Compliance: Oversee design execution for complex electro-mechanical sub-assemblies—including actuation, propulsion, composite structures, and thermal enclosures—while ensuring full compliance with marine regulatory frameworks (e.g., ABS, DNV GL, Bureau Veritas).

• Manufacturing & Shipyard Integration: Partner closely with shipyards, contract manufacturers, and NPI teams to enforce Design for Manufacturing (DFM) standards, streamline handoffs, and continuously improve deployed systems.

• Standards, CAD & BOM Management: Maintain total vehicle Bill of Materials (BOM) accuracy, revision control, and strict CAD modeling and drafting standards across the mechanical engineering group.

• Validation & Hands-on Prototyping: Perform hands-on proof-of-concept prototyping and monitor mechanical risks through tolerance analysis, vibration testing, and thermal cycling to guarantee ocean survivability.

• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Recruit, mentor, and build a high-performing mechanical engineering team, establishing a culture of accountability, operational discipline, and technical excellence.

THE QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

• 10+ years of industry experience designing complex electro-mechanical hardware, composite structures, and mechanisms, with 3+ years in a technical leadership or engineering management role.

• Proven experience as a Platform Lead or Technical Project Manager guiding complex hardware from prototype design through test, NPI, and full-scale production.

• Practical experience interpreting and applying marine regulatory frameworks (e.g., ABS, DNV GL, Bureau Veritas) and collaborating directly with shipyards or contract manufacturers.

• Advanced proficiency in CAD modeling, drafting standards, GD&T, tolerance analysis, and multi-configuration BOM management.

• Demonstrated hands-on fabrication, assembly, and testing skills for rapid prototype validation and field troubleshooting.

• Strong technical communication and decision-making skills in fast-paced, complex operational environments.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Physical Strength & Agility: Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, push, pull, and lift up to 50 lbs during assembly, staging, and dockside operations.

• Manual Precision: High manual dexterity to operate computer systems, precision hand tools, and mechanical testing equipment safely.

• Environmental Adaptability: Comfort working across office, hangar, manufacturing shop, and waterfront dock environments.

The base salary range for this position is shown below. Actual compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and qualifications. This range reflects the base salary for candidates in states requiring pay transparency disclosure.

Salary Range
$191,000—$225,000 USD

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BENEFITS

At Saildrone, we’re building operational capability that matters—and that requires people who can do their best work over the long term. We invest in our team’s well-being, financial security, and professional growth so you can focus on delivering real-world impact with confidence and stability. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support you and your family while you contribute to a mission with lasting significance.

• Generous Time Off: Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual plus a robust annual holiday schedule…