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
As the Senior Manager for Electrical Engineering, you'll be responsible for the design, validation, production, and sustaining engineering for all electrical components and subsystems across our fleet of world-class USVs. This is a unique opportunity to lead within our R&D organization, as it encompasses the power storage, distribution, and charge / discharge hardware which fuel all of our platforms, as well as the broad suite of sensors, actuators, and computing devices which guide each vessel along their autonomous journey at sea. This role will manage a team of Electrical Engineers and report directly to the VP of Hardware.
Responsibilities
Oversee the design, simulation, and production of electrical systems consisting of power components (batteries, solar panels, distribution, and charging) and custom hardware modulesLead all PCB design efforts by providing technical guidance to engineers, performing design reviews, and managing the entire process, including libraries, documentation, and releasesImplement rigorous testing, validation, and quality assurance processes for electrical systemsMentor and grow the electrical engineering team, fostering a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and accountabilityCoordinate with Vehicle Harnessing and Integration lead to ensure efficient and reliable integration of electrical systems into prototype, validation, and production hardware fixturesCollaborate with the mechanical, firmware, software, and systems teams to advocate for electrical design requirements and deliver state-of-the-art marine vehicle platformsEnsure compliance with relevant defense, maritime, and electrical safety standards, such as : IPC, MIL-STD, UL, IEEE, ABYC, and ABSRequired Skills and Experience
Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering or related field10+ years of experience in designing electrical systems and PCB-based components5+ years of experience managing teams of electrical engineersExpertise in both AC and DC power generation, control, and distribution systemsExpertise in PCB design, covering both high-power devices and embedded processorsExperience with battery-powered systems and charging circuitsExperience with serial, CAN, and Ethernet communication interfacesExperience in grounding, shielding and design for low EMI environmentsComfort and enthusiasm working in fast-paced environmentsDesired Skills and Experience
Experience in maritime, aerospace, or defense applicationsProficiency with Altium or Altium 365 electrical CAD toolsHistory of taking new products from early concept through to productionHistory of supporting and sustaining products through obsolescenceKnowledge of IPC, MIL-STD, UL, ABS, DNVGL, and other applicable standardsPhysical Requirements
Able to climb stairs / laddersAble to work for short periods outdoors in a variety of conditionsComfortable working near open waterLocation : 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 leaveComprehensive and competitive medical, dental and vision plans, and HSA with employer matching.Company sponsored life insuranceStock OptionsAnnual stipend for continued learning and developmentQuarterly company BBQs at our Alameda HQ (bring your friends and family!)Free Bay Area Public Transportation via AlamedaTMA with the BayPass Clipper CardA reasonable estimate of the current range is $199,500-$256,500 annually.
Individual compensation packages are based on geographic location, scope of the role, and relevant experience, among other factors.
Saildrone is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
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