Vehicle Assembly & Service Technician - Tech Lead

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, an established European entity supporting regional business development, sales, and operations, and a deployment hub in 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 Lead Service Technician for an assigned program or site. You will be accountable for fleet readiness, service execution, technical standards, and the effective management of high-value assets. Working closely with Fleet Management and field teams, you will anticipate service needs, resolve complex technical issues, and ensure consistent execution across locations.

We are looking for an experienced technical leader who combines sound judgment with strong operational discipline, takes ownership of outcomes, and develops technicians while continuously improving field processes.

THE TEAM

Saildrone's autonomous surface vehicles operate for unprecedented periods of time in the most unforgiving environments on the planet. From inside hurricanes to the frigid waters of the Arctic, the stresses they endure are immense. The technical execution of preparing the vehicles for their mission and servicing their constituent parts must be performed with a high degree of skill and consistency. The Fleet Service Team is responsible for constructing and servicing Saildrone vehicles as well as training and leading others to do the same.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead Fleet Services operations across the assigned program or site, overseeing service execution from recovery through redeployment.
• Plan fleet maintenance and resources with Fleet Management, maintaining long-term service calendars and coordinating recovery schedules, staffing, and equipment needs.
• Own technical standards and procedures by developing and updating standard operating procedures (SOPs) and standardizing effective field practices across the organization.
• Supervise and develop technicians through technical guidance, training, mentorship, and quality oversight, ensuring work meets Saildrone's standards.
• Manage contractors and vendors by supporting selection, validation, and oversight, ensuring third-party work meets technical and safety requirements.
• Provide remote technical leadership to field teams, troubleshooting complex system failures and guiding resolution to maintain service continuity.
• Manage equipment, procurement, and inventory by authorizing mission-essential purchases within budget controls and maintaining accurate site-level parts and equipment records.
• Maintain operational documentation and accountability by auditing service records, work orders, and daily reports for completeness and accuracy, and ensuring timely reporting of safety and quality incidents.

THE QUALIFICATIONS

• 10–15+ years of experience in technical integration, field engineering, service execution, or project management involving complex deployed systems.
• Extensive experience leading technical field operations, managing service activities, and holding teams accountable for performance and safety.
• Deep technical proficiency across Saildrone's Explorer, Voyager, and Surveyor platforms, including the ability to diagnose and troubleshoot system failures remotely.
• Expert-level proficiency in developing technical SOPs and managing work orders in Fleetio.
• Demonstrated experience managing equipment procurement, large-scale inventories, and international inventory controls.
• Strong operational judgment, with the ability to balance execution speed, technical quality, budget constraints, and site safety.
• Proven ability to identify systemic improvements from field data and operational experience, and to mentor and develop technicians across multiple experience levels.
• Willingness to travel 50–75% and provide remote on-call support as required.
• U.S. Person status and eligibility to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel to remote and austere environments to conduct site audits and lead complex deployments.
• Capable of performing or overseeing physical operations in extreme weather and confined spaces.

Saildrone offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits tailored to each global region. Please note that specific benefits listed below may vary or be adapted based on work location, in accordance with applicable local labor standards and statutory market practices.

To view Saildrone's candidate privacy policy, please visit: https://www.saildrone.com/privacy-policy.

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 and paid sick leave ensure you can rest, reset, and sustain performance over time.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Premium, multi-tier Medical, Dental, and Vision plans with significant company contributions for employees and dependents—providing security and peace of mind.
• Shared Ownership in the Mission: Equity grants are a core part of our compensation, allowing you to participate in the long-term value you help create through meaningful, operational work.
• Retirement Savings: Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with flexible pre-tax and Roth payroll contribution options supports long-term financial planning.
• Investment in Your Growth: We support your continuous learning through an annual professional development reimbursement program, empowering you to sharpen your skills and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving field.
• Relocation Support: For eligible roles, we offer relocation assistance to help bring the world's best talent to our mission-critical locations.