--- title: 'Senior Mechanical Engineer at Saildrone' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-mechanical-engineer-saildrone-alameda-z0de36p9csxs' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-10-19' --- # Senior Mechanical Engineer at Saildrone - **Company:** Saildrone - **Location:** Alameda, CA - **Compensation:** $135k–$160k - **Posted:** 2026-10-13 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-19 - **Apply:** https://www.saildrone.com/careers/available-jobs?gh_jid=4449270009 ## Job description ## 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 Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our Mechanical Design team. Reporting directly to the Engineering Manager, you will play a critical role in owning the mechanical design and end-to-end development of complex components, mechanisms, and assemblies for our autonomous surface vehicles. We are looking for a hands-on technical expert who thrives in a fast-paced R&D and manufacturing environment, driving projects from early concept through full production. ## THE TEAM The Mechanical Design team within Hardware Engineering is responsible for the mechanical, structural, and electro-mechanical systems that power our uncrewed surface vehicles. We are focused on delivering robust, ocean-ready autonomous hardware to support critical missions across maritime domain awareness, ocean mapping, and national security environments. ## THE RESPONSIBILITIES - Own the design, development, and delivery of complex electro-mechanical parts, assemblies, and associated tooling from initial concept through production. - Define and communicate system-level requirements across mechanical, electrical, and software engineering disciplines while creating detailed system diagrams and models. - Develop detailed 3D CAD models, maintain accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs), and produce detailed technical drawings. - Perform and review engineering hand calculations, fluid/thermal analyses, and test data to de-risk designs and validate vehicle performance. - Fabricate proof-of-concept prototypes and tooling utilizing basic shop skills including manual machining, drilling, bonding, and welding. - Partner with Electrical Engineering to review wiring harness designs and coordinate with Project Managers to maintain development schedules. - Uphold drafting standards and promote technical excellence across the mechanical engineering team. ## THE QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent engineering discipline (or equivalent practical field experience). - 10+ years of hands-on professional experience driving mechanical component and system design in Marine, Aerospace, Automotive, or related industries. - Demonstrated expertise designing for diverse manufacturing processes, including CNC machining, composite layups, sheet metal, castings, 3D printing, welding, and structural bonding. - Advanced experience with CAD software packages (Siemens NX strongly preferred) and strong fundamentals of mechanical design concepts. - Demonstrated understanding of mechanics, electrical circuits, fluid systems, and thermodynamics. - Practical machine shop skills, including hands-on experience with manual machining, drilling, bonding, and welding equipment. - Proven track record of navigating fast-paced R&D and manufacturing settings, with experience working directly with fabrication shops and contract manufacturers. ## PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS - Physical Strength & Agility: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, bend, kneel, and stand for extended periods during testing, assembly, and shop operations. - Manual Precision: High manual dexterity to operate basic hand, fabrication, and machine shop tools safely during prototyping. - Environmental Adaptability: Comfort working in dynamic lab, manufacturing shop, and waterfront operational 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 $135,000—$160,000 USD 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. 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. ## About Saildrone ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: Saildrone builds autonomous unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) that deliver persistent maritime intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and kinetic effects for defense, security, and ocean mapping missions. - **Entity Type**: Private (venture-backed) - **Headquarters**: Alameda, California, USA - **Founded**: Not publicly available (company references 12+ years of operations as of 2026) - **Founders**: Richard Jenkins (Founder & CEO) ## Core Business - **Industry**: Autonomous maritime systems, defense technology, ocean data and intelligence - **Target Customers**: Primarily government and military (U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, allied navies), as well as commercial ocean mapping and environmental monitoring organizations - **Mission**: To give operators persistent awareness of maritime activity, the seabed, and the environment — delivering data, intelligence, and kinetic effects for strategic superiority at sea. ## Products & Services - **Saildrone Voyager**: Multi-mission USV for maritime domain awareness, counter-narcotics, illegal immigration monitoring, electronic surveillance, and coastal mapping. Equipped with radar, vision, AIS fusion, and AI-driven classification. - **Saildrone Explorer**: Smaller, proven platform for environmental sensing and extended presence; used for climate and oceanographic data collection. - **Saildrone Surveyor**: Deep-ocean mapping USV with high-resolution multibeam sonar; designed for seafloor mapping and undersea infrastructure inspection. - **Saildrone Spectre**: Next-generation medium USV for high-end naval operations, available in two variants: - **Silent Endurance**: Ultra-quiet persistence for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and ISR, with towed arrays and variable-depth sonar. - **Stealth Strike**: Low-observable, high-speed platform for kinetic operations with concealed payload capacity for effectors. - **Services**: Real-time surface ISR, seafloor mapping, anti-submarine warfare, and METOC (meteorological and oceanographic) data delivery. ## Market Standing - **Valuation**: Not disclosed - **Key Metric**: Over 2.5 million nautical miles sailed and 65,000 days at sea (as of 2026); fleet includes hundreds of USVs deployed globally - **Notable Investors**: BOND, XN, Standard Investments, Emerson Collective, Crowley Maritime Corporation, Capricorn’s Technology Impact Fund, Lux Capital, Social Capital, Tribe Capital, The Schmidt Family Foundation, Exor Seeds - **Growth Signals**: - Introduced Saildrone Spectre in 2025, filling a critical ASW capability gap - Achieved US Navy integration in 2026 - Expanded European operations with headquarters in Copenhagen (2022) - First production Surveyor launched at Austal USA (2024) - Proven GPS-denied operations in the Middle East (2025) - Operates globally with deployment hubs worldwide ## Competitive Advantages - **Proven extreme endurance**: USVs operate autonomously for months in the harshest ocean environments, enabling persistent missions that crewed vessels cannot sustain. - **Proprietary wing technology**: Developed from a world-record wind-powered vehicle, enabling efficient, near-silent propulsion with high payload capacity. - **Integrated sensor fusion**: Combines radar, vision, AIS, sonar, and AI classification for real-time above- and below-surface awareness. - **End-to-end autonomy platform**: Vehicles stream data directly into customer command-and-control systems 24/7/365. - **Trusted by defense customers**: 12+ years of operational track record with governments including the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard. ## Strategic Focus - **Defense and national security**: Continuing to expand capabilities for anti-submarine warfare, ISR, and kinetic effects to address critical gaps in maritime power projection. - **European market expansion**: Growing presence in Europe through the Copenhagen office and partnerships with allied navies. - **Autonomy at scale**: Scaling production of Surveyor and Spectre classes, and integrating advanced payloads for undersea warfare, electronic warfare, and multi-domain operations. - **Ocean data services**: Leveraging persistent mapping and environmental monitoring for commercial and scientific applications. ## Why Work Here - **Mission-driven culture**: Join a team at the intersection of AI, autonomy, and defense technology, delivering systems that directly impact national security and maritime safety. - **Comprehensive benefits**: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; 12 weeks paid parental leave (maternity/paternity); military leave with pay differential; sabbatical after 5 years; annual professional development stipend; 401K through Fidelity; accrued PTO and holidays. - **Work environment**: Headquarters in Alameda, CA, with an office in Washington, DC, and deployment hubs globally. Fast-moving, engineering-focused organization that values innovation and operational excellence. Hybrid/remote policy not specified. - **Growth opportunities**: Work on cutting-edge autonomous systems with real-world impact, from deep-ocean mapping to advanced naval missions. ## Sources 1. [Saildrone Main Website](https://www.saildrone.com/) 2. [Saildrone Careers](https://www.saildrone.com/careers) 3. [Saildrone About Us](https://www.saildrone.com/about) 4. [Saildrone Available Jobs](https://www.saildrone.com/careers/available-jobs) 5. 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