---
title: 'Senior Quality Engineer at Saildrone'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-quality-engineer-saildrone-alameda-california-17pxd76r1pew'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-07'
---

# Senior Quality Engineer at Saildrone

- **Company:** Saildrone
- **Location:** Alameda California, United States
- **Compensation:** $126k–$148k
- **Posted:** 2026-08-10
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-07
- **Apply:** https://www.saildrone.com/careers/available-jobs?gh_jid=4356046009

## 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 Quality Engineer to join our Quality Operations team. Reporting directly to the Manager of Quality Operations, you will play a critical role in serving as the ultimate guardian of product reliability and bridging the gap between visionary design and rugged, sea-ready execution. We are looking for a technical expert who creates clarity from ambiguity, possesses technical grit to solve complex multi-disciplinary problems, and drives a "Quality First" culture across manufacturing and engineering.

## THE TEAM

The Quality Operations team is responsible for driving quality strategies across the entire product lifecycle—from the deep-tier supply base to vehicle deployment in the ocean. We are focused on implementing rigorous root cause problem solving, scaling our Quality Management System, and ensuring maximum fleet survival in unforgiving environments to deliver reliable autonomous maritime intelligence to our customers.

## THE RESPONSIBILITIES

- Lead cross-functional teams in root-cause investigations, data analysis, and containment activities to disposition non-conforming materials (MRB) and execute permanent Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA).
- Own and maintain PFMEAs, Control Plans, inspection methods, visual standards, and Quality Alerts to mitigate risks and ensure manufacturing consistency.
- Work closely with Supply Chain to manage vendor qualifications, execute First Article Inspections (FAI), and drive Supplier Corrective Action Reports (SCARs).
- Carry out day-to-day operations using technical and quality systems (including Jira, NetSuite, Teamcenter, Fleetio, Weibull++, and Tulip) to maintain hardware traceability and track quality metrics.
- Monitor field performance data to bridge the gap between offshore hardware behavior and design engineering, driving iterative product and reliability improvements.
- Adhere to and scale our Quality Management System (QMS) toward ISO 9001 and AS9100 standards through SOP creation, process validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), and internal audits.
- Utilize Lean and Six Sigma methodologies (SPC, DOE) alongside advanced data analytics tools to evaluate manufacturing metrics, mitigate process variability, and author executive-level presentations that communicate performance trends and corrective strategies to senior management.
- Perform all responsibilities in accordance with company safety standards, maritime protocols, and quality guidelines.

## THE QUALIFICATIONS

- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace Engineering, or an equivalent technical field.
- 5 to 8+ years of hands-on quality engineering experience in a high-stakes, hardware-centric environment (e.g., Aerospace, Defense, Automotive, or Maritime/Robotics).
- Demonstrated proficiency in interpreting complex GD&T, reading technical drawings, and using CAD models to verify design intent.
- Proven experience utilizing quality toolkits, including PFMEA, process validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), Statistical Process Control (SPC), and Design of Experiments (DOE).
- Proficiency with Jira, NetSuite, Teamcenter, Fleetio, Tulip, or Weibull++ 2025.
- Ability to clearly communicate technical insights, failure modes, and risk mitigations across all levels of the organization—from manufacturing technicians to executive leadership.
- Working knowledge of ISO 9001 or AS9100 quality standards, including familiarity with PPAP; familiarity with IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001 is highly preferred.
- Preferred: ISO 9001/AS9100 Lead Auditor Certification, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, or direct experience with maritime hardware and autonomous systems.

## PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

- Physical Strength & Agility: Ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs., traverse a large manufacturing facility multiple times daily (including stairs and uneven surfaces), and perform frequent bending, twisting, or squatting to inspect hardware.
- Stationary Work: Ability to remain stationary at a computer workstation for ~50% of the workday.
- Environmental Adaptability: Willingness and ability to work occasionally aboard support boats in a maritime environment, including exposure to sun, wind, weather, and vessel motion.

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 $125,800—$148,000 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. [Saildrone LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/saildrone-inc)

## Other roles at Saildrone

- [Account Manager, Ocean Mapping](https://feeny.ai/job/account-manager-ocean-mapping-saildrone-washington-district-of-columbia-1rcvmwryb6mg) — Washington District of Columbia, United States
- [Manager, Defense Growth](https://feeny.ai/job/manager-defense-growth-saildrone-washington-district-of-columbia-nnxcbf8msp9s) — Washington District of Columbia, United States
- [Director of Contracting](https://feeny.ai/job/director-of-contracting-saildrone-washington-district-of-columbia-j2pk47bt66m2) — Washington District of Columbia, United States
- [Manufacturing Systems Integration & Test Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/manufacturing-systems-integration-test-engineer-saildrone-alameda-california-5ycwcs8gmmyq) — Alameda California, United States
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- [Support Vessel Deckhand](https://feeny.ai/job/support-vessel-deckhand-saildrone-united-states-w8rsgpy802p1) — United States
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- [Quality Technician](https://feeny.ai/job/quality-technician-saildrone-alameda-california-92h65zzygtna) — Alameda California, United States
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