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 Manager, Vehicle Control Software to join our Software Engineering team. Reporting directly to the Director of Software Engineering, you will play a critical role in delivering the robotics software stack that powers our autonomous surface vehicles and ensuring roadmap execution aligns with both technical and business objectives. We are looking for a technical leader who creates clarity from ambiguity and brings a balance of hands-on technical expertise and team leadership to a fast-paced environment. This role begins as a 100% individual contributor to build deep system familiarity, eventually transitioning into a balanced split between technical contribution and team leadership.
This role is required to be onsite in Alameda, CA in the Bay Area 3 days per week - this is our hybrid model. This is not a remote position.
THE TEAM
The Robotics Software Engineering team is responsible for the software systems that enable Saildrone’s autonomous fleet to operate in the most remote maritime environments on Earth. We are focused on delivering robust and scalable vehicle systems software to support global maritime domain awareness, operating in a national security and defense environment.
THE RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead the development of the vehicle systems software stack to deliver reliable, high-performance capabilities that meet quality, safety, and customer standards.
Directly contribute to architecture and design reviews while managing a team of engineers to ensure successful execution of the roadmap.
Develop and execute the vehicle systems roadmap, including ownership of planning, resource allocation, and execution against defined business milestones.
Work closely with Hardware, Software and Technical Program Management to align on priorities and dependencies to ensure the successful delivery of complex integrated systems.
Monitor for technical risks and blockers, taking proactive action to mitigate issues and escalating to leadership when schedule or performance thresholds are exceeded.
Establish a culture of accountability, technical excellence, and rigorous design and test practices within the vehicle systems function.
Mentor and facilitate career development for individual contributors, building a strong leadership bench and advocating for effective technical solutions in a supportive manner.
Recruit, retain, and develop world-class robotics software engineers in a highly competitive market.
THE QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
8+ years of experience in software engineering, with a focus on embedded systems, robotics, or autonomy platforms involving sensors, actuators, and motors.
Strong background in navigation and autonomy systems, including experience reviewing hardware/offboard designs and translating those impacts to onboard software preferred.
5+ years of people management experience, including technical leadership, roadmap planning, and resource allocation.
Expert-level proficiency in C++ and experience building production-grade robotics middleware; proficiency in Python and familiarity with HIL/simulation is preferred.
Proven ability to lead teams delivering complex hardware-integrated software under schedule, performance, and technical constraints.
Ability to clearly communicate technical decisions and status updates to both technical peers and non-technical stakeholders in a friendly, supportive manner.
Working knowledge of software development processes that produce sustainable code; knowledge of firmware interfacing or maritime sensor calibration is a plus.
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
$199,500
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$256,500 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 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.