Saildrone

Saildrone

Senior Software Engineer, Robotics

Alameda, California, United States · Senior

Sponsorship not specified$176k-$227kDetected 7 days ago
PythonC++AlgorithmsCloud PlatformsData AnalysisDesign SystemsSalesBusiness DevelopmentEmbedded SystemsRoboticsElectrical EngineeringTCP/IPLeadershipCommunicationProblem Solving

About the role

  • Saildrone is seeking a Senior Robotics Software Engineer to join our Core Vehicle Systems team.
  • You will play a critical role in integrating new sensors and hardware subsystems into our autonomous marine vehicles and evolving the onboard software that powers navigation, telemetry, and autonomy at sea.

Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and maintain core onboard C++ software systems to enable reliable navigation, telemetry, actuator control, and power system interfaces in long duration deployments.
  • Architect and implement robust interfaces between vehicle software, embedded firmware, and hardware components.
  • Own telemetry systems, including data libraries and satellite communications, ensuring reliable data flow from vehicle to shore.
  • Lead hardware bring-up efforts, including device integration, sensor data stream management, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing.
  • Collaborate closely with hardware, firmware, and test teams to align on priorities, resolve integration challenges, and deliver reliable vehicle functionality.
  • Monitor system performance, identify defects or inefficiencies, and implement solutions that improve reliability, efficiency, and scalability.
  • Provide clear, timely updates on technical direction, risks, and progress to leadership and cross-functional partners.
  • At Saildrone, we're building operational capability that matters-and that requires people who can do their best work over the long term.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • 6+ years of professional software development experience, with expert-level proficiency in C++.
  • Demonstrated experience integrating sensors and hardware in robotics, autonomous systems, or similar real-world platforms.
  • Experience collaborating cross-functionally with hardware, firmware, and test engineering teams.
  • Ability to clearly communicate technical decisions, trade-offs, and status updates to peers and leadership.
  • Working knowledge of communication protocols such as TCP/IP, CAN, J1939, or NMEA-2000.
  • Proven ability to design system architectures and algorithms for resource-constrained or embedded environments.
  • Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in complex, hardware-integrated systems.

Nice to have

  • Experience with oceanographic, navigation, or environmental sensors, including calibration and validation preferred.
  • Proficiency in Python for scripting, tooling, and data analysis preferred.
  • Familiarity with simulation environments and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing preferred.
  • Experience with protobuf and interfacing vehicle systems with cloud infrastructure preferred.

Compensation

  • $176,400 - $226,800 USD

Benefits

  • 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.

Company info

  • 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.
  • Integrate new sensors and hardware subsystems to expand vehicle capabilities, ensuring accurate data acquisition, validation, and performance in constrained compute environments.
  • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to a culture of accountability, ownership, and engineering excellence.

Equal opportunity

  • Saildrone is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
  • equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
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This listing is sourced directly from Saildrone's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.