Saildrone

Saildrone

Technical Operations Engineer

Alameda, California, United States

Sponsorship not specified$132k-$155kDetected 6 days ago
BashLinuxIncident ResponseSalesBusiness DevelopmentCustomer SupportEmbedded SystemsRoboticsTCP/IPResearchCollaborationAdaptability

About the role

  • Saildrone is seeking a Technical Operations Engineer to join our Fleet Operations Team.
  • We are looking for a systems-minded engineer who thrives in ambiguity, moves quickly from problem to root cause, and translates real-world vehicle performance into actionable engineering and operational improvements.

Responsibilities

  • Own technical outcomes for assigned vehicles, including reliability, performance (SLIs/SLOs), and operational readiness.
  • Lead deep-dive RCA for field failures; order causes by likelihood using imperfect datasets and drive corrective actions across design, process, and tooling.
  • Embed with Engineering design teams to provide feedback on system architecture and help evaluate solutions via system integration testing.
  • Develop clear work instructions, process standards, and technical training to bridge the gap from prototype to scalable operation.
  • Maintain appropriate records and inventories while following and improving strict safety and work standards.
  • At Saildrone, we're building operational capability that matters-and that requires people who can do their best work over the long term.

Requirements

  • 2+ years of experience supporting complex embedded systems, robotics, or autonomous hardware in production or field environments.
  • Ability to independently interpret electrical diagrams/schematics and mechanical drawings to execute repairs and modifications.
  • Hands-on experience with serial and network protocols (CAN, RS-485, RS-232, SPI, I2C, and TCP/IP).
  • Ability to work around industrial materials while strictly adhering to PPE requirements, including respirators and eye/ear protection as needed.
  • Must be willing and able to travel domestically and internationally up to 30% of the time, which includes renting and operating motor vehicles.
  • Safety & PPE: Ability to work around industrial materials while strictly adhering to PPE requirements, including respirators and eye/ear protection as needed.
  • Travel: Must be willing and able to travel domestically and internationally up to 30% of the time, which includes renting and operating motor vehicles.
  • Schedule: Must be able to participate in the 24/7 on call rotation schedule.
  • Must be able to participate in the 24/7 on call rotation schedule.
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering preferred; Electrical, Mechanical, Systems, Robotics, Software, Aerospace or a related technical discipline.
  • Comfortable with Linux OS and the ability to write/understand shell scripts for diagnostic tasks; experience with APIs is a plus.
  • Ability to clearly communicate complex technical failures into clear narratives for cross-functional partners and executive leadership.

Nice to have

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering preferred
  • Electrical, Mechanical, Systems, Robotics, Software, Aerospace or a related technical discipline.
  • Comfortable with Linux OS and the ability to write/understand shell scripts for diagnostic tasks
  • experience with APIs is a plus.

Skills

  • High manual dexterity and visual acuity for the safe operation of power tools and precision assembly and repairs.
  • Manual Precision: High manual dexterity and visual acuity for the safe operation of power tools and precision assembly and repairs.
  • Actual compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and qualifications.

Compensation

  • $132,000 - $155,000 USD
  • 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.

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 Technical Operations team provides first line remote technical support to ensure Saildrone's autonomous systems perform reliably in the world's most demanding maritime environments.
  • We partner with Engineering, Production, and Operations to bridge design and deployment, accelerate product iteration, and deliver resilient systems that support national security, maritime intelligence, and science exploration missions.
  • Advanced Diagnostics: Resolve complex hardware, software, and networking issues using Linux command-line tools, telemetry, and shell scripting to ensure mission success.
  • System Ownership: Own technical outcomes for assigned vehicles, including reliability, performance (SLIs/SLOs), and operational readiness.
  • Root Cause Analysis: Lead deep-dive RCA for field failures; order causes by likelihood using imperfect datasets and drive corrective actions across design, process, and tooling.
  • Embedded Collaboration: Embed with Engineering design teams to provide feedback on system architecture and help evaluate solutions via system integration testing.
  • Global Deployment: Deploy globally (up to 30% travel) to lead vehicle preparation, troubleshooting, and mission execution, including the oversight of third-party contractors.
  • Incident Response: Participate in on-call rotations to provide real-time troubleshooting for high-priority autonomous fleet incidents.
  • Documentation & Training: Develop clear work instructions, process standards, and technical training to bridge the gap from prototype to scalable operation.
  • Operational Maintenance: Maintain appropriate records and inventories while following and improving strict safety and work standards.

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.