Saildrone

USV Pilot

Alameda, California, United States · Part-time

Sponsorship not specifiedDetected 4 days ago

SalesBusiness DevelopmentCommunication

About the role

Saildrone is seeking a USV Pilot to join our Mission Control team.
Reporting directly to the Pilot Team Manager, you will play a critical role in safely navigating and monitoring Saildrone's autonomous surface vehicles (USVs) around the globe.

Provide timely updates and real-time communication to the Mission Control Lead and forward-deployed teams to support successful vehicle deployments and recoveries.
At Saildrone, we're building operational capability that matters-and that requires people who can do their best work over the long term.

5+ years of maritime command experience, including advanced proficiency in sailing theory and a proven background in ocean crossings.
Sailing-specific resume (required in addition to a professional resume) detailing relevant sea time and vessel command.
Demonstrated proficiency in digital monitoring tools and computer systems required to manage complex autonomous vehicle fleets remotely.
Proven ability to analyze maritime weather forecasts and interpret ocean currents to make critical navigational decisions under time pressure.
Working knowledge of International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and standard maritime safety protocols.
Ability to clearly communicate real-time operational status and technical anomalies to both internal stakeholders and external customers.
Ability to work in a hybrid/remote environment, specifically adhering to a 4-day-on/4-day-off rotation including 8-hour shifts, weekends, and core hours (07:00 to 16:00 EST).
Willingness to travel to represent Saildrone at conferences and engage with customers or data specialists as required.

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.
Perform remote piloting and monitoring of Saildrone USVs to achieve 24/7 mission execution while meeting strict navigational safety and vehicle health standards.
Monitor for vehicle navigational anomalies or payload status issues, take action to resolve or mitigate via remote systems, and escalate when system health thresholds are exceeded.

The Mission Control team is responsible for operating and overseeing Saildrone's fleet 24/7/365.
We focus on real-time vehicle monitoring, safe navigation, and mission execution to deliver high-quality data for ocean science, environmental monitoring, and defense applications.
Your work ensures vehicles operate safely, efficiently, and predictably in the world's oceans.
Be accountable for passage planning and route efficiency, including the safe navigation of shipping lanes and ship traffic while maintaining reasonable Closest Point of Approach (CPA).
Work closely with Technical Operations and Fleet Service teams to align on vehicle status and ensure successful delivery of high-quality data for ocean science and defense applications.
Carry out day-to-day work using the Saildrone Mission Portal and internal communication lines in accordance with maritime weather systems and current assessment standards.
Adhere to established mission logs and passdown procedures, documenting all milestones and issues during your watch to ensure seamless 24/7/365 operational continuity.
Meet watch commitments within a rotating 4-day-on/4-day-off cycle, managing assigned priorities across weekend and odd-hour shifts.

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.

This listing is sourced directly from Saildrone's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.