Saildrone

Senior Manager, Robotics Software Engineering

Alameda, California, United States · Senior

Sponsorship not specified$250k-$305kDetected 1 day ago

PythonC++RoadmappingSalesBusiness DevelopmentEmbedded SystemsRoboticsElectrical EngineeringLeadershipActuators

About the role

Saildrone is seeking a Senior Manager, Robotics Software Engineering 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.

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.
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.
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.
At Saildrone, we're building operational capability that matters-and that requires people who can do their best work over the long term.

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.
5+ years of people management experience, including technical leadership, roadmap planning, and resource allocation.
Ability to clearly communicate technical decisions and status updates to both technical peers and non-technical stakeholders in a friendly, supportive manner.
Strong background in navigation and autonomy systems, including experience reviewing hardware/offboard designs and translating those impacts to onboard software preferred.
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.
Working knowledge of software development processes that produce sustainable code; knowledge of firmware interfacing or maritime sensor calibration is a plus.

Expert-level proficiency in C++ and experience building production-grade robotics middleware
proficiency in Python and familiarity with HIL/simulation is preferred.
Working knowledge of software development processes that produce sustainable code
knowledge of firmware interfacing or maritime sensor calibration is a plus.

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.

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.
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.

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.