Saildrone

Mechanical Engineer II

Alameda, California, United States · Mid

Sponsorship not specified$114k-$135kDetected 7 days ago

Product ManagementSalesBusiness DevelopmentMechanical DesignElectrical EngineeringHardware DesignThermodynamics

About the role

Saildrone is seeking a Mechanical Engineer II to join our Hardware Engineering Team.

Perform hands-on assembly and fabrication tasks, including drilling, manual machining, bonding, and basic welding to iterate on designs quickly.
Conduct engineering analyses (hand calculations, fluid systems, and thermodynamics) and execute physical validation testing to verify design integrity.
Create detailed 3D CAD models (NX), dimensioned 2D drawings, and maintain accurate Bills of Materials (BOM) through the product lifecycle.
Partner with Electrical Engineering to review harness designs and ensure seamless mechanical integration of sensors and circuits.
Monitor for design defects or manufacturing risks, taking proactive action to resolve issues before they impact schedule or performance.
Reporting to the VP of Hardware Engineering, you will be a hands-on contributor responsible for the design, prototyping, and validation of electromechanical systems.
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 degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
3-6 years of professional experience in Marine, Aerospace, Automotive, or a related hardware-heavy industry.
Hands-on experience with processes including welding, composite layups, CNC machining, sheet metal, and structural bonding.
Proficiency with basic shop tools and a willingness to be "hands-on" with hardware during the R&D and production phases.
Proven ability to make quick, sound engineering decisions in a fast-paced R&D environment.
Lead the design and development of complex electromechanical parts, assemblies, and the specialized production tooling/weld fixtures required to build them.
Strong fundamentals in mechanical design using NX (preferred) or similar high-end CAD packages.
Demonstrated understanding of mechanics, electrical circuits, fluid systems, and thermodynamics.
Ability to clearly communicate technical status, risks, and design decisions to cross-functional partners.

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 Hardware Engineering Team develops and deploys Saildrone's autonomous ocean systems.
We focus on delivering reliable, scalable hardware for maritime domain awareness, operating in a high-stakes national security and defense environment.
This role sits at the heart of our hardware execution, directly impacting the durability and manufacturability of our vehicles and sensor payloads.
Work directly with fabrication shops and contract manufacturers to resolve production blockers and improve manufacturability.
Adhere to and contribute to Saildrone's drafting and engineering standards to ensure high-quality, repeatable results.

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.