Vehicle Assembly and Service Technician

Fleet Assembly & Service

Lead the assembly and service workflows for the Saildrone vehicle fleet, ensuring all drones are fully mission-capable and optimized for maximum operational uptime.

Tech Execution

Apply fundamentally sound mechanical and electrical skills to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair equipment in a challenging field environment.

Global Field Operations

Travel domestically and internationally to execute the deployment, recovery, and repair of Saildrone vehicles.

External Training & Mentorship

Lead the technical development of the team and train contractors, clients, and other third parties on complex technical procedures, including vehicle assembly and servicing.

Professional Representation

Act as a brand ambassador for Saildrone, maintaining high levels of self-awareness and professionalism during all interactions with clients and internal colleagues.

Continuous Improvement

Proactively assess current workflows, in-field assembly procedures, and vehicle designs to provide feedback that increases safety, consistency, and overall efficiency.

Qualifications

• 5 or more years of experience executing operations involving the application of fundamentally sound electrical and mechanical skills while performing a technical service role in a field, shipyard, or heavy industrial environment; must be able to follow service instructions/diagrams and use tools ranging from basic hand tools to heavy equipment and rigging required.
• Ability to lead and work in teams, including third-party contractors, to execute operational plans and deliver on contractual obligations; must be able to simplify technical concepts and product knowledge to teach and coach end-users on vehicle assembly and service required.
• Strong organizational habits and a willingness to define, follow, and improve safety, process, and work standards while maintaining appropriate records and inventories required.
• U.S. Person Status and eligible for a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance; willingness to support 50% - 75% domestic and international travel required.
• Desire and ability to provide industry-defining customer service for both external customers and Saildrone colleagues required.
• Prior experience planning, leading, and performing technically complex operations in the field for a global OEM servicing the automotive, aerospace, shipyard, offshore oil and gas, heavy civil/mining, renewable energy, or telecommunications industries preferred.
• Experience in a fast-paced, start-up environment or an advanced serviceability / manufacturability of design role, with the ability to develop technical repair content to support global standardization and service documentation preferred.
• Ability to systematically isolate, diagnose, and repair issues on electro-mechanical systems in a marine environment preferred.
• Personal or professional experience on or near water, including familiarity with rigging, mooring, and basic boat handling principles preferred.
• Experience with heavy equipment loading, shipping preparation, offloading, and relocation preferred.
• Experience driving 30+ ft twin-engine powerboats with vehicles in tow and general experience at sea preferred.
• Physical Requirements: Must be willing to travel domestically and internationally 50–75% of the time, which includes renting and operating motor vehicles. Ability to stand for extended periods and perform a full range of physical motions, including bending, crouching, stooping, crawling, kneeling, and reaching overhead in a shipyard or industrial setting. Proficiency in both fine manipulation and gross motor skills required to assemble, calibrate, and repair intricate electro-mechanical components. Able to pass a respirator fit test, wear a respirator and other specialized Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for extended durations when required by safety protocols. Comfort working at heights, within confined spaces, and in extreme temperatures or weather conditions typical of maritime field operations. Excellent physical balance and coordination to safely navigate docks, vessels, and uneven surfaces while handling equipment or tools.

Salary Range

$90,000—$120,000 USD

Benefits

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.
Investment in Your Growth: We support your continuous learning through an annual professional development reimbursement program, empowering you to sharpen your skills and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving field.
Relocation Support: For eligible roles, we offer relocation assistance to help bring the world’s best talent to our mission-critical locations.

About the Role

Saildrone is a maritime defense company and the global leader in autonomous unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). With more ocean miles and real-world operational experience than any USV manufacturer or operator, Saildrone maintains active, combat-deployed systems supporting national security and force projection around the world, 24/7/365. Saildrone’s manufacturing and R&D headquarters are located in Alameda, CA, with business development and sales operations in Washington, DC, and deployment hubs in Europe and the Middle East. By combining proven autonomous operations, edge computing, advanced sensing, renewable power, and the most advanced and robust unmanned surface technology on the planet, Saildrone is shaping how the Navy of the future operates. Join a fast-moving, mission-driven team at the forefront of maritime security and autonomous innovation.