Support Vessel Deckhand

The Company 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.

THE POSITION Saildrone is seeking a Deckhand to join our Fleet Management team. Reporting to the Captain, you will play a critical role in supporting vessel operations and enabling rapid, safe, and reliable on-water support for Saildrone’s autonomous surface vehicles. We are looking for a disciplined maritime professional who operates safely under pressure and is comfortable with the expeditionary nature of this role, including short-notice deployments and physically demanding in-water work. This is a rotational role that will be living aboard the support vessel.

This exempt position works a rotation based schedule of 60 days on, 30 days off. THE TEAM The Fleet Management team is responsible for operating Saildrone’s support vessels and enabling on-water deployment, recovery, and servicing of autonomous systems. We focus on delivering safe, reliable maritime operations to sustain Saildrone’s global fleet in a national security and defense environment.

The Responsibilities

• Rapid Operational Response: Maintain a high state of readiness with the ability to be underway within 24 hours of notification from Fleet Management
• On-Water Support: Execute deck operations including mooring, long-distance towing (300+ nautical miles), and complex launch and recovery of USVs.
• In-Water Maintenance: Serve as the primary swimmer (or swimmer support) for underwater repairs, hull inspections, and clearing fouled components at sea.
• Vessel Maintenance: Ensure the support vessel remains in pristine condition through performing oil and filter changes, general deck maintenance and projects, painting, polishing, hull and bilge cleaning; assist with fuel bunkering and USV fueling operations.
• Watch-Standing: Stand navigational watches of up to 6 hours in daylight, low-light, and night conditions using marine navigation systems.
• Fleet Collaboration: Support field technicians with repair work conducted both on the water and at remote land-based service locations on an as needed basis.
• Safety & Compliance: Participate in rigorous safety drills and emergency protocols; ensure the deck is clear of obstacles and safety equipment is mission-ready.

The Qualifications

• Prior experience in commercial, offshore, or heavy maritime operations; offshore experience is highly preferred.
• Ability to perform work for up to 12 hours per day; must be able to lift 75 lbs and stand for extended periods in extreme weather.
• Proficiency in rigging, splicing, and small boat operations; basic mechanical experience preferred.
• Must be "fit for work" by demonstrating the ability to swim and tread water in open-sea conditions.
• Current First Aid and CPR; SCUBA certification is a significant plus; USCG Masters License, Merchant Mariner Credential, or equivalent documented sea-time preferred.
• Valid Passport and TWIC card (or ability to obtain); ability to obtain a foreign VISA (as required), U.S. Citizenship required.
• Ability to pass a background check and USCG/DOT drug screening; Spanish speaking is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stand, walk, use hands to grasp, push and pull, bend, lift up to 75 lbs and reach with your hands and arms. Must be able to perform work on a computer that requires ability to operate a keyboard and other peripheral devices.
• Must be able to confirm as “fit for work” by demonstrating ability to swim and tread water
• Must be able to stand navigational watch for up to 6 hours.
• Will be exposed to marine environments, including sun, wind, rain, cold, and saltwater spray, often for extended periods.
• Must be able to operate in daylight, low-light, and night conditions using marine navigation systems and visual cues.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work for extended periods of time, up to 12 hours/day.

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.

Salary Range

$67,950—$84,900 USD

To view Saildrone's candidate privacy policy, please visit: https://www.saildrone.com/privacy.

Benefits At Saildrone, we’re building operational capability that matters—and that requires people who can do their best work over the long term. We invest in our team’s well-being, financial security, and professional growth so you can focus on delivering real-world impact with confidence and stability. 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.
• 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.

Saildrone is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.