USV Pilot

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 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. This is a Part-Time, Non-Exempt role designed for experienced mariners who can maintain situational awareness under dynamic conditions and ensure mission success.

THE TEAM 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.

The Responsibilities

• Perform remote piloting and monitoring of Saildrone USVs to achieve 24/7 mission execution while meeting strict navigational safety and vehicle health standards.
• 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.
• 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.
• Adhere to established mission logs and passdown procedures, documenting all milestones and issues during your watch to ensure seamless 24/7/365 operational continuity.
• Provide timely updates and real-time communication to the Mission Control Lead and forward-deployed teams to support successful vehicle deployments and recoveries.
• Meet watch commitments within a rotating 4-day-on/4-day-off cycle, managing assigned priorities across weekend and odd-hour shifts.

The Qualifications

• 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.
• 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).
• Working knowledge of International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and standard maritime safety protocols.
• Willingness to travel to represent Saildrone at conferences and engage with customers or data specialists as required.

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

$43.36—$56.34 USD

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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.