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, an established European entity supporting regional business development, sales, and operations, and a deployment hub in 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 Senior Quality Engineer to join our Quality Operations team. Reporting directly to the Manager of Quality Operations, you will play a critical role in serving as the ultimate guardian of product reliability and bridging the gap between visionary design and rugged, sea-ready execution. We are looking for a technical expert who creates clarity from ambiguity, possesses technical grit to solve complex multi-disciplinary problems, and drives a "Quality First" culture across manufacturing and engineering.

THE TEAM

The Quality Operations team is responsible for driving quality strategies across the entire product lifecycle—from the deep-tier supply base to vehicle deployment in the ocean. We are focused on implementing rigorous root cause problem solving, scaling our Quality Management System, and ensuring maximum fleet survival in unforgiving environments to deliver reliable autonomous maritime intelligence to our customers.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead cross-functional teams in root-cause investigations, data analysis, and containment activities to disposition non-conforming materials (MRB) and execute permanent Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA).
Own and maintain PFMEAs, Control Plans, inspection methods, visual standards, and Quality Alerts to mitigate risks and ensure manufacturing consistency.
Work closely with Supply Chain to manage vendor qualifications, execute First Article Inspections (FAI), and drive Supplier Corrective Action Reports (SCARs).
Carry out day-to-day operations using technical and quality systems (including Jira, NetSuite, Teamcenter, Fleetio, Weibull++, and Tulip) to maintain hardware traceability and track quality metrics.
Monitor field performance data to bridge the gap between offshore hardware behavior and design engineering, driving iterative product and reliability improvements.
Adhere to and scale our Quality Management System (QMS) toward ISO 9001 and AS9100 standards through SOP creation, process validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), and internal audits.
Utilize Lean and Six Sigma methodologies (SPC, DOE) alongside advanced data analytics tools to evaluate manufacturing metrics, mitigate process variability, and author executive-level presentations that communicate performance trends and corrective strategies to senior management.
Perform all responsibilities in accordance with company safety standards, maritime protocols, and quality guidelines.

THE QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace Engineering, or an equivalent technical field.
5 to 8+ years of hands-on quality engineering experience in a high-stakes, hardware-centric environment (e.g., Aerospace, Defense, Automotive, or Maritime/Robotics).
Demonstrated proficiency in interpreting complex GD&T, reading technical drawings, and using CAD models to verify design intent.
Proven experience utilizing quality toolkits, including PFMEA, process validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), Statistical Process Control (SPC), and Design of Experiments (DOE).
Proficiency with Jira, NetSuite, Teamcenter, Fleetio, Tulip, or Weibull++ 2025.