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 Fleet Manager, Middle East, to join our Fleet Operations team. Reporting to the Fleet Director, you will be responsible for the safe and effective operation of Saildrone Uncrewed Surface Vehicles (USVs) assigned to your region. You will work across internal mission execution teams supporting the successful execution of customer missions, ensuring the vehicles maintain a high level of reliability and capability.

This role is based in Abu Dhabi, UAE supporting a fleet in the region with travel up to 25% of the time to other sites in the region. If based outside of the Middle East, travel will be 50-75% depending on needs.

THE TEAM

The Fleet Operations team ensures that Saildrone assets are fully mission-capable and optimized for maximum operational uptime. The team bridges design and deployment, partnering with internal support structures to accelerate product iteration and deliver resilient systems that support national security, maritime intelligence, and science exploration missions.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

Manage overall operations of your assigned fleet, partnering with internal support teams to maximize vehicle uptime (vehicle operational efficiency - VOE).
Act as the primary internal operational partner to the Program Manager (PM), maintaining strong communication throughout the mission lifecycle regarding vehicle performance and scheduling.
Create and maintain strong relationships with contracted maritime and industrial partners to enable field operations, including boat yards, marinas, heavy equipment providers, and support/tow boat vendors.
Coordinate, facilitate, and execute the safe recovery and deployment of vehicles to and from contracted facilities.
Oversee administrative tasks including vendor setup, purchase order creation, invoice validation, and general vendor management.
Support the Fleet Director in creating and maintaining a yearly operating budget for vehicle operations, ensuring accurate financial stewardship.
Partner with the Fleet Director and Head of Logistics to guarantee full operational compliance with local regulations and laws in remote locations.
Contribute to Mission Feasibility Assessments alongside Mission Managers, focusing on safe haven passage planning, shoreside facilities, and local vendors.
Assist the Fleet Service team with the strategic planning and execution of Engineering Change Order (ECO) campaigns.
Travel to conduct Pre-Deployment Site Surveys (PDSS) to set up new functional operational hubs, and support sustained operations at Fleet Service shore facilities.

THE QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Maritime, Logistics, Operations, Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
10+ years of operational experience executing and leading complex tasks related to shipyards, boatyards, marinas, or marine towing and repairs.
5+ years of experience in an operational leadership role, with a proven history of managing multiple vendors and stakeholders.
US Citizenship required.
Experience operating small vessels and a background in project management.