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 an experienced Senior Material Handler to execute daily warehouse, shipping, and material fulfillment operations at our headquarters in Alameda, CA. In this hands-on operational role, you will be responsible for picking, packing, palletizing, and shipping critical parts, assemblies, and supplies to keep our global fleet mission-ready.

The ideal candidate brings practical shipping and warehouse experience, a strong safety mindset, and proficiency operating forklifts and parcel shipping software (FedEx, UPS, DHL). You will follow established standard operating procedures, prepare outbound shipments and documentation, manage inventory staging, and independently troubleshoot day-to-day warehouse discrepancies in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

THE TEAM

The Fleet Operations and Logistics team provides on-site support for assembly and service workflows across the Saildrone vehicle fleet to ensure all assets are fully mission-capable and optimized for operational uptime. The team works directly on the production floor and warehouse staging areas, bridging hardware assembly with field readiness to deliver resilient systems that support national security, maritime intelligence, and ocean exploration missions.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

Execute hands-on pick, pack, and ship workflows for components, assemblies, tooling, and mission-critical spares.
Process outbound domestic and international shipments utilizing parcel platforms (FedEx Ship Manager, UPS WorldShip, DHL Express) as well as standard LTL freight carriers.
Safely operate sit-down and/or stand-up forklifts, pallet jacks, and hand trucks to load, unload, transfer, and stage heavy materials and shipping crates.
Build, band, shrink-wrap, weigh, and label pallets and wooden crates to ensure secure, damage-free transport complying with carrier safety standards.
Generate, verify, and match shipping documentation, including packing slips, commercial invoices, and bills of lading (BOLs).
Receive, inspect, and verify inbound freight and parcel deliveries against purchase orders; stage items for incoming inspection or route directly to production lines.
Maintain warehouse organization, parts staging areas, and inventory accuracy by performing routine cycle counts and ERP transactions (NetSuite).
Identify and independently resolve routine-to-moderately complex shipping discrepancies, packaging constraints, and courier scheduling delays.
Adhere strictly to warehouse 5S standards, equipment inspection checklists, and environmental health & safety (EHS) guidelines.

THE QUALIFICATIONS

3+ years of hands-on warehouse, shipping/receiving, or material handling experience in a manufacturing, aerospace, or industrial setting.
Active Forklift Certification (or ability to successfully complete internal recertification upon hire); proven track record of safe material handling equipment operation.
Demonstrated proficiency using carrier shipping portals (FedEx, UPS, DHL) and handling domestic/international shipping paperwork (commercial invoices, packing lists).