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 Assembly Technician to join our Final Drone Assembly Team. Reporting directly to the Production Manager, you will play a critical role in bringing our Voyager Class vehicles to life through final assembly and testing. We are looking for natural builders. Whether your experience comes from assembling bicycles, boats, or industrial machinery, we want people who take pride in putting things together and making them work. We are looking for agile, fast learners who are excited to adapt to our continuously evolving products and dynamic production floor.

THE TEAM

The Final Drone Assembly Team is responsible for the end of the line Voyager Class Drone final assembly. We are focused on delivering complete, accurate and operationally ready Voyager Class Drones for our ever growing fleet to support Saildrones work across scientific, marine domain awareness, national security and defense environments.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

Perform assembly tasks to complete drone assembly, while meeting quality, safety, timing, or performance standards.
Our daily schedule is 8am - 4:30pm with available overtime.
Be accountable for [process, system, product, area, or deliverable], including ownership of [accuracy, reliability, throughput, cost, or impact.
Work closely with teams to align on priorities, dependencies, or handoffs and ensure successful delivery of shared goals.
Carry out day-to-day work using tools, equipment, systems, or methods provided in accordance with established standards, procedures, or expectations.
Monitor for defects, risks, blockers, or inefficiencies, take action to resolve or mitigate, and escalate when necessary.
Adhere to SOPs, safety protocols, management practices, and contribute suggestions that improve quality, efficiency, safety, or scalability.
Provide timely updates on progress or issues to the manager or team.
Meet commitments, manage assigned priorities or workload, and proactively raise concerns when risks, capacity, or priorities change.
Perform all responsibilities in accordance with company values, safety expectations, quality standards, and ethical guidelines.

THE QUALIFICATIONS

5+ years experience in most if not all the following qualifications.
Hands-on experience using hand tools to build mechanical or electrical systems in a low-volume environment.
A commitment to high-quality craftsmanship while maintaining the speed needed to hit production deadlines.
The ability to seamlessly navigate work instructions, technical drawings, and bills of materials.
Clear communication skills and a team-player mindset, paired with the drive to get things done independently.
Ability to work on-site at our Alameda factory.
Experience bringing new product prototypes to life.
A knack for testing components against tight specs and diagnosing faults when things don’t work as planned.
Practical machine shop skills (drill/mill/lathe) or MIG/TIG welding experience.
Hands-on experience with light composite fabrication, soldering, and electrical assembly.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical Strength & Agility: Ability to lift/move up to 50 lbs and maintain physical activity (bending, kneeling, standing) throughout a full shift.