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Manufacturing Engineer, 2
Saildrone
Alameda, CA, USA
Posted on Mar 25, 2025
About Us
Saildrone is an oceanographic survey and maritime defense company creating a paradigm shift in how navies, civil governments, and commercial organizations obtain the real-time, accurate data required to monitor and protect our oceans. Saildrone’s fleet of uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) carry purpose-built payloads supporting border protection, critical infrastructure security, hydrographic survey, offshore energy, and metocean monitoring. Powered by renewable wind and solar energy, Saildrone USVs provide long-duration operations measured in months, not days. Proprietary software applications and machine learning technology transform collected data into actionable insights and intelligence.
We are based in Alameda, CA, with offices in Washington DC and St. Petersburg, FL, and operate missions worldwide. We are backed by top-tier investors in the frontier tech and sustainability sectors, including Social Capital, Capricorn, Lux Capital, BOND Capital, and Emerson Collective.
This is an exciting opportunity with a fast-growing team at the cutting-edge intersection of big data services and autonomous hardware. You will be part of a high-performing, multidisciplinary team that delivers high impact for humanity and future generations.
The Role
Saildrone is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to help us increase production volumes of our Unmanned Surface Vehicles. They will be responsible for the production system and work stations used in a high-mix, low-volume production environment. They will focus on ensuring that quality improves by implementing a QC regime and improving the work stations used to manufacture cables.
Responsibilities
- Responsible for lean manufacturing processes used to produce Saildrone’s wire harnessing:
- Setup workstations and production flows based on lean manufacturing best practices (5S, Visual Mgt, Plan-for-Every-Part, Kitting, etc.)
- Integrate HW & SW changes into processes by updating work instructions & mBOMs
- Develop quality control inspections & tests to ensure that high quality products are shipped to customers.
- Define and validate “standard process times” for operations. to balance work across workstations and technicians based on capacity targets
- Foster positive relationships with the technicians ensuring that any process changes are introduced smoothly and in collaboration with the team.
- Complete projects to improve the operation including adding automation, insourcing, & cutting-edge tooling
- Enable vertical integration by identifying opportunities for strategic in-sourcing, reducing costs & increasing speed of iteration.
- Participate in prototype and first article builds for NPI, provide DFM & DFA feedback
- Respond promptly to continuous improvement opportunities, work instruction improvements
- Directly troubleshoot and provide technical support for assembly line issues to unblock production and ensure tactical goals are met.
- Ensure “virtual factory” processes are executed properly (WOs, inventory moves, kitting. etc.) and lead continuous improvement of those processes.
Required Skills and Experience
- Bachelor degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or similar)
- 5+ years experience in an engineering role, with emphasis on supporting production activities, with evidence of increasing scope of work
- New Production Introduction experience, have executed new product launch through capacity acceleration
- Excellent communication (written & verbal) and cross-functional interpersonal skills
Physical Requirements
- Will need to occasionally lift up to 15+ lbs, and spend some extended periods of time standing.
Location: This position is in Alameda, CA. Our waterfront office offers beautiful views of San Francisco Bay in always sunny Alameda.
Benefits:
- Paid time off, including vacation, bereavement, jury duty, sick time and parental leave
- Comprehensive and competitive medical, dental and vision plans, and HSA with employer matching.
- Company sponsored life insurance
- Stock Options
- Annual stipend for continued learning and development
- Quarterly company BBQs at our Alameda HQ (bring your friends and family!)
- Free Bay Area Public Transportation via AlamedaTMA with the BayPass Clipper Card
- Plenty of snacks in our 3 office locations
- Dog-friendly work environment
A reasonable estimate of the current range is $115,100 - $149,700 annually.
Catch up on the latest news about us:
TIME 100 Most Influential Companies 2024: Saildrone
The Tiny Craft Mapping Superstorms at Sea – The New York Times
An Underwater Mountain was Newly Discovered off California Coast – San Francisco Chronicle
The Navy Is Using Robot Ships to Deter Human Smuggling out of Haiti – Defense One
How US Navy Experiments Could Get Drones Beyond Spying and Into Battle – Defense News
USVs Could Deter IUU Fishing – USNI Proceedings
Saildrone’s First Aluminum Surveyor Autonomous Vessel Splashes Down for Navy Testing – TechCrunch
Saildrone Featured Videos Playlist
Individual compensation packages are based on geographic location, scope of the role, relevant experience, and the ability to deal with complexity and problem solve within our organization, among other factors.
All employees are required to provide proof of authorization to work in the U.S. within their first 3 days of work. Please note that the Company does not sponsor employees for work visas or permanent resident cards to work in the U.S. If you need sponsorship for a work visa or green card, you will not be qualified for employment with Saildrone.
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Any unsolicited resumes/candidate profiles submitted through our website or to personal email accounts of employees of Saildrone are considered property of Saildrone and are not subject to payment of agency fees.
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