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Test Engineer
Saildrone
Quality Assurance
Alameda, CA, USA
USD 132,500-172,200 / year + Equity
Posted on Aug 28, 2025
About Us
Saildrone is a defense company delivering maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance products to military, homeland security, and commercial customers. Saildrone unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) are extreme-endurance platforms equipped with advanced sensors and proprietary AI to provide persistent insights above and below the sea surface. Insights that support border security, law enforcement, undersea infrastructure protection, hydrography, and naval power applications. With more than 2,000,000 nautical miles sailed and 50,000 days at sea, Saildrone USVs are trusted by governments across the planet and set the standard for cost-efficient maritime intelligence in the world's harshest environments.
We are based in Alameda, CA, with offices in Washington DC and St. Petersburg, FL, and operate missions worldwide. This is an exciting opportunity with a fast-growing team at the cutting-edge intersection of big data services, autonomy, and AI. You will be part of a high-performing, multidisciplinary team delivering data, intelligence, and firepower for strategic superiority.
The Role
As a Manufacturing Test Engineer, you will be responsible for ensuring that all critical drone systems are operating as expected prior to leaving the factory. You will own the testing regime that occurs throughout the manufacturing process, from cable harnesses, to fully integrated systems. You will fill a central role within the company and collaborate with a variety of teams in engineering, operations, and production. You will apply technical expertise to ensure operational excellence across our product line.
Responsibilities
- Build production test solutions, define test regimes, and integrate testing into the manufacturing process
- Analyze metrics, troubleshoot hardware and firmware, and improve system reliability
- Work with engineers, operations, and product teams to enhance observability and resolve technical issues
- Write and manage test scripts, design fixtures, and document best practices
- Provide guidance to production technicians and engineering colleagues on test setup operations
Required Skills and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience, with 5+ years in hardware testing, including 2+ years testing complex technology in R&D or production
- Expertise in developing manufacturing tests for devices like power distribution modules, motor controllers, and network switches, with proficiency in PCBa-level testing and debugging complex systems interfacing with vehicle sub-systems
- Strong programming skills in Python and shell scripting; familiarity with C++ or C#; comfortable using command-line tools on Linux OS for diagnosing issues and improving test-related tasks
- Experience in fast-paced environments, collaborating cross-functionally to solve integration problems and lead or follow within diverse teams
- Familiarity with automotive protocols (e.g., CAN), hardware interfaces, industrial harness connections, and hardware test frameworks like OpenHTF.
- Ability to interpret electrical diagrams/schematics and mechanical systems for diagnostics and repairs
- Ability to write clear measurable test plans and effectively document processes; strong communication skills; committed to safety with sound judgment for operations in diverse environments
Desired Skills and Experience
- Hands-on experience with AIS, VHF, and SBD communication systems, including setup, troubleshooting, and integration
- Background in a production-facing role, ensuring smooth manufacturing processes, quality control, and efficient workflows to meet operational goals
- Experience with battery assembly, testing procedures, and performance validation, including diagnosing failures and optimizing reliability
- Proficiency in testing diesel power units, including load testing, diagnostics, and performance tuning for integration into mechanical and electrical systems
- Strong ability to anticipate potential failures, implement real-time monitoring strategies, and develop preventive measures to enhance system reliability and uptime
Physical Requirements
Must be able to operate test equipment, machinery and AV equipment; use power tools; lift heavy loads up to 50 lbs.
Location: This position is in Alameda, CA. Our waterfront office offers beautiful views of San Francisco Bay in always sunny Alameda.
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.
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 $132,500-$172,200 annually.
Catch up on the latest news about us:
Danish Military Using Robotic Sailboats for Surveillance in Baltic and North Seas – AP
USVs Guarding the Global Backbone – Inside Unmanned Systems
NATO Testing Baltic Sea Drones to Track Russian Warships, Freighters – Defense News
US Navy Saildrones On – SIGNAL Magazine
The British Engineer Behind the US Navy’s High-tech Ocean Drones – The Times of London
Counter-drug Sea Drones Utilized by Navy as Trump Ramps Up Military Resources at the Border – Fox News
Saildrone, Palantir Partner to Use AI to Streamline USV Manufacturing, Operations – Breaking Defense
An Underwater Mountain was Newly Discovered off California Coast – San Francisco Chronicle
TIME 100 Most Influential Companies 2024: Saildrone
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.
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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