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Head of Software
Saildrone
Software Engineering
Alameda, CA, USA
USD 201,100-266,500 / year + Equity
Posted on Oct 18, 2025
About Us
Saildrone builds autonomous systems that dominate the world’s oceans
With more than 2 million nautical miles sailed and 50,000 days at sea, Saildrone has earned the trust of governments worldwide. Our unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) deliver continuous, real-time intelligence in the toughest oceans on Earth—giving our partners faster awareness, stronger security, and a decisive edge at sea.
Our USVs are long-range, extreme-endurance platforms powered by advanced sensors and proprietary AI - they have been designed to operate where no crewed vessel can. They collect critical insights above and below the surface to support border security, law enforcement, naval operations, and undersea infrastructure protection.
Headquartered in Alameda, CA, with offices in Washington, DC, and global deployment hubs, Saildrone operates missions worldwide. Join a fast-moving, mission-driven team at the intersection of AI, autonomy, and defense technology—where data turns into intelligence, and intelligence drives action.
The Role
The Head of Software will lead Saildrone’s software engineering organization, overseeing all our software efforts from actuator control to image processing to cloud data pipelines. Reporting directly to the Head of Engineering, this role will provide operational leadership to Saildrone’s software teams and ensure that all software systems are delivered reliably, securely, and able to scale to support mission objectives.
This is a critical senior leadership position responsible for executing the Strategic Software Vision set by the Head of Engineering and CEO, translating it into actionable plans, defining requirements, and driving projects to successful completion. The Head of Software will partner closely with other engineering and organization leaders to ensure seamless integration across hardware, firmware, and systems while delivering to the highest standards of quality, timeliness, and compliance.
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience leading large software teams in a fast-paced, high-growth technology environment, ideally within the autonomous systems, defense, aerospace, or maritime sectors. They must be a hands-on leader capable of balancing execution with technical oversight, while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and disciplined delivery.
Responsibilities
Software Leadership
- Lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams across Infrastructure, Cloud, Onboard Vehicle Software, Data, and Perception/ML.
- Execute the software strategic vision set by the CEO, aligning priorities with Saildrone’s mission and business objectives.
- Drive secure, high-quality engineering practices across all software domains.
Program & Project Delivery
- Oversee the planning, prioritization, and execution of software deliverables, ensuring projects are completed on time and within scope.
- Define timelines and milestones in coordination with Technical Program Management, ensuring effective resource allocation and risk mitigation.
- Implement best practices for agile software development, quality assurance, and release management.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Hardware, Firmware, and Systems Engineering teams to ensure robust end-to-end system integration.
- Collaborate with Mission and Business Development teams to ensure software capabilities meet operational and customer requirements.
- Work with Security, Legal, and Compliance teams to ensure adherence to defense, regulatory, and export control standards.
Talent Development & Team Building
- Recruit, retain, and develop world-class software engineering talent.
- Foster a culture of performance, accountability, security-first thinking, and continuous improvement.
- Mentor software managers and technical leads to grow leadership capability within the organization.
Operational Excellence
- Manage software budgets, resources, and performance metrics in coordination with the Head of Engineering.
- Ensure scalable infrastructure and reliable software deployment pipelines for global operations.
- Oversee software testing, validation, and compliance with mission-critical requirements.
Required Skills and Experience
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related technical field; advanced technical or management degree preferred.
- 15+ years of software engineering leadership experience, including managing large, multidisciplinary teams in high-growth technology companies.
- Proven success delivering complex software systems (cloud, infrastructure, autonomous vehicle systems, AI/ML) on time and within budget.
- Experience navigating 3rd party Vendors and make/buy decision.
- Strong background in distributed systems, cloud architecture, and cybersecurity.
- Demonstrated ability to lead in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and execution skills.
- Experience with product growth and scaling.
Desired Skills and Experience
- Experience in perception and machine learning software strongly preferred.
- Familiarity with defense, aerospace, or maritime industries is a plus.
Physical Requirements
- Work is performed on a computer and requires ability to operate a keyboard and other peripheral devices.
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
A reasonable estimate of the current range is $201,100 - $266,500 annually.
Catch up on the latest news about us:
The British Engineer Behind the US Navy’s High-tech Ocean Drones – The Times of London
Denmark to Field Unmanned Vessels for Monitoring Busy Shipping Routes – Defense News
Counter-drug Sea Drones Utilized by Navy as Trump Ramps Up Military Resources at the Border
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
USVs Could Deter IUU Fishing – USNI Proceedings
TIME 100 Most Influential Companies 2024: Saildrone
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.
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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