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Saildrone Support Vessel Captain
Saildrone
Customer Service
United States · Remote
USD 86,325-112,275 / year + Equity
Posted on Nov 19, 2025
About Us
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.
About This Role
We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Captain to lead a crew and ensure the safe and efficient operation of a Saildrone owned support vessel (under 75’) in conducting on-water operations. The Captain will be responsible for the safety of the crew and vessel, navigation, basic maintenance, crew management, and executing on the requirements for mission success. This role demands a high level of professionalism, maritime expertise, and excellent leadership skills.
Key Responsibilities:
● Safe Navigation & Operation: Oversee all aspects of navigation, ensuring the safety and smooth operation of the vessel in accordance with maritime laws and regulations. Ensure compliance with local regulations, monitor weather conditions, and port schedules. Organize and coordinate vessel provisioning, refueling and maintenance record keeping. Maintain vessel logbook.
● Crew Leadership: Manage and supervise the crew, ensuring tasks are assigned and completed efficiently. Foster a positive and productive work environment.
● Maintenance & Repairs: Ensure the vessel is properly maintained, conducting regular inspections and completing any necessary repairs or servicing for the duration of time aboard. This includes engine oil changes and fuel filter changes, following manufacturers recommendation. Collaborate with Saildrone Fleet Management to schedule maintenance and plan yard periods.
Saildrone Operational Support:
Primary Role
- Assist in building out the Saildrone Support Boat Program.
- Work with Fleet Management and Mission Management to plan routes to the Saildrone vehicles in need of support offshore.
- Operational readiness response time of 24 hours from time of notification from Fleet Management to being underway to the rendezvous waypoint of the Saildrone vehicle.
- Swimmer (or support to the swimmer) in the water to manage any underwater repair and maintenance.
- Rigging, splicing, etc
- Watch-keeping on long voyages.
- Towing operations, when required up to 300+ nautical miles.
- Provide in-port operations and deployment towing of Saildrone vehicles
- Manage safe fueling operations for Saildrones.
- Use of the vessels tender to move Saildrones within the port, as needed.
- Arrange docking or mooring of the vessel while in port.
Secondary Role
- Support Saildrone field technicians, as needed, for repair work conducted on the water or at a predetermined service location on land.
- Emergency Management: Be prepared to respond to any emergencies at sea, including medical situations, weather hazards, or technical failures.
Physical Requirements:
● Must be able to stand, walk, use hands to grasp, push and pull, bend, lift up to 75 lbs, and reach with your hands and arms. Must be able to perform work on a computer that requires ability to operate a keyboard and other peripheral devices.
● Must be able to confirm as “fit for work” by demonstrating ability to swim and tread water
● Must be able to stand navigational watch for up to 6 hours.
● Will be exposed to marine environments, including sun, wind, rain, cold, and saltwater spray, often for extended periods.
● Must be able to operate in daylight, low-light, and night conditions using marine navigation systems and visual cues.
● Ability to perform physically demanding work for extended periods of time, up to 12 hours/day.
Qualifications & Skills:
● Extensive experience as a master of vessels in the 50’ to 100’ length range, offshore and ocean passage making, including advanced knowledge of navigation, weather forecasting, and seamanship
● USCG Masters License
● Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
● Ability to maintain a positive and professional demeanor under pressure
● Ability to travel internationally and obtain foreign visas, as required
● Valid First Aid and CPR certification
● Valid TWIC (or ability to obtain) and Passport
● Must be able to pass background check and USCG/DOT drug screen
● Must be US Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident
● Spanish speaking a plus
Location: Rotation with alternating captain and crew - 60 days on, 60 days off. Round trip airfare from home airport to vessel.
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
The salary range for the role is $86,325-$112,275 annually.
Individual compensation packages are based on geographic location, scope of the role, and relevant experience, among other factors.
Saildrone is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
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