Staff Electrical Engineer

Saildrone
Saildrone

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Software Engineering, Other Engineering

Alameda, CA, USA

USD 189k-243k / year + Equity

Posted on Mar 12, 2026

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, and deployment hubs in Europe and 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 a Staff Electrical Engineer to join our Electrical Engineering team. Reporting directly to the Director of Firmware, you’ll be leading the definition, design, and validation of electrical components and subsystems deployed across our entire fleet of world-class USVs. We are looking for a senior technical leader who will focus on power storage, distribution, and charge/discharge hardware, as well as integrating the diverse suite of sensors, actuators, and computing devices essential for each vessel's autonomous navigation at sea.

THE TEAM

The Electrical Engineering team is responsible for the architecture, design, and sustainment of power systems, electronics, and embedded hardware across Saildrone’s unmanned surface vehicles. We focus on delivering resilient, high-performance electrical platforms that enable persistent maritime domain awareness, operating in a national security and defense environment.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Electrical Architecture: Lead the design, evolution, and validation of electrical systems to meet stringent performance and safety requirements for long-duration maritime operations.
  • Technical Ownership: Own the strategic direction for power distribution, energy storage, and embedded computing subsystems, ensuring a robust backbone for all autonomous platforms.
  • Hardware Delivery: Drive the end-to-end development of complex PCBAs—from schematic capture to layout in Altium 365—balancing high-power needs with precision mixed-signal integrity.
  • Validation Strategy: Define and execute comprehensive test and quality assurance strategies to ensure every system meets maritime, defense, and regulatory standards.
  • Cross-Functional Integration: Partner with Mechanical, Firmware, and Software teams to resolve enclosure, harness, and system-level dependencies for seamless vehicle integration.
  • Fleet Reliability: Act as the "front line" for root-cause analysis, diagnosing and resolving complex electrical failures across R&D and deployed global fleets with durable engineering fixes.
  • Design Standards: Establish and institutionalize electrical design standards, EMI/EMC best practices, and Altium workflows to ensure technical rigor and team scalability.
  • Technical Mentorship: Provide high-level technical leadership and mentorship across programs, building the technical depth of the engineering team and ensuring design excellence.

THE QUALIFICATIONS

  • Master’s degree or equivalent experience in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
  • 15+ years of experience designing electrical systems and PCB-based hardware in complex products.
  • Deep expertise in AC/DC power systems, energy storage, and power distribution architectures.
  • Proven proficiency in PCB design for high-power and embedded systems using Altium or Altium 365.
  • Experience with battery systems, charging circuits, and power management.
  • Working knowledge of serial, CAN, and Ethernet interfaces and signal integrity best practices.
  • Experience in grounding, shielding and design for low EMI environments.
  • Knowledge of IPC, MIL-STD, UL, ABS, DNVGL, and other applicable standards.
  • Demonstrated ability to solve complex technical problems in high-reliability environments.

Physical Requirements

  • Able to climb stairs/ladders
  • Able to work for short periods outdoors in a variety of conditions
  • Comfortable working near open water

The base salary range for this position is shown below. Actual compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and qualifications. This range reflects the base salary for candidates in states requiring pay transparency disclosure.

Salary Range
$189,000—$243,000 USD

To view Saildrone's candidate privacy policy, please visit: https://www.saildrone.com/privacy-policy.

BENEFITS

At Saildrone, we’re building operational capability that matters—and that requires people who can do their best work over the long term. We invest in our team’s well-being, financial security, and professional growth so you can focus on delivering real-world impact with confidence and stability. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support you and your family while you contribute to a mission with lasting significance.

  • Generous Time Off: Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual plus a robust annual holiday schedule and paid sick leave ensure you can rest, reset, and sustain performance over time.
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Premium, multi-tier Medical, Dental, and Vision plans with significant company contributions for employees and dependents—providing security and peace of mind.
  • Shared Ownership in the Mission: Equity grants are a core part of our compensation, allowing you to participate in the long-term value you help create through meaningful, operational work.
  • Retirement Savings: Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with flexible pre-tax and Roth payroll contribution options supports long-term financial planning.
  • Investment in Your Growth: We support your continuous learning through an annual professional development reimbursement program, empowering you to sharpen your skills and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving field.
  • Relocation Support: For eligible roles, we offer relocation assistance to help bring the world’s best talent to our mission-critical locations.

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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