Mechanical Engineer II

Saildrone

Saildrone

Software Engineering

Alameda, CA, USA

USD 114k-135k / year + Equity

Posted on May 6, 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 Mechanical Engineer II to join our Hardware Engineering Team. Reporting to the VP of Hardware Engineering, you will be a hands-on contributor responsible for the design, prototyping, and validation of electromechanical systems. We are looking for a technical problem-solver who can bridge the gap between digital design and physical hardware, moving fluidly from CAD to the machine shop to ensure our autonomous vehicles are robust and mission-ready.

THE TEAM

The Hardware Engineering Team develops and deploys Saildrone’s autonomous ocean systems. We focus on delivering reliable, scalable hardware for maritime domain awareness, operating in a high-stakes national security and defense environment. This role sits at the heart of our hardware execution, directly impacting the durability and manufacturability of our vehicles and sensor payloads.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead the design and development of complex electromechanical parts, assemblies, and the specialized production tooling/weld fixtures required to build them.
  • Perform hands-on assembly and fabrication tasks, including drilling, manual machining, bonding, and basic welding to iterate on designs quickly.
  • Conduct engineering analyses (hand calculations, fluid systems, and thermodynamics) and execute physical validation testing to verify design integrity.
  • Create detailed 3D CAD models (NX), dimensioned 2D drawings, and maintain accurate Bills of Materials (BOM) through the product lifecycle.
  • Partner with Electrical Engineering to review harness designs and ensure seamless mechanical integration of sensors and circuits.
  • Work directly with fabrication shops and contract manufacturers to resolve production blockers and improve manufacturability.
  • Adhere to and contribute to Saildrone’s drafting and engineering standards to ensure high-quality, repeatable results.
  • Monitor for design defects or manufacturing risks, taking proactive action to resolve issues before they impact schedule or performance.

THE QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
  • 3–6 years of professional experience in Marine, Aerospace, Automotive, or a related hardware-heavy industry.
  • Strong fundamentals in mechanical design using NX (preferred) or similar high-end CAD packages.
  • Hands-on experience with processes including welding, composite layups, CNC machining, sheet metal, and structural bonding.
  • Demonstrated understanding of mechanics, electrical circuits, fluid systems, and thermodynamics.
  • Proficiency with basic shop tools and a willingness to be "hands-on" with hardware during the R&D and production phases.
  • Ability to clearly communicate technical status, risks, and design decisions to cross-functional partners.
  • Proven ability to make quick, sound engineering decisions in a fast-paced R&D environment.

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
$114,000—$135,000 USD

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

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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