Ocean Career: Saildrone Composite Tech/Boat Builder

At Saildrone, we sustainably explore, map, and monitor the oceans to understand, protect, and preserve our world. We provide real-time access to critical data from any ocean on earth, 24/7/365, and use proprietary software applications to transform that data into actionable insights and intelligence. Our fleet of uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs), powered by renewable wind and solar power, have a minimal carbon footprint and operate without the need for a crewed support vessel. Saildrone works with governments, civil agencies, foundations, universities, and private companies around the globe to drive better information about our oceans and seas—from sailing into the eye of a category 4 hurricane to obtain new data about how storms intensify, collecting new CO2 data in hard-to-reach areas, and counting fish biomass to inform sustainable fishery management, to mapping the ocean floor and reducing illegal fishing and drug trafficking. As a result of our work, Saildrone has been included on Fast Company’s annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies, earned an Ocean Awards’ Innovation Award, won Best Tech For Good from the Timmy Awards, and was recognized by Andreessen Horowitz’s American Dynamism 50 list of the Top 50 Companies Kickstarting American Renewal. Our first-annual Atlantic hurricane mission with NOAA was included as one of The New York Times’ 21 Things That Happened for the First Time in 2021 and Popular Science's 100 Greatest Innovations of 2021.

We are based in Alameda, CA, with offices in Washington DC and St. Petersburg, FL, and operate our missions worldwide. Saildrone is backed by top-tier investors in the frontier tech and sustainability sectors, including Social Capital, Capricorn, Lux Capital, BOND Capital, and Emerson Collective.

This is an exciting opportunity with a fast-growing team at the cutting-edge intersection of big data services and autonomous hardware. You will be an integral part of a high-performing multi-disciplinary delivering high impact for humanity and future generations.

The Role

Working as part of our Production and R&D team, you will use your demonstrated skills and experience in Composite Boat Building to build uncrewed surface vehicles. You will join the team working from our well-equipped facilities in Alameda, California. Willingness to travel within the US and abroad occasionally is welcomed but not required.

Required Skills and Experience

  • Pre-Preg, Infusion, Wet/Vacuum Bag Lamination Techniques
  • Competence in Moldmaking and Toolmaking
  • Competence in mixing and use of Epoxy resins, fairing compounds, and industry-standard paints
  • Ability to read, interpret and understand technical drawings
  • Ability to work comfortably alone or in a team environment
  • Advanced Beginner knowledge of the use of hand and power tools
  • Have a minimum 1+ years of relevant working experience; HS diploma or equivalent
  • To note: The compensation range for this position is targeted to attract a wide variety of candidates, so please keep in mind that the determined salary will be based off of your experience level

Relevant Additional Skills and Experience Considered but not Necessary

  • Carpentry
  • Auto Bodywork/Painting
  • Vinyl Wrapping
  • CNC Ply Cutter
  • Certified Rigger Training
  • Marine experience

Physical Requirements: Must be able to stand, walk, use hands to grasp, push and pull, bend, lift up to 50 lbs, and reach with your hands and arms.

Location: This position is in Alameda, CA. Our waterfront office offers beautiful views of San Francisco Bay in always sunny Alameda. Even our walls have good karma, our offices mix software development with a hardware production line in the former airplane hangar used to film ‘The Matrix’.

Benefits:

  • Medical, dental and vision plans for you and your dependents.
  • Short and relaxing ferry ride from the Ferry Building for SF residents
  • Enhanced Parental Leave Programs
  • Competitive benefits including excellent medical, life insurance, 401k plan

A reasonable estimate of the current range is $64,000-$120,000 annually.

Learn more about this opportunity and how to apply.

latest issue

From groundbreaking marine instrumentation to metocean data visualization and lab-to-market efforts carried out by research-industry partnerships, the ongoing expansion of…

Search