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 Deckhand to join our Fleet Management team. Reporting to the Captain, you will play a critical role in supporting vessel operations and enabling rapid, safe, and reliable on-water support for Saildrone’s autonomous surface vehicles. We are looking for a disciplined maritime professional who operates safely under pressure and is comfortable with the expeditionary nature of this role, including short-notice deployments and physically demanding in-water work. This is a rotational role that will be living aboard the support vessel.
This exempt position works a rotation based schedule of 60 days on, 30 days off.
THE TEAM
The Fleet Management team is responsible for operating Saildrone’s support vessels and enabling on-water deployment, recovery, and servicing of autonomous systems. We focus on delivering safe, reliable maritime operations to sustain Saildrone’s global fleet in a national security and defense environment.
THE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Rapid Operational Response: Maintain a high state of readiness with the ability to be underway within 24 hours of notification from Fleet Management
- On-Water Support: Execute deck operations including mooring, long-distance towing (300+ nautical miles), and complex launch and recovery of USVs.
- In-Water Maintenance: Serve as the primary swimmer (or swimmer support) for underwater repairs, hull inspections, and clearing fouled components at sea.
- Vessel Maintenance: Ensure the support vessel remains in pristine condition through performing oil and filter changes, general deck maintenance and projects, painting, polishing, hull and bilge cleaning; assist with fuel bunkering and USV fueling operations.
- Watch-Standing: Stand navigational watches of up to 6 hours in daylight, low-light, and night conditions using marine navigation systems.
- Fleet Collaboration: Support field technicians with repair work conducted both on the water and at remote land-based service locations on an as needed basis.
- Safety & Compliance: Participate in rigorous safety drills and emergency protocols; ensure the deck is clear of obstacles and safety equipment is mission-ready.
THE QUALIFICATIONS
- Prior experience in commercial, offshore, or heavy maritime operations; offshore experience is highly preferred.
- Ability to perform work for up to 12 hours per day; must be able to lift 75 lbs and stand for extended periods in extreme weather.
- Proficiency in rigging, splicing, and small boat operations; basic mechanical experience preferred.
- Must be “fit for work” by demonstrating the ability to swim and tread water in open-sea conditions.
- Current First Aid and CPR; SCUBA certification is a significant plus; USCG Masters License, Merchant Mariner Credential, or equivalent documented sea-time preferred.
- Valid Passport and TWIC card (or ability to obtain); ability to obtain a foreign VISA (as required), U.S. Citizenship required.
- Ability to pass a background check and USCG/DOT drug screening; Spanish speaking is a plus.
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.
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: $67,950 – $84,900 USD
