Fleet Manager

Saildrone • Alameda, CA

13d • $122,000 - $144,000

About The Position

Saildrone is seeking a Fleet Manager to join its Fleet Operations team. Reporting to the Fleet Director, the Fleet Manager is responsible for the safe and effective operation of Saildrone Uncrewed Surface Vehicles (USVs) assigned to their region. The role works across internal mission execution teams to support successful customer missions and ensure vehicles maintain high reliability and capability.

Fleet Operations ensures Saildrone assets are mission-capable and optimized for operational uptime. The team bridges design and deployment, partnering across internal support structures to accelerate product iteration and deliver resilient systems for national security, maritime intelligence, and science exploration missions.

The Fleet Manager oversees assigned fleet operations, supports mission planning and execution, manages vendor relationships and administrative processes, contributes to operational budgeting and compliance, and travels to establish and support operational hubs. The position requires domestic and international travel of up to 15% of the time.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Maritime, Logistics, Operations, Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
• At least 10 years of operational experience executing and leading complex tasks related to shipyards, boatyards, marinas, or marine towing and repairs.
• At least 5 years of experience in an operational leadership role, with a proven history of managing multiple vendors and stakeholders.
• U.S. citizenship.
• Experience operating small vessels.
• Background in project management.
• Ability to multitask and excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Fluency in English.
• Ability to lift or move up to 30 pounds and remain physically active—including bending, kneeling, and standing—throughout a full shift.
• High manual dexterity and visual acuity for safe power-tool operation and precision assembly and repairs.
• Comfort working in challenging settings, including confined spaces, heights, and outdoors in variable weather such as high heat, cold, and wind.
• Ability to work around industrial materials and sites while following PPE requirements, including use of respirators and eye and ear protection as needed.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 15% of the time, including renting and operating motor vehicles.

Nice To Haves

• Arabic bilingual proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Manage operations of the assigned fleet and partner with internal support teams to maximize vehicle operational efficiency and uptime.
• Serve as the primary internal operational partner to the Program Manager, communicating about vehicle performance and scheduling throughout the mission lifecycle.
• Build and maintain relationships with contracted maritime and industrial partners, including boat yards, marinas, heavy equipment providers, and support or tow boat vendors.
• Coordinate and execute safe vehicle recovery and deployment to and from contracted facilities.
• Handle vendor setup, purchase order creation, invoice validation, and general vendor management.
• Support the Fleet Director in creating and maintaining the annual vehicle operations budget and ensuring financial stewardship.
• Partner with the Fleet Director and Head of Logistics to ensure operational compliance with local laws and regulations in remote locations.
• Contribute to Mission Feasibility Assessments with Mission Managers, focusing on safe haven passage planning, shoreside facilities, and local vendors.
• Assist the Fleet Service team with strategic planning and execution of Engineering Change Order campaigns.
• Travel to conduct Pre-Deployment Site Surveys to establish operational hubs and support ongoing operations at Fleet Service shore facilities.

Benefits

• Competitive paid time off accrual, an annual holiday schedule, and paid sick leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans with significant company contributions for employees and dependents.
• Equity grants.
• 401(k) retirement plan with pre-tax and Roth payroll contribution options.
• Annual professional development reimbursement.
• Relocation assistance for eligible roles.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager