Fleet Operations Project Controller

Saildrone • Alameda, CA

13d • $128,000 - $153,000

About The Position

The Fleet Operations Project Controller acts as the data-driven engine for scheduling, cost, and execution across Saildrone’s fleet programs. The role owns integrated project schedules and end-to-end cost and budget visibility, driving milestones, budget performance, dependencies, and cross-functional accountability from design through commissioning, deployment, and closure. Embedded across Engineering, Fleet, Manufacturing, and Program teams, the position provides leadership with a clear, data-driven single source of truth on schedule, cost, and performance.

The Project Controller also supports drone commissioning and controlled document management in alignment with American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and ISO requirements. The role is based in an office and manufacturing environment, with travel of up to 10% to become familiar with field operations and manufacturing locations and to represent Saildrone at events.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience in project controls, project management, or scheduling within a complex or regulated industry such as maritime, aerospace, defense, or construction.
• Demonstrated ownership of integrated project schedules using Smartsheet or Microsoft Project.
• Proficiency with Jira and the Atlassian suite; Confluence experience is preferred.
• Experience tracking, forecasting, or reporting project budgets and cost performance in a program or project-controls environment.
• Experience developing and presenting dashboards or analytics tools using Power BI, Tableau, Palantir Foundry, or an equivalent tool.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in business, operations, engineering, or a related field.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret and communicate cost, schedule, and performance data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to manage stakeholders across engineering, fleet, manufacturing, quality, and executive leadership.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Self-directed and adaptable, with comfort operating as a highly visible, embedded partner across teams.
• Proactive ability to identify and resolve schedule, cost, or resource risks before they escalate.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment and attend in-person and/or virtual meetings.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a desk and computer.
• Willingness to travel up to 10%.

Nice To Haves

• Confluence experience.
• Experience with Power BI, Tableau, Palantir Foundry, or equivalent analytics tools.
• Experience in maritime, aerospace, defense, or construction.

Responsibilities

• Own and maintain integrated mission and drone-build schedules in Smartsheet or Microsoft Project, tracking dependencies, milestones, and critical paths across design, build, commissioning, deployment, and closure.
• Own budget tracking, spend forecasting, and cost-performance reporting across fleet programs and missions; identify variances and cost risks early.
• Design and maintain executive-level dashboards in Palantir Foundry (WARP Speed) and other reporting tools to visualize drone readiness, schedule, cost, and performance.
• Use variance and trend analysis to identify schedule, cost, and resource risks; provide concise, data-driven updates to VP- and C-level leadership.
• Coordinate across Engineering, Fleet, Manufacturing, and Program teams to drive accountability and on-time, on-budget delivery across complex, multi-year fleet programs.
• Support and enhance integrations among Smartsheet, Jira/Atlassian (including Confluence), Palantir Foundry, and NetSuite to improve reporting traceability and interdepartmental data flow.
• Support drone commissioning activities and documentation in alignment with ABS and ISO requirements.
• Manage document control for controlled records, including plans, procedures, test reports, and Statements of Work.

Benefits

• Competitive paid time off accrual, 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 program.
• Relocation assistance for eligible roles.

What This Job Offers

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