Manager, Mechanical Engineering

Saildrone • Alameda, CA

4h • $191,000 - $225,000

About The Position

Saildrone is seeking a Manager, Mechanical Engineering to join its Hardware Engineering organization as a hands-on Platform Lead. Reporting to the VP of Hardware, this role leads the mechanical design team and serves as the primary technical authority for new platform developments, from early architecture through full-scale production. The position combines marine engineering expertise with operational discipline to build high-performing teams, lead platform trade studies, and deliver robust autonomous surface vehicles for national security, defense, and civil ocean data missions.

The Hardware Engineering team designs, integrates, tests, and scales Saildrone’s autonomous ocean platforms and electro-mechanical systems. Its focus is on robust, manufacturable hardware and composite structures that operate reliably in harsh maritime environments.

The role oversees total vehicle architecture, system interfaces, developmental budgets, and program performance; coordinates vehicle-level execution across teams; and guides mechanical design and regulatory compliance. It also partners with shipyards, contract manufacturers, and NPI teams; maintains vehicle BOM and CAD standards; supports hands-on prototyping and validation; and recruits, mentors, and develops the mechanical engineering team.

The position requires working across office, hangar, manufacturing shop, and waterfront dock environments, including physical activity during assembly, staging, and dockside operations. The stated base salary range is $191,000–$225,000 USD; actual compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and qualifications.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of industry experience designing complex electro-mechanical hardware, composite structures, and mechanisms.
• 3+ years in a technical leadership or engineering management role.
• Proven experience as a Platform Lead or Technical Project Manager guiding complex hardware from prototype design through test, NPI, and full-scale production.
• Practical experience interpreting and applying marine regulatory frameworks such as ABS, DNV GL, or Bureau Veritas, and collaborating directly with shipyards or contract manufacturers.
• Advanced proficiency in CAD modeling, drafting standards, GD&T, tolerance analysis, and multi-configuration BOM management.
• Demonstrated hands-on fabrication, assembly, and testing skills for rapid prototype validation and field troubleshooting.
• Strong technical communication and decision-making skills in fast-paced, complex operational environments.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, push, pull, and lift up to 50 lbs during assembly, staging, and dockside operations.
• High manual dexterity to operate computer systems, precision hand tools, and mechanical testing equipment safely.
• Comfort working across office, hangar, manufacturing shop, and waterfront dock environments.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Platform Lead for total vehicle architecture, system interfaces, developmental budgets, and performance against program requirements from initial prototype through production handoff.
• Lead vehicle-level execution streams and team cadences, including standups, sprint planning, and trade studies, while aligning priorities with Production, Payloads, Mission Systems, Field Operations, and Sustainment teams.
• Oversee design execution for electro-mechanical sub-assemblies, including actuation, propulsion, composite structures, and thermal enclosures, ensuring compliance with marine regulatory frameworks.
• Partner with shipyards, contract manufacturers, and NPI teams to enforce Design for Manufacturing standards, streamline handoffs, and improve deployed systems.
• Maintain total vehicle Bill of Materials accuracy, revision control, and CAD modeling and drafting standards across the mechanical engineering group.
• Perform hands-on proof-of-concept prototyping and monitor mechanical risks through tolerance analysis, vibration testing, and thermal cycling.
• Recruit, mentor, and build a high-performing mechanical engineering team, establishing accountability, operational discipline, and technical excellence.

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