USV Pilot

Saildrone • Alameda, CA

12d • $43 - $56 • Hybrid

About The Position

Saildrone is seeking a USV Pilot to join our Mission Control team. Reporting directly to the Pilot Team Manager, you will play a critical role in safely navigating and monitoring Saildrone’s autonomous surface vehicles (USVs) around the globe. This is a Part-Time, Non-Exempt role designed for experienced mariners who can maintain situational awareness under dynamic conditions and ensure mission success.

Requirements

• 5+ years of maritime command experience, including advanced proficiency in sailing theory and a proven background in ocean crossings.
• Sailing-specific resume (required in addition to a professional resume) detailing relevant sea time and vessel command.
• Demonstrated proficiency in digital monitoring tools and computer systems required to manage complex autonomous vehicle fleets remotely.
• Proven ability to analyze maritime weather forecasts and interpret ocean currents to make critical navigational decisions under time pressure.
• Ability to clearly communicate real-time operational status and technical anomalies to both internal stakeholders and external customers.
• Ability to work in a hybrid/remote environment, specifically adhering to a 4-day-on/4-day-off rotation including 8-hour shifts, weekends, and core hours (07:00 to 16:00 EST).
• Working knowledge of International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and standard maritime safety protocols.
• Willingness to travel to represent Saildrone at conferences and engage with customers or data specialists as required.

Responsibilities

• Perform remote piloting and monitoring of Saildrone USVs to achieve 24/7 mission execution while meeting strict navigational safety and vehicle health standards.
• Be accountable for passage planning and route efficiency, including the safe navigation of shipping lanes and ship traffic while maintaining reasonable Closest Point of Approach (CPA).
• Work closely with Technical Operations and Fleet Service teams to align on vehicle status and ensure successful delivery of high-quality data for ocean science and defense applications.
• Carry out day-to-day work using the Saildrone Mission Portal and internal communication lines in accordance with maritime weather systems and current assessment standards.
• Monitor for vehicle navigational anomalies or payload status issues, take action to resolve or mitigate via remote systems, and escalate when system health thresholds are exceeded.
• Adhere to established mission logs and passdown procedures, documenting all milestones and issues during your watch to ensure seamless 24/7/365 operational continuity.
• Provide timely updates and real-time communication to the Mission Control Lead and forward-deployed teams to support successful vehicle deployments and recoveries.
• Meet watch commitments within a rotating 4-day-on/4-day-off cycle, managing assigned priorities across weekend and odd-hour shifts.

Benefits

• Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual plus a robust annual holiday schedule and paid sick leave
• Premium, multi-tier Medical, Dental, and Vision plans with significant company contributions for employees and dependents
• Equity grants
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with flexible pre-tax and Roth payroll contribution options
• Annual professional development reimbursement program
• Relocation assistance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed