Vehicle Assembly and Service Technician

Saildrone • Alameda, CA

45d • $90,000 - $120,000

About The Position

Saildrone is seeking a Vehicle Assembly & Service Technician to join our Vehicle Assembly and Service team. Reporting to the Vehicle Operations Manager, you will collaborate with a variety of teams in engineering, operations, and production. You will interact with clients and lead teams, both in the shop and around the world, to execute assembly and service operations. You will help turn in-field realities into product improvements, serving as an important link between our end users and the teams at Saildrone who design our products. We are looking for a hands-on technical leader who sets high standards, thrives in demanding field environments, and translates heavy industrial and marine experience into mission success.

Requirements

• 5 or more years of experience executing operations involving the application of fundamentally sound electrical and mechanical skills while performing a technical service role in a field, shipyard, or heavy industrial environment; must be able to follow service instructions/diagrams and use tools ranging from basic hand tools to heavy equipment and rigging required.
• Ability to lead and work in teams, including third-party contractors, to execute operational plans and deliver on contractual obligations; must be able to simplify technical concepts and product knowledge to teach and coach end-users on vehicle assembly and service required.
• Strong organizational habits and a willingness to define, follow, and improve safety, process, and work standards while maintaining appropriate records and inventories required.
• U.S. Person Status and eligible for a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance; willingness to support 50% - 75% domestic and international travel required.
• Desire and ability to provide industry-defining customer service for both external customers and Saildrone colleagues required.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience planning, leading, and performing technically complex operations in the field for a global OEM servicing the automotive, aerospace, shipyard, offshore oil and gas, heavy civil/mining, renewable energy, or telecommunications industries preferred.
• Experience in a fast-paced, start-up environment or an advanced serviceability / manufacturability of design role, with the ability to develop technical repair content to support global standardization and service documentation preferred.
• Ability to systematically isolate, diagnose, and repair issues on electro-mechanical systems in a marine environment preferred.
• Personal or professional experience on or near water, including familiarity with rigging, mooring, and basic boat handling principles preferred.
• Experience with heavy equipment loading, shipping preparation, offloading, and relocation. Proficiency in driving forklifts, lifting machines, and crane operation preferred.
• Experience driving 30+ ft twin-engine powerboats with vehicles in tow and general experience at sea preferred.

Responsibilities

• Fleet Assembly & Service: Lead the assembly and service workflows for the Saildrone vehicle fleet, ensuring all drones are fully mission-capable and optimized for maximum operational uptime.
• Technical Execution: Apply fundamentally sound mechanical and electrical skills to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair equipment in a challenging field environment.
• Global Field Operations: Travel domestically and internationally to execute the deployment, recovery, and repair of Saildrone vehicles.
• External Training & Mentorship: Lead the technical development of the team and train contractors, clients, and other third parties on complex technical procedures, including vehicle assembly and servicing.
• Professional Representation: Act as a brand ambassador for Saildrone, maintaining high levels of self-awareness and professionalism during all interactions with clients and internal colleagues.
• Continuous Improvement: Proactively assess current workflows, in-field assembly procedures, and vehicle designs to provide feedback that increases safety, consistency, and overall efficiency.

Benefits

• Generous Time Off: Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual plus a robust annual holiday schedule and paid sick leave ensure you can rest, reset, and sustain performance over time.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Premium, multi-tier Medical, Dental, and Vision plans with significant company contributions for employees and dependents—providing security and peace of mind.
• Shared Ownership in the Mission: Equity grants are a core part of our compensation, allowing you to participate in the long-term value you help create through meaningful, operational work.
• Retirement Savings: Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with flexible pre-tax and Roth payroll contribution options supports long-term financial planning.
• Investment in Your Growth: We support your continuous learning through an annual professional development reimbursement program, empowering you to sharpen your skills and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving field.
• Relocation Support: For eligible roles, we offer relocation assistance to help bring the world’s best talent to our mission-critical locations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed