[Hiring] Account Manager @Saildrone

Role Description

Saildrone is seeking an Account Manager, Ocean Mapping to drive business development and manage relationships with US Government agencies, with a particular focus on the US Navy and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In this role, you will lead day-to-day engagement with key government stakeholders—anticipating forthcoming opportunities, understanding evolving USG mapping requirements, lead bid-development for prospective work, and position the company for continued capture and follow-on work. Working closely with our internal hydrography experts and mission operations teams, you will maintain awareness of bathymetry operations and execution of complex task orders. This is a highly strategic, relationship-driven role perfect for an account management professional who thrives at the intersection of government acquisitions, maritime operations, and emerging autonomous technology.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the main primary contact for key U.S. government mapping clients, including NOAA and the Navy; manage ongoing relationships to promote customer retention.
• Proactively track and anticipate forthcoming call orders, task instructions, and long-term USG requirements to ensure Saildrone is positioned to be competitive.
• Lead account expansion and capture efforts, positioning the company for continued success on recompetes, follow-on contracts, and new task orders within the government mapping ecosystem.
• Partner with Saildrone’s internal hydrographic surveyors, project managers, and product teams to scope government requirements, ensuring accurate pricing, operational feasibility, and timely data delivery.
• Maintain an accurate, up-to-date sales pipeline and customer relationship management (CRM) database to track USG opportunities, budget cycles, and forecast revenue.
• Navigate federal acquisition processes and coordinate with the contracts team to manage proposal generation, contract modifications, and reporting requirements.
• Represent Saildrone at government-focused industry conferences, regional trade shows, and agency networking events to build brand awareness and strengthen key relationships.
• Gather and report on agency feedback, federal budget trends, and competitor activities to assist leadership in refining USG sales strategies and product offerings.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in account management, technical sales, business development, or program management within the government contracting, marine survey, or geospatial industries.
• Solid understanding of USG mapping operations and the hydrography market, with specific knowledge of the data needs and acquisition cycles of the US Navy and NOAA.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi-year government relationships, anticipate agency needs, and position a company for continued capture and account growth.
• Strong foundational knowledge of marine survey technologies, such as multibeam echosounders (MBES) and autonomous unmanned maritime systems (USVs/AUVs).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write compelling government proposals and deliver engaging presentations to senior military and civilian leaders.
• Highly organized and self-motivated, with a proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative startup environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Hydrography, Oceanography, Marine Science, Geomatics, or a related discipline.
• An active professional network within NAVO, NOAA, or the broader USG oceanographic community.
• Familiarity with USG contracting vehicles, FAR/DFARS, OTA’s and the federal procurement process is highly desirable.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US Government security clearance (Secret or higher) is preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Work is primarily performed on a computer and requires the ability to operate a keyboard and other peripheral devices.
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time to client sites, deployment hubs, and industry events.

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.