[Hiring] Vehicle Assembly and Service Technician @Saildrone

Role Description

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.

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.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Ability to lead and work in teams, including third-party contractors, to execute operational plans and deliver on contractual obligations.
• Strong organizational habits and a willingness to define, follow, and improve safety, process, and work standards while maintaining appropriate records and inventories.
• U.S. Person Status and eligible for a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance; willingness to support 75% domestic and international travel.
• Desire and ability to provide industry-defining customer service for both external customers and Saildrone colleagues.
• Prior experience planning, leading, and performing technically complex operations in the field for a global OEM servicing various industries preferred.
• Experience in a fast-paced, start-up environment or an advanced serviceability/manufacturability of design role 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 preferred.
• Experience driving 30+ ft twin-engine powerboats with vehicles in tow and general experience at sea preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Must be willing to travel domestically and internationally 75% of the time, which includes renting and operating motor vehicles.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform a full range of physical motions, including bending, crouching, stooping, crawling, kneeling, and reaching overhead in a shipyard or industrial setting.
• Proficiency in both fine manipulation and gross motor skills required to assemble, calibrate, and repair intricate electro-mechanical components.
• Able to pass a respirator fit test, wear a respirator and other specialized Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for extended durations when required by safety protocols.
• Comfort working at heights, within confined spaces, and in extreme temperatures or weather conditions typical of maritime field operations.
• Maintained visual acuity to inspect technical assemblies and hearing/speaking capabilities to ensure clear, safe communication within a high-decibel or active work zone.
• Excellent physical balance and coordination to safely navigate docks, vessels, and uneven surfaces while handling equipment or tools.

Benefits

• Generous Time Off: Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual plus a robust annual holiday schedule and paid sick leave.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Premium, multi-tier Medical, Dental, and Vision plans with significant company contributions for employees and dependents.
• Shared Ownership in the Mission: Equity grants are a core part of our compensation.
• Retirement Savings: Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with flexible pre-tax and Roth payroll contribution options.
• Investment in Your Growth: Annual professional development reimbursement program.
• Relocation Support: For eligible roles, we offer relocation assistance.