Saildrone is a defense company delivering maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance products to military, homeland security, and commercial customers. Saildrone unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) are extreme-endurance platforms equipped with advanced sensors and proprietary AI to provide persistent insights above and below the sea surface. Insights that support border security, law enforcement, undersea infrastructure protection, hydrography, and naval power applications. With more than 2,000,000 nautical miles sailed and 50,000 days at sea, Saildrone USVs are trusted by governments across the planet and set the standard for cost-efficient maritime intelligence in the world's harshest environments. We are based in Alameda, CA, with offices in Washington DC and St. Petersburg, FL, and operate missions worldwide. This is an exciting opportunity with a fast-growing team at the cutting-edge intersection of big data services, autonomy, and AI. You will be part of a high-performing, multidisciplinary team delivering data, intelligence, and firepower for strategic superiority. Saildrone is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to help us increase production volumes of our Unmanned Surface Vehicles. They will be responsible for the production system and work stations used in a high-mix, low-volume production environment. * Responsible for lean manufacturing processes used to produce Saildrone’s USVs: + Setup workstations and production flows based on lean manufacturing best practices (5S, Visual Mgt, Plan-for-Every-Part, Kitting, etc.) + Integrate HW & SW changes into processes by updating work instructions & mBOMs + Develop quality control inspections & tests to ensure that high quality products are shipped to customers. + Define and validate “standard process times” for operations. to balance work across workstations and technicians based on capacity targets * Foster positive relationships with the technicians ensuring that any process changes are introduced smoothly and in collaboration with the team. * Complete projects to improve the operation including adding automation, insourcing, & cutting-edge tooling. * Enable vertical integration by identifying opportunities for strategic in-sourcing, reducing costs & increasing speed of iteration. * Participate in prototype and first article builds for NPI, provide DFM & DFA feedback * Respond promptly to continuous improvement opportunities, work instruction improvements * Directly troubleshoot and provide technical support for assembly line issues to unblock production and ensure tactical goals are met. * Ensure “virtual factory” processes are executed properly (WOs, inventory moves, kitting. etc.) and lead continuous improvement of those processes. * Bachelor degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or similar) * 5+ years experience in an engineering role, with emphasis on supporting production activities, with evidence of increasing scope of work * New Production Introduction experience, have executed new product launch through capacity acceleration * Excellent communication (written & verbal) and cross-functional interpersonal skills * Will need to occasionally lift up to 15+ lbs, and spend some extended periods of time standing. : This position is in Alameda, CA. Our waterfront office offers beautiful views of San Francisco Bay in always sunny Alameda. : * Paid time off, including vacation, bereavement, jury duty, sick time and parental leave * Comprehensive and competitive medical, dental and vision plans, and HSA with employer matching. * Company sponsored life insurance * Stock Options * Annual stipend for continued learning and development * Quarterly company BBQs at our Alameda HQ (bring your friends and family!) * Free Bay Area Public Transportation via AlamedaTMA with the BayPass Clipper Card * Plenty of snacks in our 3 office locations * Dog-friendly work environment A reasonable estimate of the current range is $132,500 - $172,200 annually. TIME 100 Most Influential Companies 2024: Saildrone The Tiny Craft Mapping Superstorms at Sea – The New York Times An Underwater Mountain was Newly Discovered off California Coast – San Francisco Chronicle The Navy Is Using Robot Ships to Deter Human Smuggling out of Haiti – Defense One How US Navy Experiments Could Get Drones Beyond Spying and Into Battle – Defense News USVs Could Deter IUU Fishing – USNI Proceedings Mullen, Former Joint Chiefs Chairman, to Lead Board for Unmanned Tech Firm Saildrone – Breaking Defense Saildrone’s First Aluminum Surveyor Autonomous Vessel Splashes Down for Navy Testing – TechCrunch Saildrone Featured Videos Playlist Individual compensation packages are based on geographic location, scope of the role, relevant experience, and the ability to deal with complexity and problem solve within our organization, among other factors. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.