Staff Mechanical Engineer

Job Description About UsAt Saildrone, we sustainably explore, map, and monitor the oceans to understand, protect, and preserve our world.
We provide real-time access to critical data from any ocean on earth, 24/7/365, and use proprietary software applications to transform that data into actionable insights and intelligence.
Our fleet of uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs), powered by renewable wind and solar power, have a minimal carbon footprint and operate without the need for a crewed support vessel.Saildrone works with governments, civil agencies, foundations, universities, and private companies around the globe to drive better information about our oceans and seas-from sailing into the eye of a category 4 hurricane to obtain new data about how storms intensify, collecting new CO2 data in hard-to-reach areas, and counting fish biomass to inform sustainable fishery management, to mapping the ocean floor and reducing illegal fishing and drug trafficking.
As a result of our work, we have been included on TIME's List of the 100 Most Influential Companies in 2024, Fast Company's list of the "World's Most Innovative Companies for 2022," and earned the Ocean Awards' Innovation Award, presented by the Blue Marine Foundation.
Saildrone's hurricane mission was included as one of The New York Times' "Top 21 Things that happened (for the first time) in 2021" and Popular Science's "100 Greatest Innovations of 2021," and entered into the Guinness Book of World Records for recording the "highest windspeed recorded by a USV.
"We are based in Alameda, CA, with offices in Washington DC and St. Petersburg, FL, and operate our missions worldwide.
Saildrone is backed by top-tier investors in the frontier tech and sustainability sectors, including Social Capital, Capricorn, Lux Capital, BOND Capital, and Emerson Collective.This is an exciting opportunity with a fast-growing team at the cutting-edge intersection of big data services and autonomous hardware.
You will be an integral part of a high-performing multi-disciplinary team that delivers high impact for humanity and future generations.The RoleThe Hardware Engineering Team is seeking an experienced, ambitious, and hardworking Mechanical Engineer to join our Mechanical Design team.
The ideal candidate will bring relevant experience from the Marine Industry with knowledge of composite structures, mechanisms, actuated and electro-mechanical assemblies, thermal and power generation systems, and an understanding of the challenges associated with developing reliable autonomous systems that operate for months on end in the open ocean.ResponsibilitiesOwns the design and development of complex electro mechanical parts and assemblies related to unmanned autonomous surface vehicles.May act as a technical lead for a small team of engineers in the development of a complex and embedded electro-mechanical system.Performs necessary calculations and testing to de-risk, validate, and inform design decisions.Willingness and desire to be hand-on during proof of concept and prototype phases with basic fabrication and assembly skills.Communicates proactively across department boundaries to enable success of their design.Interprets and applies guidelines and requirements from Third Party Authorities such as ABS, DNVGL, and Bureau Veritas to ensure compliance with Marine Regulations.Works closely with Manufacturing Engineering to ensure a smooth handoff of design to production.Is responsible for project completion from early conception through design and production.Supports scheduling efforts and coordinates with Project Managers.Collaborates with Electrical Engineering and reviews harness designs.Maintains drafting standards and helps to improve the quality of work across the mechanical team.Provides mentorship for junior mechanical engineers.Required Skills and ExperienceBachelor's degree in an engineering discipline (preferably mechanically focused) or equivalent field experience.10+ years of industry experience.Expertise designing for a variety of manufacturing processes such as welding, composite layups, CNC machining, sheet metal, castings, 3d printing and structural bonding.Experience creating electro-mechanical assemblies and an understanding of electrical engineering fundamentals.Experience performing structural and thermal analysis using both hand calcs and computer aided simulation.Experience with 3d modeling software, Nx preferred.Desire and ability to thrive in a fast-paced R&D and manufacturing setting.Experience in the Marine Industry preferred.Experience with multiple product launches.Experience working with fabrication shops and contract manufacturers.Proactive problem-solving skills.Physical RequirementsMust be able to stand, walk, use hands to grasp, push and pull, bend, lift up to 50 lbs, and reach with your hands and arms.
Must be able to perform work on a computer that requires ability to operate a keyboard and other peripheral devices.Location: This position is in Alameda, CA.
Our waterfront office offers beautiful views of San Francisco Bay in always sunny Alameda.
Even our walls have good karma, our offices mix software development with a hardware production line in the former airplane hangar used to film 'The Matrix'.Benefits:Medical, dental and vision plans for you and your dependents.Short and relaxing ferry ride from the Ferry Building for SF residentsEnhanced Parental Leave ProgramsCompetitive benefits including excellent medical, life insurance, 401k planA reasonable estimate of the current range is $150,000-$198,000 annually.Catch up on the latest news about us:The Tiny Craft Mapping Superstorms at Sea - The New York TimesTIME 100 Most Influential Companies 2024: SaildroneAn Underwater Mountain was Newly Discovered off California Coast - San Francisco ChronicleHacking the Anthropocene with Survivalist Robots [VIDEO] - FreethinkAn Unprecedented View Inside a Hurricane - EOSSaildrone's First Aluminum Surveyor Autonomous Vessel Splashes Down for Navy Testing - TechCrunchUSVs Could Deter IUU Fishing - USNI ProceedingsSaildrone Vehicles Track Whales around Offshore Wind Power - WorkboatMullen, Former Joint Chiefs Chairman, to Lead Board for Unmanned Tech Firm Saildrone - Breaking DefenseThe Navy Is Using Robot Ships to Deter Human Smuggling out of Haiti - Defense OneSaildrone's Quiet Voyage: Autonomous Vehicle Aids Great Lakes Fish Stock Study - Up North LiveSaildrone Featured Videos PlaylistWe are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company.
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.At Saildrone, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that welcomes people from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
We believe that a diverse and inclusive team leads to innovation and better problem-solving.
We encourage applications from candidates of all genders, ethnicities, races, sexual orientations, disabilities, and backgrounds.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.All employees are required to provide proof of authorization to work in the U.S. within their first 3 days of work.
Please note that the Company does not sponsor employees for work visas or permanent resident cards to work in the U.S.
If you need sponsorship for a work visa or green card, you will not be qualified for employment with Saildrone.Any unsolicited resumes/candidate profiles submitted through our website or to personal email accounts of employees of Saildrone are considered property of Saildrone and are not subject to payment of agency fees.#LI-Onsite#LI-LP1