ABOUT US

With more than 2 million nautical miles sailed and 50,000 days at sea, Saildrone has earned the trust of governments worldwide. Our unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) deliver continuous, real-time intelligence in the toughest oceans on Earth—giving our partners faster awareness, stronger security, and a decisive edge at sea.

Our USVs are long-range, extreme-endurance platforms powered by advanced sensors and proprietary AI - they have been designed to operate where no crewed vessel can. They collect critical insights above and below the surface to support border security, law enforcement, naval operations, and undersea infrastructure protection.

Headquartered in Alameda, CA, with offices in Washington, DC, and global deployment hubs, Saildrone operates missions worldwide. Join a fast-moving, mission-driven team at the intersection of AI, autonomy, and defense technology—where data turns into intelligence, and intelligence drives action.

THE POSITION

Saildrone is seeking a Maritime Watch Floor Data Analyst to join our Mission Operations Team in Alameda, CA. Reporting directly to the VP of Program Delivery, you will play a critical role in ensuring the real-time operational success of Saildrone missions and enabling customer command centers to derive actionable maritime intelligence from our ISR data streams. We are looking for a mission-driven technical expert who creates clarity from ambiguity, thrives in fast-paced operational environments, and independently drives execution in support of 24/7 national security missions.

THE TEAM

The Mission Operations Team is responsible for the real-time oversight and delivery of Saildrone’s global maritime missions. We focus on operational excellence, high-quality ISR data delivery, and seamless collaboration with U.S. Government and defense partners to enable maritime domain awareness and national security outcomes. Operating at the intersection of autonomous systems, sensor intelligence, and customer operations centers, our team ensures Saildrone platforms deliver reliable, actionable data in dynamic and mission-critical environments.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform embedded watchstanding within customer maritime operations and intelligence centers to ensure mission success and high-quality ISR data delivery.
• Be accountable for the accuracy, consistency, and operational relevance of Saildrone data feeds, identifying anomalies and driving resolution to maintain performance standards.
• Work closely with Customer Operations, Engineering, and Program teams to align on mission priorities, sensor optimization, and platform performance.
• Provide subject matter expertise on Saildrone’s ISR data flow and user interface tools, delivering onboarding, training, and operational guidance to watch floor personnel and leadership.
• Monitor for data quality issues, operational risks, or workflow inefficiencies; take corrective action and escalate when thresholds are exceeded.
• Generate periodic intelligence summaries, operational reports, and customer success updates to support decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to the development of user guides, training materials, and feature feedback to enhance product usability and mission impact.
• Adjust work schedule, including rotating shifts and travel (up to 25%), to support 24/7 mission requirements.
• Perform all responsibilities in alignment with Saildrone’s values, operational rigor, and security requirements.

THE QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years of experience in a military or civilian intelligence role, including 2+ years leading or supervising watch floor, fusion cell, or maritime operations center activities.
• Demonstrated experience monitoring global maritime activity using real-time sensor data, OSINT, and classified intelligence feeds.
• Deep knowledge of maritime operations, vessel tracking, and regional maritime threats.
• Proven ability to produce time-sensitive intelligence products and communicate operational insights clearly to cross-functional and senior stakeholders.
• Proficiency with maritime data systems and geospatial or sensor fusion tools (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS, Palantir).
• Working knowledge of joint operations principles within a maritime ISR environment.
• Active U.S. Government SECRET Security Clearance (minimum) required at time of hire.
• Ability to work on-site in Alameda, CA, travel up to 25%, and support rotating shifts in a 24/7 operational environment.

Location: This position is in Alameda, CA. Our waterfront office offers beautiful views of San Francisco Bay in always-sunny Alameda.

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.

Benefits:

• 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

Individual compensation packages are based on geographic location, scope of the role, and relevant experience, among other factors.

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