Executive Assistant

About Us

Saildrone builds autonomous systems that dominate the world’s oceans

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 Role

The Executive Assistant will provide high-impact administrative and operational support to Saildrone’s Executive Team. This is a highly visible role that requires exceptional organizational skills, impeccable attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Reporting to the Chief Business Officer, the Executive Assistant will serve as the primary point of coordination across the executive team, ensuring meetings, communications, and projects run seamlessly. The ideal candidate is energetic, proactive, and resourceful — someone who brings enthusiasm and structure to a fast-moving environment while managing competing priorities with professionalism and discretion.

Responsibilities

Executive Support and Coordination

• Provide day-to-day administrative support to the Executive Team, including scheduling, calendar management, and meeting logistics.
• Coordinate internal and external meetings, prepare agendas, take notes, and ensure timely follow-up on action items.
• Manage domestic and international travel, itineraries, and expense reporting.

Communication & Collaboration

• Act as a liaison between the executive team and internal stakeholders, ensuring clear and timely communication.
• Support the preparation of presentations, reports, and briefing materials for internal and external audiences.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with the highest degree of discretion.

Project and Event Support

• Assist in planning company events, leadership offsites, and key strategic meetings.
• Track key deliverables across executive initiatives, ensuring deadlines are met.
• Support onboarding, logistics, and coordination for new executive hires and visitors.

Operational Excellence

• Implement and maintain systems to improve executive team organization and efficiency.
• Anticipate needs, identify gaps, and proactively solve problems before they escalate.
• Uphold Saildrone’s culture of excellence, accountability, and teamwork in every interaction.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience supporting senior executives in fast-paced, high-growth environments.
• Exceptional organizational and multitasking abilities with extreme attention to detail.
• Energetic, enthusiastic, and proactive — thrives under pressure and maintains composure in dynamic situations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; capable of interfacing with executives, partners, and external stakeholders.
• Advanced proficiency in Google Workspace, Slack, and productivity tools.
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgment and handle confidential information with professionalism.
• Passionate about Saildrone’s mission and eager to contribute to a collaborative, high-performing culture.

Physical Requirements

• Work is performed on a computer and 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.

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

Catch up on the latest news about us:

The British Engineer Behind the US Navy’s High-tech Ocean Drones – The Times of London

Denmark to Field Unmanned Vessels for Monitoring Busy Shipping Routes – Defense News

Counter-drug Sea Drones Utilized by Navy as Trump Ramps Up Military Resources at the Border

Saildrone, Palantir Partner to Use AI to Streamline USV Manufacturing, Operations – Breaking Defense

An Underwater Mountain was Newly Discovered off California Coast – San Francisco Chronicle

USVs Could Deter IUU Fishing – USNI Proceedings

TIME 100 Most Influential Companies 2024: Saildrone

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.

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.

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