Senior Manager, Robotics Software Engineering

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 Role

Saildrone is seeking a Senior Manager, Robotics Software Engineering to join our Software Engineering team. Reporting directly to the Director of Software Engineering, you will play a critical role in delivering the robotics software stack that powers our autonomous surface vehicles and ensuring roadmap execution aligns with both technical and business objectives. We are looking for a technical leader who creates clarity from ambiguity and brings a balance of hands-on technical expertise and team leadership to a fast-paced environment. This role begins as a 100% individual contributor to build deep system familiarity, eventually transitioning into a balanced split between technical contribution and team leadership.

The Team

The Robotics Software Engineering team is responsible for the software systems that enable Saildrone’s autonomous fleet to operate in the most remote maritime environments on Earth. We are focused on delivering robust and scalable vehicle systems software to support global maritime domain awareness, operating in a national security and defense environment.

The Responsibilities

• Lead the development of the vehicle systems software stack to deliver reliable, high-performance capabilities that meet quality, safety, and customer standards.
• Directly contribute to architecture and design reviews while managing a team of engineers to ensure successful execution of the roadmap.
• Develop and execute the vehicle systems roadmap, including ownership of planning, resource allocation, and execution against defined business milestones.
• Work closely with Hardware, Software and Technical Program Management to align on priorities and dependencies to ensure the successful delivery of complex integrated systems.
• Monitor for technical risks and blockers, taking proactive action to mitigate issues and escalating to leadership when schedule or performance thresholds are exceeded.
• Establish a culture of accountability, technical excellence, and rigorous design and test practices within the vehicle systems function.
• Mentor and facilitate career development for individual contributors, building a strong leadership bench and advocating for effective technical solutions in a supportive manner.
• Recruit, retain, and develop world-class robotics software engineers in a highly competitive market.

The Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in software engineering, with a focus on embedded systems, robotics, or autonomy platforms involving sensors, actuators, and motors.
• Strong background in navigation and autonomy systems, including experience reviewing hardware/offboard designs and translating those impacts to onboard software preferred.
• 5+ years of people management experience, including technical leadership, roadmap planning, and resource allocation.
• Expert-level proficiency in C++ and experience building production-grade robotics middleware; proficiency in Python and familiarity with HIL/simulation is preferred.
• Proven ability to lead teams delivering complex hardware-integrated software under schedule, performance, and technical constraints.
• Ability to clearly communicate technical decisions and status updates to both technical peers and non-technical stakeholders in a friendly, supportive manner.
• Working knowledge of software development processes that produce sustainable code; knowledge of firmware interfacing or maritime sensor calibration is a plus.

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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