Fleet Manager - Middle East

The role

You will manage the safe and effective operation of Saildrone Uncrewed Surface Vehicles assigned to the Middle East region. You will work with internal mission execution teams to ensure vehicle reliability and capability.

What you will do

• Manage overall operations of the assigned fleet to maximize vehicle uptime
• Act as the primary internal operational partner to the Program Manager
• Create and maintain relationships with contracted maritime and industrial partners
• Coordinate, facilitate, and execute the safe recovery and deployment of vehicles
• Oversee administrative tasks including vendor setup, purchase orders, and invoice validation
• Support the Fleet Director in creating and maintaining a yearly operating budget
• Partner with the Fleet Director and Head of Logistics to guarantee operational compliance with local regulations
• Contribute to Mission Feasibility Assessments regarding passage planning and local vendors
• Assist the Fleet Service team with the strategic planning and execution of Engineering Change Order campaigns
• Travel to conduct Pre-Deployment Site Surveys and support sustained operations

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Maritime, Logistics, Operations, Engineering, or a closely related technical field
• 10+ years of operational experience executing and leading complex tasks related to shipyards, boatyards, marinas, or marine towing and repairs
• 5+ years of experience in an operational leadership role
• Proven history of managing multiple vendors and stakeholders
• US Citizenship required
• Experience operating small vessels
• Background in project management
• Ability to multitask
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Fluency in English
• Ability to lift/move up to 30 lbs.
• Ability to maintain physical activity including bending, kneeling, and standing

Nice to have

• Arabic bilingual proficiency

Benefits

• Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual
• Annual holiday schedule
• Paid sick leave
• Medical, Dental, and Vision plans
• Equity grants
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Annual professional development reimbursement program
• Relocation assistance for eligible roles

Before you apply

• US Citizenship required

About the company

Saildrone is a maritime defense company and the global leader in autonomous unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). The company maintains active, combat-deployed systems supporting national security and force projection around the world.