Mission Manager

The role

You will plan, coordinate, and execute global on-the-water operations for autonomous unmanned surface vehicles. You will translate customer objectives into mission plans and ensure fleet readiness.

What you will do

• Plan and coordinate global mission operations to achieve schedule and performance targets.
• Liaise with Coast Guard, Port Captains, and VTS.
• Manage Reserves and Sanctuaries access permissions and required reporting.
• Work with customers via the Mission Portal to align on routing and technical troubleshooting.
• Coordinate with Fleet Captains to manage drone allocation, deployments, and recoveries.
• Monitor for fleet navigational anomalies, weather risks, and payload status issues.
• Adhere to and refine Mission Control SOPs.
• Provide updates on vehicle performance and health issues to Product and R&D teams.
• Meet watch and mission commitments.
• Ensure all operations follow COLREGS and maritime safety standards.

Required qualifications

• Experience in maritime operations, autonomous systems, defense, aerospace, or complex technical operations.
• Working knowledge of navigation, COLREGS, and maritime safety practices.
• Experience in command-and-control, operations centers, or real-time mission environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills across technical, operational, and executive stakeholders.
• Proven ability to prioritize, troubleshoot, and make decisions in dynamic, high-pressure environments.
• Ability to translate mission requirements into actionable operational plans.
• Passion for autonomous technology, maritime awareness, and ocean data.
• Willingness to travel as required to support missions and customer engagements.

Benefits

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

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.